ASTM A738 Grade B Heat-treated Carbon-Manganese-Silicon Steel Plate For lower temperature service
ASTM A738 Grade B Heat-treated Carbon-Manganese-Silicon Steel Plate For lower temperature service

Review

Description

ASTM A738 Grade B Heat-treated Carbon-Manganese-Silicon Steel Plate For lower temperature service

 

ASTM A738 Grade B is a high-strength, low-alloy steel plate that is primarily used in the construction of welded pressure vessels and storage tanks. This grade of steel is characterized by its high yield strength and good impact resistance, making it an excellent choice for applications where high strength and toughness are required.

 

The chemical composition of ASTM A738 Grade B includes carbon, manganese, phosphorus, sulfur, silicon, nickel, chromium, molybdenum, and vanadium. The material is also available in a variety of thicknesses and widths, making it highly versatile for a wide range of applications.

 

In terms of mechanical properties, ASTM A738 Grade B has a minimum yield strength of 50 ksi (345 MPa) and a minimum tensile strength of 70 ksi (485 MPa). The material also has good impact and fatigue resistance, making it suitable for applications where cyclic loading and impact resistance are important. The high-strength properties of this material make it an excellent choice for use in pressure vessel applications that require high strength and toughness.

 

As a manufacturer, it is important to adhere to the ASTM A738 specification to ensure the production of high-quality and reliable products. This includes ensuring that the material is properly heat-treated and tested to meet the required mechanical and chemical properties. Additionally, it is important to follow proper welding procedures when working with this material to ensure good weldability and to avoid any potential issues with hydrogen-induced cracking.

 

Overall, ASTM A738 Grade B is an excellent material for use in the construction of pressure vessels and storage tanks, and offers a high-strength, high-toughness solution for a variety of industrial applications.

General Product Description

The ASTM A738 specification is the Standard Specification for Heat-treated, Carbon-Manganese-Silicon Steel used in welded pressure vessels subjected to moderate and lower temperature service. Grade B is supplied in the quenched & tempered condition.

Dimension Range

GRADE

PRODUCT TYPE

THICKNESS
(in)

WIDTH
(in)

LENGTH
(in)

A738 Grade B

Mill Plate

0.375 - 2.00

96 - 120

240 - 588

Thickness: Inquire for plate thicknesses of less than 0.375 inches down to 0.250 inches, or greater than 2.00 inches up to 3.5 inches.

Width: Inquire for widths <96 inches down to 60 inches and for widths >120 inches up to 131.9 inches.

 

Mechanical Properties

Tensile testing is performed in the transverse direction according to ASTM A20 requirements. The required mechanical properties are tabulated below:

GRADE

THICKNESS
(in)

0.2% YS
(ksi)

UTS
(MPa)

ELONGATION IN 2"
(MIN %)

A738 Grade B

0.375 - 2.00

60

85 - 102

22

 

Mechanical testing

Charpy V-Notch Impact Toughness requirements may be ordered as a supplementary requirement (S5). A minimum Charpy V-notch impact energy value of 30 ft-lbs [41 J] at - 40°F [-40°C] in longitudinal specimens is a typical supplemental impact toughness requirement. Please inquire for applications requiring a specified minimum impact toughness.

 

Chemical Composition

(Heat Analysis, wt. %, maximum unless indicated)

Meets chemical requirements of ASTM A738 Grade B/SA738 Grade B, as shown below. ASTM A20 limits applyto unspecified elements.

C
(MAX wt %)

MN
(MAX wt %)

P 1)
(MAX wt %)

S 1)
(MAX wt %)

SI
(MAX wt %)

CU
(MAX wt %)

NI
(MAX wt %)

CR
(MAX wt %)

MO
(MAX wt %)

V
(MAX wt %)

CB
(MAX wt %)

V + CB
(MAX wt %)

0.20

1.50

0.020

0.01

0.55

0.35

0.60

0.30

0.20

0.07

0.04

0.08

1) P and S are more restrictive than A537/SA537 requirements. Even lower limits for P and S are available on an inquiry basis.

Carbon Equivalent

THICKNESS (in)

0.375 - 2.00

Typical CET (wt %)

0.34

Typical CEV (wt %)

0.47

Available Chemistries: Carbon equivalent (CEV) restrictions for weldability are available as a supplementary requirement (S20). Please inquire for additional chemistry restrictions.

 

Tolerances

Thickness, width, and length tolerances for A738 Grade B/SA738 Grade B are in accordance with ASTM A20 requirements. The flatness tolerance for as- supplied product is ½ ASTM A20.

 

Delivery Conditions

ASTM A738 Grade B/SA738 Grade B is supplied in the quench and tempered condition.

 

Formability properties

A738 Grade B/SA738 Grade B exhibits excellent cold forming characteristics. Shear burrs and heat-affected zones of thermal cut edges on or near the bend axis as well as sharp corners on edges and on gas cut or punched holes located on or adjacent to the bend axis should be removed by grinding prior cold forming. The following recommended minimum inside bend radius, R, and die width opening, W, as a function of bending orientation are provided:

THICKNESS
(IN. [MM])

BEND AXIS PERPENDICULAR TO ROLLING DIRECTION INSIDE RADIUS, R (MIN.)

BEND AXIS PERPENDICULAR TO ROLLING DIRECTION DIE WIDTH, W (MIN.)

BEND AXIS PARALLEL TO ROLLING DIRECTION INSIDE RADIUS, R (MIN.)

BEND AXIS PARALLEL TO ROLLING DIRECTION DIE WIDTH, W (MIN.)

0.375 – 1.00 [9.5 – 25.4]

1.5t

8t

2.25t

10t

1.00 – 2.00 [25.4 – 50.1]

2.5t

8t

3.75t

10t

 

Weldability

Welding of A738 Grade B/SA738 Grade B shall be performed in accordance with applicable welding code. In the absence of a specified welding code, the following minimum preheat and interpass temperatures and welding consumables are provided. Special welding consumables and welding procedures may be required to avoid detrimental effects on the mechanical properties of the base metal. Low hydrogen practices are strongly recommended.

WELDING PROCESS

THICKNESS
(IN. [MM])

MINIMUM PREHEAT AND INTERPASS TEMPERATURE
(°F [°C])

CONSUMABLES

Shielded Metal Arc (SMAW)

≤3/4 [≤19]

50 [10]

AWS E7015-X, E7016-X, E7018-X

Shielded Metal Arc (SMAW)

>3/4 – 1.5 [19 – 38]

50 [10]

AWS E7015-X, E7016-X, E7018-X

Shielded Metal Arc (SMAW)

>1.50 – 2.00 [>38 – 50]

150 [65]

AWS E7015-X, E7016-X, E7018-X

Gas Metal Arc (GMAW)

≤3/4 [≤19]

50 [10]

AWS ER70S-X

Gas Metal Arc (GMAW)

>3/4 – 1.5 [19 – 38]

50 [10]

AWS ER70S-X

Gas Metal Arc (GMAW)

>1.50 – 2.00 [>38 – 50]

150 [65]

AWS ER70S-X

Submerged Arc (SAW)

≤3/4 [≤19]

50 [10]

AWS F7XX-EXXX-XX

Submerged Arc (SAW)

>3/4 – 1.5 [19 – 38]

50 [10]

AWS F7XX-EXXX-XX

Submerged Arc (SAW)

>1.50 – 2.00 [>38 – 50]

150 [65]

AWS F7XX-EXXX-XX

Flux Cored Arc (FCAW)

≤3/4 [≤19]

50 [10]

AWS E7XTX-X

Flux Cored Arc (FCAW)

>3/4 – 1.5 [19 – 38]

50 [10]

AWS E7XTX-X

Flux Cored Arc (FCAW)

>1.50 – 2.00 [>38 – 50]

150 [65]

AWS E7XTX-X

 

WELDING PROCESS

THICKNESS
(IN. [MM])

MINIMUM PREHEAT AND INTERPASS TEMPERATURE
(°F [°C])

CONSUMABLES

 

Supplementary Requirements

By agreement between the purchaser and the plate manufacturer, the following Supplementary Agreements may be specified on the purchase order: S1. Vacuum Treatment; S2. Product Analysis; S3. Simulated Post-Weld Heat Treatment of Mechanical Test Coupons; and S12. Ultrasonic Examination in accordance with ASTM A578

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