In high pressure and high temperature environments, choosing the right material is critical. Pressure vessel steel is made for this purpose. Huaxiao Metal provides reliable international standard boiler and pressure vessel steel to meet your most demanding industrial needs.
This guide will take you through a comprehensive understanding of pressure vessel steel, from definitions and grades to how to choose the most suitable steel grade for your application.
What is Pressure Vessel Steel?
Pressure vessel steel is a specially designed carbon steel designed to withstand high pressure and high temperature environments. This type of steel is widely used in the manufacture of boilers, heat exchangers, gas tanks and industrial pressure vessels.
Huaxiao Metal provides high-quality boiler and pressure vessel steel plates and coils that meet international standards such as ASTM, ASME, JIS, GB and EN.
Common Grades of Pressure Vessel Steel
| Grade | Standard | Description |
|---|---|---|
| ASTM A516 Gr 60/65/70 | ASME/ASTM | Used for moderate and lower temperature service |
| ASTM A537 Class 1/2 | ASME | High-strength pressure vessel plate |
| Q245R, Q345R | GB | Chinese standard boiler steel |
| 16Mo3 | EN 10028-2 | High-temperature pressure applications |
| SA387 Gr.11/22 | ASME | Chromium-Molybdenum alloy for high heat |
Each grade has its unique chemical composition and mechanical properties to suit different pressure and temperature requirements.
Applications of Pressure Vessel Steel
Pressure vessel steel is indispensable in industries such as:
Oil & Gas – Storage tanks, heat exchangers, separators
Chemical Processing – Reactors, towers, chemical storage
Power Generation – Boilers, steam drums, economizers
Food & Beverage – Sterilizers, pressurized containers
These steels are specially tested for their performance under high-pressure and extreme environments.
How to Select the Right Pressure Vessel Steel for Your Application
The right pressure vessel steel grade is critical to ensure performance, durability, and cost-effectiveness. Here are the things you need to consider:
1. Working Pressure and Temperature
Low temperature? → Consider A516 Gr.70 for excellent notch toughness
High temperature? → Choose 16Mo3 or SA387 series
2. Corrosion Resistance Requirements
For harsh environments (such as refineries), choose chromium-molybdenum alloys such as SA387.
If corrosion is not a big problem, carbon steels such as Q245R are more cost-effective.
3. Weldability and Fabrication Needs
Low carbon steel has better weldability.
Alloy steels should consider preheating and post-weld heat treatment.
4. Code Requirements
Pressure vessels should comply with ASME Section VIII.
Choose API, PED, or GB standards depending on the region.
5. Budget Considerations
Q245R or A516 Gr.60/65 are more economical.
SA387 or 16Mo3 offer better performance but are more expensive.
Still unsure which pressure vessel steel grade is right for you?
Contact our steel experts for free technical support.
Why Choose Huaxiao Metal for Pressure Vessel Steel?
Huaxiao Metal is a leading supplier of boiler and pressure vessel steel in China, offering:
✅ Large inventory of plates, coils, and sheets
✅ Reliable grades such as A516, Q245R, A537
✅ Cutting, shearing, and custom processing services
✅ Global shipping and timely delivery
✅ Competitive pressure vessel steel prices
Quality Standards We Follow
All our pressure vessel steel materials undergo strict quality inspection and comply with international certifications such as:
ISO 9001
SGS
BV
Third-party testing (TÜV, DNV upon request)
This ensures you receive premium-quality pressure vessel steel for your project.
Conclusion: Get the Right Steel for Pressure Applications
Choosing the right pressure vessel steel is critical for safety, performance, and longevity. Whether you need carbon steel or alloy grades, Huaxiao Metal is your trusted pressure vessel steel supplier offering quality materials at competitive prices.
FAQ
What is the difference between A516 Gr.70 and Q245R?
A516 Gr.70 is an American standard plate with higher notch toughness; Q245R is the Chinese equivalent with slightly lower strength and toughness.
Can pressure vessel steel be welded?
Yes, most grades are weldable. Some alloy steels require preheat/post-weld heat treatment.
Do you offer third-party inspection?
Yes, we support SGS, BV, TUV, or customer-specified agencies for product inspection.
Can I order cut-to-size plates?
Yes, we offer custom cutting, slitting, and shearing based on your drawing or specs.
What is the minimum order quantity (MOQ)?
Our MOQ for stock materials is flexible. Contact us for custom sizes and bulk orders.
