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A737 | Pressure Vessel Steel

A737 | Pressure Vessel Steel

A737 is a high-strength, low alloy steel for pressure vessels and structural use. The “A” follows ASTM standards, and “737” specifies the grade. Equivalent grades are EN P355NL1 and DIN StE355. It offers good toughness, weldability, and crack resistance, especially in low temperatures. Commonly used for welded pressure vessels, boilers, and storage tanks.

We provide products(such as pipes and plates) with a thickness of 6-150mm, a width of 900-4800mm, and a length of 3000-2500mm for A737 Gr. B/C according to the standard ASTM A737/A737M.

Description

What is A737 Steel?

A737 steel is composed of about 97% iron, 0.18-0.23% carbon, 1.15-1.50% manganese, and 0.15-0.40% silicon, with molybdenum for added strength. It is a solid, high-strength, low-alloy steel processed through hot rolling. A737 has excellent toughness, weldability, and crack resistance, especially in low temperatures. A737 grade is classified into grade A, grade B, and grade C based on strength and toughness requirements. Mainly used in pressure vessels, storage tanks, and structural components.

Characteristics of A737 Steel

ASTM A737 steel stands out for its high strength, good toughness, and excellent crack resistance, especially in low temperatures. It offers superior weldability compared to other pressure vessel steels, making it easier to fabricate. A737 is also known for its durability in harsh conditions, such as extreme cold, where it performs better than standard pressure vessel steels. A737 is widely used in pressure vessels, storage tanks, and structural applications in energy, petrochemicals, and construction industries. If higher temperature resistance or enhanced corrosion protection is needed, alternative steels like A516 or A387 might be better suited.

Chemical Compositions

ElementGrade A (%)Grade B (%)Grade C (%)
Carbon, C0.18-0.230.20-0.260.25-0.30
Manganese, Mn0.60-1.000.80-1.200.90-1.50
Phosphorus, P0.025 max0.025 max0.025 max
Sulfur, S0.025 max0.025 max0.025 max
Silicon, Si0.15-0.400.15-0.400.15-0.40
Molybdenum, Mo0.10-0.250.10-0.250.10-0.25
Nickel, Ni0.40 max0.40 max0.40 max
Chromium, Cr0.20-0.500.20-0.500.20-0.50
Vanadium, V0.02 max0.02 max0.02 max
Iron, FeBalanceBalanceBalance

Physical Properties

PropertyGrade A (Metric)Grade A (Imperial)Grade B (Metric)Grade B (Imperial)Grade C (Metric)Grade C (Imperial)
Density7.85 g/cm³0.284 lb/in³7.85 g/cm³0.284 lb/in³7.85 g/cm³0.284 lb/in³
Melting Point1510°C2732°F1510°C2732°F1510°C2732°F
Boiling Point3000°C (approx.)5432°F (approx.)3000°C (approx.)5432°F (approx.)3000°C (approx.)5432°F (approx.)
Thermal Conductivity40 W/m·K23 BTU/hr·ft·°F42 W/m·K24 BTU/hr·ft·°F43 W/m·K25 BTU/hr·ft·°F
Electrical Conductivity5.8 MS/m10% IACS5.5 MS/m9% IACS5.3 MS/m8% IACS
Specific Heat Capacity0.49 J/g·K0.117 BTU/lb·°F0.48 J/g·K0.116 BTU/lb·°F0.47 J/g·K0.113 BTU/lb·°F
Thermal Expansion Coefficient11.5 µm/m·°C6.4 µin/in·°F11.3 µm/m·°C6.3 µin/in·°F11.0 µm/m·°C6.2 µin/in·°F
Electrical Resistivity17 µΩ·m0.00067 Ω·in18 µΩ·m0.00071 Ω·in19 µΩ·m0.00075 Ω·in

Mechanical Properties

PropertyGrade A (Metric)Grade A (Imperial)Grade B (Metric)Grade B (Imperial)Grade C (Metric)Grade C (Imperial)
Tensile Strength450 MPa65,000 psi490 MPa71,000 psi540 MPa78,000 psi
Yield Strength290 MPa42,000 psi320 MPa46,000 psi350 MPa51,000 psi
Brinell Hardness130-160 HB130-160 HB160-190 HB160-190 HB190-220 HB190-220 HB
Rockwell HardnessB70-B85B70-B85B80-B90B80-B90B90-B100B90-B100
Vickers Hardness130-160 HV130-160 HV160-190 HV160-190 HV190-220 HV190-220 HV
Elongation22%22%20%20%18%18%
Elastic Modulus200 GPa29,000 ksi200 GPa29,000 ksi200 GPa29,000 ksi

Data After QT(Quenching and Tempering) Processing

 

PropertyGrade A (Metric)Grade A (Imperial)Grade B (Metric)Grade B (Imperial)Grade C (Metric)Grade C (Imperial)
Tensile Strength490 MPa71,000 psi540 MPa78,000 psi600 MPa87,000 psi
Yield Strength350 MPa51,000 psi400 MPa58,000 psi450 MPa65,000 psi
Brinell Hardness160-190 HB160-190 HB190-220 HB190-220 HB220-250 HB220-250 HB
Rockwell HardnessB80-B90B80-B90B90-C10B90-C10C10-C20C10-C20
Vickers Hardness160-190 HV160-190 HV190-220 HV190-220 HV220-250 HV220-250 HV
Elongation18%18%16%16%14%14%
Elastic Modulus200 GPa29,000 ksi200 GPa29,000 ksi200 GPa29,000 ksi

Industries & Applications

IndustriesProducts
Pressure Vessel ManufacturingBoilers, Pressure Vessels, Storage Tanks, Heat Exchangers, Autoclaves
Oil and Gas IndustryStorage Tanks, Pressure Piping, Offshore Platforms, Gas Separators, Process Vessels
Power GenerationSteam Drums, Reactor Vessels, Turbine Components, Condensers, Pressure Piping
Chemical ProcessingReactor Vessels, Distillation Columns, Pressure Tanks, Heat Exchangers, Pressure Piping
Petrochemical IndustryCracking Units, Pressure Vessels, Heat Exchangers, Storage Tanks, Process Piping
ShipbuildingStorage Tanks, Pressure Vessels, Fuel Tanks, Bulkheads, Heat Exchangers
Infrastructure and ConstructionBridges, Structural Components, Heavy Machinery, Support Columns, Pressure Pipes
Mining EquipmentPressure Vessels, Storage Tanks, Structural Components, Heavy Equipment Frames, Pressure Piping
Nuclear IndustryReactor Pressure Vessels, Steam Generators, Containment Vessels, Heat Exchangers, Pressure Piping

Machining

A737 Heat Treatment

  • Normalizing:
    • Process: Heat A737 steel to 900-950°C (1650-1740°F), then cool in air.
    • Effect: Refines grain structure, improves toughness, and relieves internal stresses.
  • Quenching (if required):
    • Process: Heat to 880-920°C (1615-1690°F), hold until temperature is uniform, then rapidly cool in water or oil.
    • Effect: Increases hardness and strength.
  • Tempering:
    • Process: After quenching, reheat to 550-650°C (1020-1200°F), then cool in air.
    • Effect: Reduces brittleness while maintaining strength and hardness.
  • Stress Relieving:
    • Process: Heat to 540-600°C (1000-1110°F), hold for 1-2 hours, then cool in air.
    • Effect: Minimizes residual stresses from fabrication or machining without significant strength reduction.

A737 Surface Finish

  1. Shot Blasting: Removes surface impurities and improves adhesion for coatings.
  2. Pickling: Eliminates oxides and scales, enhancing surface smoothness.
  3. Galvanizing: Applies a zinc coating for enhanced corrosion resistance.
  4. Phosphating: Improves wear resistance and prepares the surface for painting or coating.
  5. Painting: Provides corrosion protection and aesthetic finishes.
  6. Electroplating: Adds a metal coating, such as nickel or chromium, for increased durability and corrosion resistance.
  7. Black Oxide Coating: Offers mild corrosion resistance and a black finish.

Custom surface treatment requirements can be accommodated upon request.

Disclaimer 
The above heat treatment instructions and surface finish processing methods for Mn13 steel are provided for informational purposes only. Actual results may vary based on specific conditions and equipment used. Testing is recommended, and a metallurgical expert or material supplier should be consulted to ensure the processes are suitable for your specific application. The user assumes all risks and liability for the use of this information.

 

Our Service

SteelPRO Group – manufacturer and solution provider for special steel, offering multi-industry application solutions and customised services, 100% quality free, accompanying customers in their growth!

Our Quality Control

  • Roundness
  • Tolerance
  • Microstructure
  • Non-Destructive Testing
  • Destructive Testing
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Service Integration Processing

  • Welding
  • Metal Fabrication
  • CNC Machining
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