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SA533 | A533 | Low Carbon Steel | Pressure Vessel Steel

SA533 | A533 | Low Carbon Steel | Pressure Vessel Steel

SA533 is a low alloy steel plate primarily used for pressure vessels and boilers. It adheres to the ASTM standard. The “SA” stands for ASME specification, and the “533” indicates the specific grade. Equivalent grades include A533 (ASTM) and P295GH (EN). SA533 features high strength, excellent notch toughness, and good weldability. It is considered nuclear-grade steel, commonly used in the nuclear industry and for fabricating reactors and other heavy-duty components.

Description

What Is SA533?

SA533 is a low alloy steel plate that consists of over 95% iron with small amounts of alloying elements such as nickel, manganese, and molybdenum. This steel is characterized by high strength, excellent notch toughness, and good weldability. It is processed through hot rolling. SA533 is widely used in the nuclear industry, reactors, and other heavy-duty equipment. Depending on the requirements, SA533 can be further classified into different grades, such as SA533 Grade B and SA533 Grade C.

Characteristics of SA533 Steel

SA533 steel is known for its excellent strength and toughness, especially at low temperatures. It contains manganese, molybdenum, and nickel, which enhance its durability and resilience. The steel’s high yield strength and resistance to brittle fracture make it ideal for heavy-duty applications. It is also weldable and formable, allowing for easy fabrication and structural flexibility. SA533 is commonly used in the construction of pressure vessels, boilers, and nuclear reactors due to its ability to withstand high pressure and extreme temperatures. Its performance in cryogenic environments makes it suitable for storage tanks and other low-temperature services. For alternatives, consider SA387, SA302, or SA516 steel grades, which offer similar benefits and can be chosen based on specific requirements such as higher temperature resistance or enhanced weldability. These alternatives can provide tailored solutions for various engineering needs while maintaining robust performance standards.

Chemical Compositions

ElementContent (%)
Carbon, C0.10 – 0.20
Manganese, Mn1.15 – 1.50
Phosphorus, P≤0.025
Sulfur, S≤0.025
Silicon, Si0.15 – 0.50
Nickel, Ni0.40 – 1.00
Chromium, Cr≤0.30
Molybdenum, Mo0.10 – 0.60
Vanadium, V≤0.30
Copper, Cu≤0.35

Physical Properties

PropertyMetricImperial
Density7.85 g/cm³0.284 lb/in³
Melting Point1371 – 1533°C2500 – 2791°F
Boiling Point
Thermal Conductivity31.2 – 44.3 W/m·°C21.6 – 30.7 BTU/h·ft·°F
Electrical Conductivity
Specific Heat Capacity460 J/kg·°C0.11 BTU/lb·°F
Thermal Expansion Coefficient11.2 – 12.3 x 10⁻⁶ /°C6.2 – 6.8 x 10⁻⁶ /°F
Electrical Resistivity423 – 432 nΩ·m423 – 432 nΩ·m

Mechanical Properties

AC (Air Cooled) Sate

PropertyMetricImperial
Tensile Strength485 – 620 MPa70 – 90 ksi
Yield Strength280 – 345 MPa41 – 50 ksi
Brinell Hardness135 – 175 HB135 – 175 HB
Rockwell Hardness85 – 95 HRB85 – 95 HRB
Vickers Hardness140 – 190 HV140 – 190 HV
Elongation18 – 22%18 – 22%
Elastic Modulus200 GPa29 msi

Industries & Applications

IndustrySpecific Products
Nuclear Power GenerationReactor Pressure Vessels, Steam Generators, Containment Structures, Pressurizer Components
Oil and GasHeat Exchangers, Pressure Vessels, Reactors, Storage Tanks
Chemical ProcessingDistillation Columns, Chemical Reactors, Heat Exchangers, Pressure Vessels
AerospaceEngine Mounts, Fuselage Components, Structural Supports, Landing Gear
MarineSubmarine Hulls, Offshore Platforms, Ship Structures, Pressure Hulls
ConstructionHeavy Machinery Frames, Structural Columns, Bridge Components, Crane Components
MilitaryArmored Vehicles, Missile Tubes, Defense Structures, Tank Components
Power PlantsTurbine Housings, Boilers, Pressure Vessels, Piping Systems
AutomotiveChassis Components, Engine Blocks, Suspension Parts, Transmission Cases

Machining

Heat Treatment

  • Normalizing: Heat to 1650°F (900°C) to 1750°F (955°C), hold to achieve uniform temperature, then cool in air.
  • Quenching: Reheat to 1550°F (845°C) to 1650°F (900°C), hold to ensure uniform heating, then quench in water or oil as required.
  • Tempering: Reheat to 1100°F (595°C) to 1300°F (705°C), hold for at least 1 hour per inch (25.4 mm) of thickness, then cool in air.
  • Stress Relieving (if needed): Heat to 1100°F (595°C) to 1300°F (705°C), hold for at least 1 hour per inch (25.4 mm) of thickness, then cool in air.

Surface Finish

  • Machining: Turning, milling, drilling, and grinding for precise parts and shapes.
  • Heat Treatment: Normalizing, quenching, and tempering to improve properties.
  • Sandblasting: Removes scale and contaminants using high-pressure abrasives.
  • Pickling: Acidic solution to remove oxides and impurities.
  • Electroplating: Coats with metal (nickel, chromium, zinc) for corrosion resistance.
  • Coating: Protective paint or anti-corrosion layer for weather resistance.
  • Polishing: Achieves high surface finish and gloss.
  • Ultrasonic Cleaning: Removes dirt and grease with ultrasonic vibrations.

*Customization is available upon request.

Disclaimer

The provided heat treatment and surface treatment processes are general guidelines. Actual conditions may vary depending on specific applications and requirements. It is recommended to consult with a professional metallurgist or material scientist to tailor the processes to your particular needs. The information herein is not a substitute for professional advice and should not be relied upon as such.

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