Overview
ASTM A203 Low Temperature Pressure Vessel Steel is a nickel-alloy steel plate manufactured for welded pressure vessels and boilers operating at low temperatures. Produced in accordance with ASTM A203/A203M, it offers reliable low-temperature toughness, stable mechanical properties, and good weldability for demanding industrial applications.
Available grades include Grade A, Grade B, Grade D, Grade E, and Grade F. Plates are supplied in the required heat treatment condition with complete material traceability and inspection documentation.
Technical Specifications
Main Grades & Nickel Content
|
Grade |
Nominal Nickel Content (%) |
Key Strength Characteristics |
Typical Application Scenarios |
|
A203 Grade A |
2.25 |
Yield Strength ≥255MPa, Tensile Strength 450-585MPa |
General low-temperature pressure vessels, mild cryogenic equipment |
|
A203 Grade B |
2.25 |
Yield Strength ≥275MPa, Tensile Strength 485-620MPa |
Oil & gas pipelines, low-temperature storage tanks |
|
A203 Grade D |
3.50 |
Yield Strength ≥255MPa, Tensile Strength 450-585MPa |
Cryogenic equipment, CO2 capture units, ethylene distillation |
|
A203 Grade E |
3.50 |
Yield Strength ≥275MPa, Tensile Strength 485-620MPa |
Deep-sea oil & gas equipment, LNG storage tanks |
|
A203 Grade F |
2.25-3.50 |
Tensile Strength 550-690MPa, Yield Strength ≥380MPa |
High-pressure low-temperature vessels, boiler components |
Chemical Composition Of ASTM A203 Steel
|
Element |
Grade A/B |
Grade D/E/F |
Max Limit |
|
Carbon (C) |
≤0.17 (t≤50mm) |
≤0.20 (t>50mm) |
0.20 |
|
Manganese (Mn) |
0.70-0.88 |
0.70-0.80 |
0.88 |
|
Silicon (Si) |
0.13-0.45 |
0.15-0.40 |
0.45 |
|
Phosphorus (P) |
≤0.035 |
≤0.025 |
0.035 |
|
Sulfur (S) |
≤0.035 |
≤0.025 |
0.035 |
|
Nickel (Ni) |
2.00-2.50 |
3.25-3.75 |
3.75 |
Mechanical Properties Of ASTM A203 Steel
|
Grade |
Yield Strength (MPa), Min |
Tensile Strength (MPa) |
Elongation (%), Min |
Minimum Design Temperature (°C) |
|
A203 Grade A |
255 |
450-585 |
23 |
-75 (t≤51mm) |
|
A203 Grade B |
275 |
485-620 |
21 |
-75 (t≤51mm) |
|
A203 Grade D |
255 |
450-585 |
23 |
-101 (t≤51mm) |
|
A203 Grade E |
275 |
485-620 |
21 |
-101 (t≤51mm) |
|
A203 Grade F |
380 |
550-690 |
20 |
-101 (t≤51mm) |
International Equivalent Grades Of ASTM A203 Low Temperature Pressure Vessel Steel
|
Standard |
Equivalent Grade |
Description |
|
EN (Europe) |
12Ni14 / 13Ni14 |
Nickel alloy pressure vessel steel for low temperature service |
|
DIN (Germany) |
1.5622 / 1.5637 |
Low temperature Ni-alloy steel plates |
|
JIS (Japan) |
SL3N255 / SL3N275 |
Low temperature pressure vessel steel with Ni content |
|
GB (China) |
09MnNiDR |
Widely used low temperature pressure vessel steel |
|
ISO |
ISO Ni-alloy PV Steel |
General classification for nickel alloy vessel steel |
Core Technical Performance
Formulated with up to 3.5% nickel, ASTM A203/SA203 plates offer superior impact toughness down to -101°C to prevent brittle fracture in cryogenic service.
Refined via LF/VD processes to achieve ultra-clean steel with optional low S/P limits (S ≤ 0.005%, P ≤ 0.010%) for NACE MR0175 sour service compliance.
Optimized carbon equivalent (typically CEV ≤ 0.43%) ensures excellent weldability and reduces preheating requirements during fabrication.
Supply Range & Value-Added Services
Plate Thickness: 8mm – 150mm
Plate Width: 1500mm – 4000mm
Heat Treatment Options: Normalized (N), Quenched & Tempered (Q&T for Grade F), Stress Relieving / Post-Weld Heat Treatment (PWHT simulation test available on coupons).
Processing Capabilities: CNC Flame/Plasma Cutting, Beveling (V/X shaped weld seam prep), Surface Shot Blasting (Sa 2.5) + Shop Primer.
Manufacturing & Quality Control
Ultrasonic Testing (NDT): 100% UT inspection performed according to ASTM A435 / ASTM A578 Level A/B/C to detect internal voids, laminations, and inclusions.
Third-Party Inspection (TPI): Factory acceptance tests (FAT) routinely witnessed and approved by SGS, Bureau Veritas (BV), TÜV Rheinland, and Intertek.
Full Traceability: Every plate is hard-stamped and stenciled with Heat Number, Plate Number, Grade, and Standard details corresponding directly to the EN 10204 MTC.
Packaging & Export Logistics
Surface Protection: Rust-inhibitive coating, oiling, or shot blasting (Sa 2.5) available.
Transit Security: Edge protectors, waterproof plastic wrapping, and heavy-duty steel strapping for sea freight (FCL/Breakbulk).
FAQ
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