ASTM A724/A724M-09(2023)

Standard Specification for Pressure Vessel Plates, Carbon-Manganese-Silicon Steel, Quenched and Tempered, for Welded Pressure Vessels

ABSTRACT
This specification covers standard requirements for three grades of carbon-manganese-silicon steel, designated Grades A, B, and C. Grade C may be produced with a boron addition. The plates shall be quenched and tempered and shall be intended for welded-layered pressure vessels. The steel shall be killed and shall conform to the fine austenitic grain size requirement. Heat and product analyses shall be performed wherein the material shall conform to the required chemical composition for carbon, manganese, phosphorus, sulfur, silicon, copper, nickel, chromium, molybdenum, vanadium, and boron. The steel plate shall undergo tension test and shall conform to tensile requirements such as tensile strength, yield strength, and elongation.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification2 covers three grades of carbon-manganese-silicon steel, designated Grades A, B, and C. Grade C may be produced with a boron addition. The plates are quenched and tempered and are intended for welded-layered pressure vessels.  
1.2 The maximum thickness of plates supplied under this specification is limited only by the capability of the chemical composition to meet the specified mechanical requirements. However, current practice normally limits the maximum thickness to 7/8 in. [22 mm] for Grades A and B, and to 2 in. [50 mm] for Grade C.  
1.3 The values stated in either inch-pound units or SI units are to be regarded separately as standard. Within the text, the SI units are shown in brackets. The values stated in each system are not exact equivalents; therefore, each system must be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in nonconformance with the specification.  
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Oct-2023
• ICS: 77.140.30 - Steels for pressure purposes
• Technical Committee: A01 - Steel, Stainless Steel and Related Alloys
• Drafting Committee: A01.11 - Steel Plates for Boilers and Pressure Vessels

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM A724/A724M-09(2018) - Standard Specification for Pressure Vessel Plates, Carbon-Manganese-Silicon Steel, Quenched and Tempered, for Welded Pressure Vessels
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023
• Referred By: ASTM F1106-87(2023) - Standard Specification for Warping Heads, Rope Handling (Gypsy Head, Capstan Head)
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023
• Referred By: ASTM A20/A20M-20 - Standard Specification for General Requirements for Steel Plates for Pressure Vessels
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023

Overview

ASTM A724/A724M-09(2023) is the current standard specification established by ASTM International for pressure vessel plates fabricated from carbon-manganese-silicon steel. This specification addresses three distinct grades: Grades A, B, and C, with Grade C allowing for optional boron addition. Plates covered by this standard are quenched and tempered, specifically designed for welded pressure vessel construction where enhanced strength and durability are required. The production and testing requirements ensure these steel plates deliver reliable performance for critical industrial applications, while maintaining compliance with international trade and safety principles.

Key Topics

• Material Grades and Composition

  • Three grades: A, B, and C, with distinct chemical compositions and mechanical properties.
  • Grade C can include boron, enhancing hardenability.
  • Strict limits on elements such as carbon, manganese, phosphorus, sulfur, and silicon, among others, ensure material integrity.

• Heat Treatment

  • All plates must be quenched and tempered for optimal mechanical characteristics.
  • Specific temperature ranges and minimum tempering times are prescribed to achieve desired strength and ductility.

• Mechanical Properties

  • Plates must meet tensile strength, yield strength, and elongation requirements through tension testing.
  • Grades have defined ranges to ensure suitability for pressure-containing applications.

• Plate Thickness

  • Maximum thickness is determined by the ability to meet mechanical criteria.
  • Common practice limits thickness to 22 mm for Grades A and B, and 50 mm for Grade C.

• Supplementary Requirements

  • Optional additional tests such as vacuum treatment, impact testing, ultrasonic and magnetic particle examination, and post-weld heat treatment simulation may be specified for special applications.

Applications

ASTM A724/A724M-09(2023) steel plates serve critical roles in the fabrication of welded pressure vessels across industries such as:

• Petrochemical and Chemical Processing: Reliable containment for high-pressure fluids and gases.
• Power Generation: Used in boilers, heat exchangers, and steam drums where elevated strength and resilience are essential.
• Oil & Gas Industry: Construction of storage tanks and pressure vessels exposed to demanding operational environments.
• Industrial Manufacturing: Suitable for reactors, separation columns, and heavy machinery requiring robust and tested pressure vessel steel.

The specification's requirements ensure the finished plates exhibit superior toughness, weldability, and resistance to fracture, making them highly valued in safety-sensitive applications.

Related Standards

For manufacturers, engineers, and specifiers, it is important to consider these related standards alongside ASTM A724/A724M:

• ASTM A20/A20M - General requirements for steel plates intended for pressure vessels, detailing additional procedures for testing and inspection.
• ASME SA-724/SA-724M - Corresponding Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code specification for code-stamped constructions.
• ISO 9328 - International specifications for pressure vessel steel plates.
• ASTM Standards for Steel Plates - Including ASTM A516 (carbon steel for moderate and lower temperature service) and A537 (heat-treated carbon-manganese-silicon steel plates).

Practical Benefits

Utilizing steel plates conforming to ASTM A724/A724M-09(2023) delivers:

• Assured Compliance: Meets global and industry-specific quality and safety requirements.
• Enhanced Durability: Quenched and tempered treatment ensures long-term performance under high pressure and temperature.
• Design Flexibility: Multiple grade options and supplementary requirements allow tailoring to project-specific needs.

By specifying ASTM A724/A724M plates, organizations gain confidence in the reliability and safety of their pressure vessels, supporting risk mitigation and regulatory alignment.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: A724/A724M − 09 (Reapproved 2023)
Standard Specification for
Pressure Vessel Plates, Carbon-Manganese-Silicon Steel,
Quenched and Tempered, for Welded Pressure Vessels
This standard is issued under the fixed designation A724/A724M; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year
of original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.
A superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 3. General Requirements and Ordering Information
1.1 This specification covers three grades of carbon- 3.1 Material supplied to this material specification shall
manganese-silicon steel, designated Grades A, B, and C. Grade conform to Specification A20/A20M. These requirements out-
C may be produced with a boron addition. The plates are line the testing and retesting methods and procedures, permit-
quenched and tempered and are intended for welded-layered ted variations in dimensions and weight, quality and repair of
pressure vessels. defects, marking, loading, and ordering information.
1.2 The maximum thickness of plates supplied under this 3.2 In addition to the basic requirements of this
specification is limited only by the capability of the chemical specification, certain supplementary requirements are available
composition to meet the specified mechanical requirements. when additional control, testing, or examination is required to
However, current practice normally limits the maximum thick- meet end use requirements. The purchaser is referred to the
ness to ⁄8 in. [22 mm] for Grades A and B, and to 2 in. [50 mm] listed supplementary requirements in this specification and to
for Grade C. the detailed requirements in Specification A20/A20M.
1.3 The values stated in either inch-pound units or SI units 3.3 If the requirements of this specification are in conflict
are to be regarded separately as standard. Within the text, the with the requirements of Specification A20/A20M, the require-
SI units are shown in brackets. The values stated in each ments of this specification shall prevail.
system are not exact equivalents; therefore, each system must
4. Manufacture
be used independently of the other. Combining values from the
two systems may result in nonconformance with the specifi- 4.1 Steelmaking Process—The steel shall be killed and shall
conform to the fine austenitic grain size requirement of
cation.
Specification A20/A20M.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
5. Heat Treatment
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
5.1 All plates shall be quenched from a temperature in the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
range from 1600 °F to 1700 °F [870 °C to 925 °C]. Grades A
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
and B shall then be tempered at not less than 1100 °F [595 °C],
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
and Grade C shall then be tempered at not less than 1150 °F
[620 °C]. The tempering soaking time shall be not less than
2. Referenced Documents
⁄2 h.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
A20/A20M Specification for General Requirements for Steel
6. Chemical Composition
Plates for Pressure Vessels
6.1 The steel shall conform to the requirements as to
chemical composition prescribed in Table 1.
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee A01 on Steel,
7. Mechanical Properties
Stainless Steel and Related Alloys and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
A01.11 on Steel Plates for Boilers and Pressure Vessels.
7.1 Tension Test Requirements:
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2023. Published December 2023. Originally
7.1.1 The material as represented by the tension test speci-
approved in 1975. Last previous edition approved in 2018 as A724/A724M – 09
mens shall conform to the requirements given in Table 2.
(2018). DOI: 10.1520/A0724_A0724M-09R23.
7.1.2 For nominal plate thicknesses of ⁄4 in. [20 mm] and
For ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code applications, see related Specifi-
cation SA-724/SA-724M i
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