What These Grades Are
ASME/ASTM SA612 (also ASTM A612)
A pressure vessel quality (PVQ) carbon-manganese-silicon steel plate intended for moderate and low temperature welded pressure vessels.
SA612 is essentially ASTM A612 material used under the ASME code for vessel and boiler applications.
Offers high strength and good notch toughness for challenging service conditions.
ASME/ASTM SA516 Grade 70
A carbon steel pressure vessel quality plate (one of the most commonly specified PVQ steels).
Comes in different grades (55, 60, 65, 70) - Grade 70 is the highest strength grade in this family.
Typically normalized to improve notch toughness for low-temperature service.
ASME/ASTM SA515 Grade 60
Another carbon steel PVQ plate but generally used for boilers and pressure vessels with moderate temperature requirements.
Grade 60 indicates a certain minimum strength and ductility level.
Mechanical Property Comparison
| Property | SA612 (typical) | SA516 Gr. 70 | SA515 Gr. 60 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Yield Strength | ~260 MPa (≈38 ksi) | 260 MPa (≈38 ksi) | ~220 MPa (≈32 ksi) |
| Tensile Strength | ~485–620 MPa (70–90 ksi) | ~485–620 MPa (70–90 ksi) | ~415–550 MPa (60–80 ksi) |
| Elongation (ductility) | Good (varies by spec) | ~17–21 % | ~21–25 % |
| Notch Toughness (impact) | Good, depending on heat treat | Good (normalized) | Good (lower strength) |
Notes:
SA612 and SA516 70 show similar strength levels.
SA515 60 has lower strength but slightly better ductility compared to SA516 70.
Actual values depend on thickness and heat treatment.
Chemical Composition
| Element | SA612 | SA516 Gr.70 | SA515 Gr.60 | Role in PV Performance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | ≤0.25% | ≤0.31% | ≤0.30% | SA612's lower C improves weldability while maintaining strength. |
| Manganese (Mn) | 1.00–1.50% | 0.85–1.20% | 0.60–1.00% | Higher Mn in SA612 boosts tensile strength and low-temperature toughness. |
| Silicon (Si) | 0.15–0.50% | 0.15–0.40% | 0.15–0.40% | Aids deoxidation; similar across grades. |
| Phosphorus (P) | ≤0.025% | ≤0.035% | ≤0.035% | SA612's stricter P limit reduces brittleness and SCC risk. |
| Sulfur (S) | ≤0.025% | ≤0.035% | ≤0.035% | Lower S in SA612 prevents hot cracking during welding. |
| Nickel (Ni) | ≤0.30% | ≤0.20% | - | Trace Ni in SA612 enhances low-temperature toughness. |
| Chromium (Cr) | ≤0.30% | - | - | Improves corrosion resistance in SA612. |
| Carbon Equivalent (CE) | ≤0.48% | ≤0.47% | ≤0.45% | All grades have good weldability; SA612 allows no preheating for ≤150mm. |
Typical Uses
SA612: Premium Critical Applications
Cryogenic Pressure Vessels: LNG storage tanks, liquid nitrogen/oxygen transport (-40°C to -45°C).
High-Pressure Reactors: Hydrogenation reactors (15–20 MPa), CO₂ capture vessels (up to 21 MPa).
Petrochemical Equipment: Hydrocracker separators, sour gas treating vessels (SCC/HIC resistance).
Nuclear Auxiliary Vessels: Secondary containment, steam generator feedwater vessels (ASME NQA-1 compliant).
SA516 Gr.70: Versatile Industrial Use
General Pressure Vessels: Refinery columns, boiler drums, chemical storage tanks (up to 17 MPa).
Heat Exchangers: Shell-and-tube exchangers, reboilers (ambient to 454°C).
API 650/620 Tanks: Atmospheric and low-pressure storage tanks (oil, water, chemicals).
Power Generation: HRSG components, feedwater heaters.
SA515 Gr.60: Economic Non-Critical Applications
Low-Pressure Storage Tanks: Water tanks, non-corrosive chemical storage (≤10 MPa).
Basic Heat Exchangers: Air-cooled exchangers, low-temperature process cooling.
Structural Supports: Pressure vessel bases, platform frames (cost-sensitive structural needs).
General Fabrication: Non-critical piping, low-stress components.
GNEE Steel's Supply Advantage for All Three Grades
As a trusted PVQ steel supplier, GNEE Steel delivers consistent quality and customization for SA612, SA516 Gr.70, and SA515 Gr.60:
Compliance: Full ASTM/ASME certification, EN 10204 3.1/3.2 MTC, and third-party (SGS/BV/TÜV) testing.
Customization: Extended thicknesses (up to 200mm for SA612, 300mm for SA516 Gr.70), heat treatment (normalized, stress-relieved, Q&T for SA612), and cut-to-size services.
Global Logistics: Containerized shipping to industrial hubs (Houston, Rotterdam, Singapore, Dubai) with on-time delivery.
Technical Support: Welding guidelines, pressure vessel design consultation, and code compliance assistance (ASME BPVC, PED, GB 150).
Summary: When to Choose Which
✔ Choose SA612 when:
You need higher strength and good toughness with PVQ certification.
Working on thicker, stress-intensive components where normalized SA516 isn't specified.
✔ Choose SA516 Gr. 70 when:
You want a well-balanced PVQ steel widely accepted in pressure vessels with strong tensile/yield properties.
✔ Choose SA515 Gr. 60 when:
Project calls for moderate strength and cost-effective boiler/pressure vessel steel
GNEE Steel also supplies a variety of boilers and pressure vessel steel plates, such as A204 Grade B,A515 Grade 70,A537 Class 1,SA387 Grade 11 Class 1,P265GH,S537 Class 2,P355Q,P275N,P355N,P690Q,Q345R, etc. If you want to know more about other types of steel plates, you can call the consultation hotline at +8615824687445 or send an email to ru@gneesteelgroup.com. You are welcome to consult us, and we are very willing to answer your questions.
FAQ
What is SA 612 material?
carbon-manganese-silicon steel plate
SA612 is killed carbon-manganese-silicon steel plate made for welded pressure vessels. Its fine grain makes it suitable for use in moderate and lower temperature service where impact resistance is important.
What is the composition of ASTM A612?
ASTM A612 steel plate is a high-strength low-alloy (HSLA) steel plate designed for welded pressure vessels. It has a nominal composition of carbon, manganese, phosphorus, sulfur, silicon, nickel, chromium, molybdenum, and copper.
What is A612 steel?
ASTM A612 specification is the Standard Specification for Pressure Vessel Plates, Carbon Steel, High Strength, for Moderate and Lower Temperature Service. ASTM A612 encompasses carbon-manganese-silicon steel plates intended for use in welded pressure vessels for moderate and low temperature service.
Are SA612 and A612 Steel Plates the Same Product? What Are the Core Differences?
They are the same type of steel plate. ASTM A612 is the material standard, while ASME SA612 is the designation assigned after ASTM A612 was incorporated into the ASME Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code, specifically for the fabrication of pressure-bearing equipment.
What Are the Executive Standards for SA612/A612 Steel Plates? Are There Any Differences Between the ASTM and ASME Versions?
The executive standards are ASTM A612/A612M and ASME SA612. There are no substantial differences in chemical composition and mechanical properties between the two versions; the only variance lies in their applicable code systems.
What Are the Equivalent Grades of SA612/A612 in Chinese and European Standards? Can They Be Used as Direct Substitutes?
Common approximate equivalent grades include EN P355GH, DIN 1.0473, and GB Q345R. However, they cannot be used as direct equivalents. Their suitability must be confirmed in accordance with design specifications and approval requirements.
What Are the Yield Strength and Tensile Strength of SA612/A612? Do They Vary with Different Thicknesses?
The minimum yield strength of SA612 is approximately 260 MPa, and its tensile strength ranges from 485–620 MPa. As the thickness increases, the allowable minimum yield strength may decrease slightly.
What Are the Low-Temperature Impact Energy Requirements for SA612/A612? Are the Requirements at -40℃ and -45℃ Consistent?
Standards typically require impact testing at -40℃, while testing at -45℃ is not mandatory. If a project specifies -45℃ testing, additional impact tests must be conducted and clearly defined in the technical agreement.
What Are the Minimum and Maximum Service Temperatures for SA612/A612?
The recommended minimum service temperature is approximately -40℃, and the maximum operating temperature is generally around 400℃, depending on the design specifications and service medium.
What Is the Carbon Equivalent of ASME SA612? Is Preheating Required for Welding?
The carbon equivalent is usually around 0.42–0.45. Preheating at 50–120℃ is recommended for welding medium and thick plates. Commonly used welding materials include low-hydrogen electrodes such as E7018 and E7016.
What Is the Routine Thickness Range of SA612/A612, and What Is the Maximum Customizable Thickness?
The routine thickness range is 6–100 mm. Some steel mills can provide customized thicknesses up to 150 mm, subject to confirmation of their rolling and heat treatment capabilities.
What Are the Common Delivery Conditions for SA612/A612?
Common delivery conditions include As-Rolled (AR), Normalized (N), and Normalized + Tempered (N+T), with the normalized condition being the most widely used.
What Is the Machinability of SA612? Is It Prone to Cracking?
SA612 exhibits excellent cutting and bending performance. When processed with proper techniques and preheating, it is not prone to cracking.
Which Is More Suitable for Low-Temperature Applications: SA612 or SA516 Gr.70?
SA612 delivers more stable comprehensive performance in thick plate and high-stress working conditions, whereas SA516 Gr.70 offers better cost-effectiveness in conventional operating conditions.
Can Q345R Be Used as a Substitute for SA612?
Q345R can be used as a substitute in some working conditions for non-ASME projects. However, substitution is not recommended for export projects or scenarios where SA612 is explicitly required by specifications.
What Are the Differences Between SA612 and SA537 Cl.2?
SA537 Cl.2 boasts higher strength and low-temperature performance but comes with a significantly higher cost than SA612. It is suitable for more severe operating conditions.
Is SA612 Vessel Plate Suitable for LNG Storage Tanks?
SA612 is not recommended for primary LNG storage tanks operating at -162℃, but it can be used in LNG auxiliary systems or medium-to-low temperature vessels.
What Is the Hydrogen-Induced Cracking (HIC) Resistance of SA612 Steel Plates?
Standard SA612 does not mandate HIC resistance requirements. For applications involving sulfur-containing media, customized low-sulfur and low-phosphorus SA612 plates must be used, accompanied by HIC testing.
| Other steel plate by GNEE | ||||
| Name | Material | Specification (mm) | Tons | Remark |
| Clad steel plate | P265GH+410,S355JR+410,A516Gr70+316, A537CL1+304L,Q235B+304L,Q345B+304, A516Gr70(NACE)+410,A537CL1+904L, A537CL1+316L,A516Gr70+304L,A537CL1+304 ,A516Gr70+410,A516Gr70+904L |
2-300mm(Based plate),1-50mm(Composited plate) | / | UT, AR, TMCP.Normalized, Quenched and Tempered,Z Direction Test, Charpy V-Notch impact TestThe Third Party Test , Coated or Shot Blasting and Painting. |
| Low Alloy | Q345A, Q345B, Q345C, Q345D, Q345E, Q390, Q420, Q460C, ST52-3, S355J2+N, SS400, SA302GrC, S275NL, 35CrMo | 6 - 350 | 5788.56 | Normalizing, tempered ,controlled rolling, hot rolling , Hot rolling,1st inspection, 2nd inspection, 3rd inspection |
| Pressure Vessel Plate | Q245R, Q345R, Q370R, 16MnDR, 09MnNiDR, 15CrMoR, 14Cr1MoR, 12Cr2Mo1R, SA516Gr60, SA516Gr70, SA516Gr485, SA285, SA387Gr11, SA387Gr12, SA387Gr22, P265,P295,P355GH,Q245R(R-HIC),Q345R(R-HIC) | 3 - 300 | 8650 | Normalizing, tempered ,controlled rolling, hot rolling , Hot rolling,1st inspection, 2nd inspection, 3rd inspection |
| High-Strength Plate | WH785D/E,Q960D/E, Q890D/E,WH60D/E,WH70B,Q550D,Q590D,Q690D/E | 8 - 120 | 3086.352 | Quenched and tempered |
| Wear-Resistant Plate | NM360, NM400, NM450, NM500 | 6 - 150 | 3866.297 | Quenched and tempered |
| Bridge Plate | Q235qC, Q345qC, Q370qC, Q420qC, Q345qDNH, Q370qDNH, A709 - 50F - 2, A709 - 50T - 2 | 8 - 200 | 2853.621 | Hot rolling, normalized ,hot rolling controlled rolling, quenched and tempered + toughness and brittleness |