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Pressure Vessel Steel Plate Comparison Guide: Standards, Grades, and Applications

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Introduction

Pressure vessel steel is a specialized type of steel plate used for manufacturing boilers, storage tanks, and pressure-containing equipment. Choosing the right pressure vessel steel plate is critical to ensure safety, performance, and compliance with industry standards.

This comprehensive guide compares pressure vessel steel grades from ASTM, EN, and GB standards, providing a clear reference for engineers, purchasers, and fabricators.

Applications of pressure vessel steel plates in boilers and LNG storage tanks
Applications of pressure vessel steel plates in boilers and LNG storage tanks

1. Overview of Pressure Vessel Steel Plate

Pressure vessel steel plates are designed to withstand high pressure and temperature in demanding applications such as oil & gas, chemical processing, power generation, and shipbuilding.

Key properties include:

  • High tensile strength and toughness
  • Good resistance to creep and fatigue
  • Excellent weldability and formability

Applications of Pressure Vessel Steel Plates

  • Boilers and heat exchangers
  • Oil & gas separators
  • LNG storage tanks
  • Chemical reactors
  • Power plant equipment

In each application, selecting the correct pressure vessel steel grade ensures structural safety and regulatory compliance.

2. Overview of International Standards

Common Pressure Vessel Steel Grades

Below is a comparison of popular pressure vessel steel grades:

StandardGrade ExampleTensile Strength (MPa)Yield Strength (MPa)Typical Applications
ASTMA516 Gr 60/65/70415–550220+Boilers, storage tanks
ASTMA537 Class 1/2485–620240+High-pressure vessels
ENP265GH, P355GH410–530235–355Petrochemical vessels
GBQ345R, 16MnR490–630345+Refineries, power plants

To ensure global compatibility and safety, pressure vessel steel grades are typically classified by national or international standards. The three most widely recognized standards are:

ASTM

  • Commonly used in North and South America, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East
  • Key standards include:
    • ASTM A516 (for moderate temperature service)
    • ASTM A387 (for high-temperature service, alloy steel)
    • ASTM A285 (lower strength pressure vessels)

EN

  • Widely adopted across Europe, Africa, and parts of the Middle East and South America
  • Key standards include:
    • EN 10028-2: Non-alloy and alloy steels for pressure purposes
    • Typical grades: P265GH, P355GH, 16Mo3, 13CrMo4-5

Check our EN 10028 P265GH / P355GH Steel Plate for more technical specifications.

GB

  • Used domestically in China and frequently by Chinese steel exporters
  • Key standards include:
    • GB 713: Steel plates for boilers and pressure vessels
    • Common grades: Q245R, Q345R, 16MnDR

Each of these standards offers material grades with specific mechanical and chemical properties tailored for different pressure and temperature environments.

3. Key Pressure Vessel Steel Grades: Side-by-Side Comparison

GradeStandardTypeTensile Strength (MPa)Yield Strength (MPa)Key FeaturesTypical Applications
A516 Gr.60ASTMCarbon steel415–550≥ 220Good weldability, for moderate temperatureBoilers, pressure tanks, heat exchangers
A516 Gr.70ASTMCarbon steel485–620≥ 260Higher strength version of A516 Gr.60High-pressure boilers, tanks
A285 Gr.CASTMLow tensile carbon steel380–515≥ 205Low strength, cost-effectiveStorage tanks with low pressure
A387 Gr.11ASTMCr-Mo alloy steel485–620≥ 275Heat resistance, creep strengthPetrochemical, power plant vessels
A387 Gr.22ASTMCr-Mo alloy steel620–760≥ 310Excellent high-temp performanceReactors, heaters, high-pressure systems
P265GHEN 10028Non-alloy boiler steel410–530≥ 265Equivalent to A516 Gr.60, great weldabilityBoilers, pressure vessels in Europe
P355GHEN 10028Non-alloy boiler steel470–630≥ 355Higher strength than P265GHHigh-pressure components, energy sector
16Mo3EN 10028Molybdenum alloy steel450–600≥ 280Good for high temp + pressure, oxidation resistanceHeat exchangers, steam pipes
Q245RGB 713Carbon steel400–520≥ 245Equivalent to A516 Gr.60, widely used in ChinaGeneral pressure vessels, boilers
Q345RGB 713High strength boiler steel490–610≥ 345Stronger than Q245R, great toughnessThick-walled pressure vessels
16MnDRGB 3531Low-temp pressure steel470–640≥ 255Excellent low-temp impact toughnessCryogenic storage, LNG tanks

4. Technical Comparison Table: Chemical and Mechanical Properties

Chemical Composition (Max Weight %)

GradeCMnSiPSCrMoNiNotes
A516 Gr.600.210.55–1.30≤0.40≤0.035≤0.035–––Carbon steel
A516 Gr.700.270.85–1.20≤0.40≤0.035≤0.035–––Stronger version of A516 Gr.60
A285 Gr.C0.280.90–1.30≤0.05≤0.035≤0.035–––Low tensile carbon steel
A387 Gr.110.12–0.200.30–0.60≤0.50≤0.035≤0.0351.00–1.500.44–0.65–Cr-Mo alloy steel
A387 Gr.220.05–0.150.30–0.60≤0.50≤0.035≤0.0351.00–1.500.90–1.10–High-temp alloy steel
P265GH≤0.200.80–1.60≤0.40≤0.025≤0.020–––EN non-alloy boiler steel
P355GH≤0.221.00–1.70≤0.50≤0.025≤0.020–––Higher strength EN grade
16Mo30.12–0.200.90–1.300.20–0.35≤0.025≤0.020–0.25–0.35–Mo-alloy steel, high-temp
Q245R≤0.20≤1.20≤0.50≤0.025≤0.015–––Chinese std, A516 Gr.60 equiv.
Q345R≤0.20≤1.70≤0.50≤0.025≤0.015–––Closer to A516 Gr.70
16MnDR≤0.20≤1.60≤0.50≤0.020≤0.015–––Low-temp service

Mechanical Properties

GradeYield Strength (MPa)Tensile Strength (MPa)Elongation (%)Impact ToughnessWorking Temperature
A516 Gr.60≥ 220415–550≥ 2127J @ -20°C (option)≤ 455°C
A516 Gr.70≥ 260485–620≥ 2127J @ -20°C (option)≤ 455°C
A285 Gr.C≥ 205380–515≥ 20Notch toughness low≤ 400°C
A387 Gr.11≥ 275485–620≥ 20Good @ high temp≤ 600°C
A387 Gr.22≥ 310620–760≥ 19High temp creep res.≤ 620°C
P265GH≥ 265410–530≥ 2227J @ 20°C≤ 450°C
P355GH≥ 355470–630≥ 2227J @ 20°C≤ 450°C
16Mo3≥ 280450–600≥ 2227J @ room temp≤ 600°C
Q245R≥ 245400–520≥ 2131J @ 0°C≤ 450°C
Q345R≥ 345490–610≥ 2134J @ 0°C≤ 450°C
16MnDR≥ 255470–640≥ 2241J @ -20°C≤ -40°C (cryogenic use)

5. How to Select the Right Pressure Vessel Steel Plate

When choosing a pressure vessel plate, consider:

  1. Operating pressure & temperature – Higher grades for extreme conditions.
  2. Corrosion resistance – Alloyed steel for chemical exposure.
  3. Weldability – Match grade with fabrication process.
  4. Certification requirements – ASME, PED, or local standards.

Example: For moderate temperature service, ASTM A516 Grade 70 pressure vessel steel plate is a common choice. For higher strength, A537 Class 2 or P355NH may be more suitable.

Material Selection by Temperature Range

Working TemperatureRecommended GradesNotes
≤ 400°C (Normal temp)A516 Gr.60 / Gr.70, P265GH, Q245RCost-effective, good weldability, widely available
400°C – 600°CA387 Gr.11 / Gr.22, 16Mo3, P355GH, Q345RAlloyed grades provide heat resistance, creep strength
≤ -20°C (Cryogenic)16MnDR, impact-tested A516 Gr.70, Q345R (low temp spec)Enhanced impact toughness, required for LNG or low-temp vessels

Material Selection by Application Type

ApplicationRecommended Steel GradesJustification
Boilers & Steam DrumsA516 Gr.70, P265GH, Q245RExcellent pressure resistance and weldability
Petrochemical Pressure VesselsA387 Gr.11 / Gr.22, 16Mo3, P355GHWithstand high temperatures and pressure, good corrosion resistance
Cryogenic LNG Tanks16MnDR, Q345R (tested), A516 with impact toughness at -20°CGood toughness at low temperatures
Heat Exchangers16Mo3, A387 Gr.11Heat resistant with good strength retention
Industrial Storage TanksA285 Gr.C, A516 Gr.60, Q245RLower pressure applications, cost-effective
Nuclear or Energy EquipmentA387 Gr.22, 16Mo3, P355GHStrong at elevated temps and pressure, high-spec requirements

Summary Table: Steel Grade Selection by Situation

ScenarioIdeal Grade(s)Reason
High temperature service > 500°CA387 Gr.22, 16Mo3Excellent creep resistance, alloy content
Normal pressure & ambient temperatureA516 Gr.60, Q245RCommon, economical, good weldability
Low temperature (-20°C or below)16MnDR, Q345R (with impact test)Ensures safety against brittle fracture
Severe corrosion + pressure + heat16Mo3, A387 Gr.11Cr-Mo and Mo content enhance corrosion resistance
Heavy fabrication / multi-weld processesP265GH, A516 Gr.70Good ductility and weldability

Recommended Further Reading and Products

For more information about steel grades for high-pressure applications, you can explore:

6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is the difference between ASTM and EN pressure vessel steel grades?

ASTM grades are based on U.S. specifications, while EN grades follow European regulations. Both define mechanical and chemical properties for pressure vessel plates, but may differ in testing methods.

Q: Which grade is best for high temperature service?

For elevated temperatures, alloy grades like ASTM A387 or EN 10028-2 P295GH are recommended over standard carbon steel pressure vessel plates.

Q: Is P265GH equivalent to A516 Gr.60 or Gr.70?

P265GH is comparable to A516 Gr.60 in terms of pressure vessel applications, but the exact composition and standards differ. For projects requiring EN standards, P265GH is preferred; for ASME-coded vessels, A516 Gr.60/70 is standard.

Q: What is the Chinese equivalent of A516 Gr.70?

The closest equivalent is Q345R in the GB713 standard, offering similar mechanical strength and usage. For less demanding applications, Q245R is used.

Q: Can 16Mo3 replace A387 Gr.11?

They share similar applications, especially for elevated temperature use, but A387 Gr.11 offers better creep strength and is preferred for critical service in refineries. 16Mo3 is a cost-effective EN alternative with good heat resistance.

Q: Is 16MnDR suitable for cryogenic applications?

Yes. 16MnDR is designed for low-temperature pressure vessels, with excellent notch toughness at temperatures as low as -40°C. It’s commonly used in LNG storage and cryogenic tanks.

Q: Can I use P355GH instead of P265GH?

Yes—P355GH has higher yield and tensile strength, making it suitable for more demanding applications. However, always check project specifications and welding parameters before substitution.

Q: What is the EN equivalent of ASTM A387 Gr.11?

16Mo3 and 13CrMo4-5 are commonly used EN grades for high-temperature pressure vessels, functionally similar to A387 Gr.11, though with slight chemical differences.

Q: Where can I find reliable pressure vessel steel suppliers?

CJM offers a wide range of certified pressure vessel steel plates including A516, A387, Q345R, and P265GH, available for global export with mill certificates, customized sizes, and cutting services.

7. Conclusion: Choose the Right Pressure Vessel Steel with Confidence

Understanding the differences between pressure vessel steel grades helps engineers and buyers make informed decisions. Whether you require ASTM A516 pressure vessel plates for general service or specialized alloy steel for extreme conditions, matching the grade to the application is key.

Ready to Source Pressure Vessel Steel?

CJM offers a broad selection of certified pressure vessel steel plates ready for export worldwide.

👉 Explore our pressure vessel steel plate products now:
🔗 View Our Pressure Vessel Steel Plate Products

Or contact us directly to get a quote tailored to your requirements.

Email: info@cjmstainlesssteel.com
WhatsApp: +86 18191906640

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