Standard Specification for Pressure Vessel Plates, Carbon Steel, Low- and Intermediate-Tensile Strength

ABSTRACT
This specification covers carbon steel plates of low- and intermediate-tensile strengths which may be made by killed, semi-killed, capped, or rimmed steel. These plates are intended for fusion-welded pressure vessels. Plates are normally supplied in the as-rolled condition. The steel shall conform to the required chemical compositions. The plates, as represented by the tension test specimens, shall conform to the mechanical property requirements.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification2 covers carbon steel plates of low- and intermediate-tensile strengths which may be killed or semi-killed at the producer’s option. These plates are intended for fusion-welded pressure vessels.  
1.2 Plates under this specification are available in three grades having different strength levels as follows:    
Grade  
Tensile Strength, ksi [MPa]  
A  
45–65 [310–450]  
B  
50–70 [345–485]  
C  
55–75 [380–515]  
1.3 The maximum thickness of plates is limited by the capacity of the composition to meet the specified mechanical property requirements.  
Note 1: For killed carbon steels only, refer to the following ASTM specifications:3
A299/A299M Specification for Pressure Vessel Plates, Carbon Steel, Manganese-Silicon
A515/A515M Specification for Pressure Vessel Plates, Carbon Steel, for Intermediate- and Higher-Temperature Service
A516/A516M Specification for Pressure Vessel Plates, Carbon Steel, for Moderate- and Lower-Temperature Service  
1.4 For plates produced from coil and furnished without heat treatment or with stress relieving only, the additional requirements, including additional testing requirements and the reporting of additional test results, of Specification A20/A20M apply.  
1.5 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.  
1.6 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-2017

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Overview

ASTM A285/A285M-17 is a widely recognized standard specification developed by ASTM International for pressure vessel plates made of carbon steel with low and intermediate tensile strengths. This specification covers steel plates that are primarily intended for use in fusion-welded pressure vessels. The standard supports the use of plates made by killed, semi-killed, capped, or rimmed steel processes, and typically provides guidance for plates delivered in the as-rolled condition.

This standard ensures that steel pressure vessel plates meet specific mechanical property and chemical composition requirements, making them suitable for safe operation in a variety of applications. The standard addresses three different grades, each with defined tensile strength requirements, facilitating the correct material selection for various service conditions.

Key Topics

  • Material Scope

    • Covers low and intermediate tensile strength carbon steel plates.
    • Applicable for plates made using killed or semi-killed steel manufacturing practices.
    • Plates are primarily supplied as-rolled, but normalization or stress relief is permitted.
  • Grades and Mechanical Properties

    • Grade A: Tensile strength 45–65 ksi [310–450 MPa]
    • Grade B: Tensile strength 50–70 ksi [345–485 MPa]
    • Grade C: Tensile strength 55–75 ksi [380–515 MPa]
    • Maximum plate thickness limited by ability to meet mechanical property requirements (typically up to 2 in. [50 mm]).
  • Chemical Composition

    • Specifies maximum allowable carbon (ranging from 0.17% to 0.28% depending on grade), manganese, phosphorus, and sulfur contents.
  • Testing Requirements

    • Plates must pass tension testing for conformity with mechanical properties.
    • Additional requirements for plates produced from coils, including supplementary testing and reporting.
  • International Compliance

    • Developed following internationally recognized standards principles, ensuring wide acceptance and utility.

Applications

ASTM A285/A285M-17 is essential in industries that rely on the safety and reliability of fabricated pressure vessels, including:

  • Oil and Gas: Used in the construction of storage tanks, separators, and process vessels operated under various pressures.
  • Petrochemical: Common in reactors, heat exchangers, and pressure containment systems.
  • Power Generation: Suitable for use in boilers, drums, and other steam-related components.
  • General Industrial Processing: Applicable for any process requiring fusion-welded pressure containment with moderate strength requirements.

The specified grades under ASTM A285/A285M-17 offer designers and engineers flexibility in matching the plate's mechanical properties to specific operating environments, balancing cost and safety requirements. The standard is also referenced for compliance in projects that require adherence to international quality benchmarks for pressure vessel fabrication.

Related Standards

ASTM A285/A285M-17 incorporates and references several other important ASTM standards for carbon steel pressure vessel plates:

  • ASTM A20/A20M: General requirements for steel plates for pressure vessels
  • ASTM A299/A299M: Manganese-silicon carbon steel pressure vessel plates
  • ASTM A515/A515M: Pressure vessel plates, carbon steel, for intermediate- and higher-temperature service
  • ASTM A516/A516M: Pressure vessel plates, carbon steel, for moderate- and lower-temperature service
  • ASTM A435/A435M, A577/A577M, A578/A578M: Ultrasonic examination standards for steel plates

These related standards provide guidance for alternative chemical compositions, temperature regimes, and examination methods to ensure the highest levels of safety and performance across a range of pressure vessel applications.

Keywords: ASTM A285, pressure vessel plates, carbon steel, low tensile strength, intermediate tensile strength, steel plate standard, fusion-welded vessels, mechanical properties, chemical composition, ASTM International.

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Frequently Asked Questions

ASTM A285/A285M-17 is a technical specification published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Specification for Pressure Vessel Plates, Carbon Steel, Low- and Intermediate-Tensile Strength". This standard covers: ABSTRACT This specification covers carbon steel plates of low- and intermediate-tensile strengths which may be made by killed, semi-killed, capped, or rimmed steel. These plates are intended for fusion-welded pressure vessels. Plates are normally supplied in the as-rolled condition. The steel shall conform to the required chemical compositions. The plates, as represented by the tension test specimens, shall conform to the mechanical property requirements. SCOPE 1.1 This specification2 covers carbon steel plates of low- and intermediate-tensile strengths which may be killed or semi-killed at the producer’s option. These plates are intended for fusion-welded pressure vessels. 1.2 Plates under this specification are available in three grades having different strength levels as follows: Grade Tensile Strength, ksi [MPa] A 45–65 [310–450] B 50–70 [345–485] C 55–75 [380–515] 1.3 The maximum thickness of plates is limited by the capacity of the composition to meet the specified mechanical property requirements. Note 1: For killed carbon steels only, refer to the following ASTM specifications:3 A299/A299M Specification for Pressure Vessel Plates, Carbon Steel, Manganese-Silicon A515/A515M Specification for Pressure Vessel Plates, Carbon Steel, for Intermediate- and Higher-Temperature Service A516/A516M Specification for Pressure Vessel Plates, Carbon Steel, for Moderate- and Lower-Temperature Service 1.4 For plates produced from coil and furnished without heat treatment or with stress relieving only, the additional requirements, including additional testing requirements and the reporting of additional test results, of Specification A20/A20M apply. 1.5 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. 1.6 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.

ABSTRACT This specification covers carbon steel plates of low- and intermediate-tensile strengths which may be made by killed, semi-killed, capped, or rimmed steel. These plates are intended for fusion-welded pressure vessels. Plates are normally supplied in the as-rolled condition. The steel shall conform to the required chemical compositions. The plates, as represented by the tension test specimens, shall conform to the mechanical property requirements. SCOPE 1.1 This specification2 covers carbon steel plates of low- and intermediate-tensile strengths which may be killed or semi-killed at the producer’s option. These plates are intended for fusion-welded pressure vessels. 1.2 Plates under this specification are available in three grades having different strength levels as follows: Grade Tensile Strength, ksi [MPa] A 45–65 [310–450] B 50–70 [345–485] C 55–75 [380–515] 1.3 The maximum thickness of plates is limited by the capacity of the composition to meet the specified mechanical property requirements. Note 1: For killed carbon steels only, refer to the following ASTM specifications:3 A299/A299M Specification for Pressure Vessel Plates, Carbon Steel, Manganese-Silicon A515/A515M Specification for Pressure Vessel Plates, Carbon Steel, for Intermediate- and Higher-Temperature Service A516/A516M Specification for Pressure Vessel Plates, Carbon Steel, for Moderate- and Lower-Temperature Service 1.4 For plates produced from coil and furnished without heat treatment or with stress relieving only, the additional requirements, including additional testing requirements and the reporting of additional test results, of Specification A20/A20M apply. 1.5 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. 1.6 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.

ASTM A285/A285M-17 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 77.140.50 - Flat steel products and semi-products. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.

ASTM A285/A285M-17 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ASTM A577/A577M-17(2023), ASTM A435/A435M-17(2023), ASTM A578/A578M-17(2023), ASTM A20/A20M-18, ASTM A20/A20M-17, ASTM A578/A578M-17, ASTM A20/A20M-15, ASTM A515/A515M-10(2015), ASTM A20/A20M-14, ASTM A299/A299M-09(2014), ASTM A20/A20M-13, ASTM A578/A578M-07(2012), ASTM A435/A435M-90(2012), ASTM A577/A577M-90(2012), ASTM A20/A20M-11. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.

ASTM A285/A285M-17 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.

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:A285/A285M −17
Standard Specification for
Pressure Vessel Plates, Carbon Steel, Low- and
Intermediate-Tensile Strength
This standard is issued under the fixed designationA285/A285M; 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.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope* system are not exact equivalents; therefore, each system must
2 be used independently of the other. Combining values from the
1.1 This specification covers carbon steel plates of low-
two systems may result in nonconformance with the specifi-
and intermediate-tensile strengths which may be killed or
cation.
semi-killed at the producer’s option. These plates are intended
for fusion-welded pressure vessels. 1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
1.2 Plates under this specification are available in three
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
grades having different strength levels as follows:
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
Grade Tensile Strength, ksi [MPa]
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
A 45–65 [310–450]
B 50–70 [345–485] Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
C 55–75 [380–515]
1.3 The maximum thickness of plates is limited by the 2. Referenced Documents
capacity of the composition to meet the specified mechanical
2.1 ASTM Standards:
property requirements.
A20/A20M SpecificationforGeneralRequirementsforSteel
NOTE 1—For killed carbon steels only, refer to the following ASTM Plates for Pressure Vessels
specifications:
A299/A299M Specification for Pressure Vessel Plates, Car-
A299/A299M Specification for Pressure Vessel Plates, Carbon Steel,
bon Steel, Manganese-Silicon
Manganese-Silicon
A435/A435M Specification for Straight-Beam Ultrasonic
A515/A515M Specification for Pressure Vessel Plates, Carbon Steel,
Examination of Steel Plates
for Intermediate- and Higher-Temperature Service
A516/A516M Specification for Pressure Vessel Plates, Carbon Steel,
A515/A515M Specification for Pressure Vessel Plates, Car-
for Moderate- and Lower-Temperature Service
bon Steel, for Intermediate- and Higher-Temperature Ser-
1.4 For plates produced from coil and furnished without vice
heat treatment or with stress relieving only, the additional A516/A516M Specification for Pressure Vessel Plates, Car-
requirements,includingadditionaltestingrequirementsandthe bon Steel, for Moderate- and Lower-Temperature Service
reporting of additional test results, of Specification A20/A20M A577/A577M Specification for Ultrasonic Angle-Beam Ex-
apply. amination of Steel Plates
A578/A578M Specification for Straight-Beam Ultrasonic
1.5 The values stated in either inch-pound units or SI units
Examination of Rolled Steel Plates for Special Applica-
are to be regarded separately as standard. Within the text, the
tions
SI units are shown in brackets. The values stated in each
3. General Requirements and Ordering Information
This specification is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee A01 on Steel,
3.1 Material supplied to this material specification shall
Stainless Steel and Related Alloys and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
conform to Specification A20/A20M. These requirements out-
A01.11 on Steel Plates for Boilers and Pressure Vessels.
line the testing and retesting methods and procedures, permit-
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2017. Published November 2017. Originally
approved in 1946. Last previous edition approved in 2012 as A285/A285M – 12.
ted variations in dimensions, and mass, quality and repair of
DOI: 10.1520/A0285_A0285M-17.
defects, marking, loading, and ordering information.
For ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code applications, see related Specifi-
cation SA-285/SA-285M in Section II of that Code.
3.2 In addition to the basic requirements of this
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
specification, certain supplementary requirements are available
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
when additional control, testing, or examination is required to
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. meet end use requirements. The purchaser is referred to the
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
A285/A285M−17
TABLE 1 Chemical Requirements
Composition, %
Elements
Grade A Grade B Gra
...


This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: A285/A285M − 12 A285/A285M − 17
Standard Specification for
Pressure Vessel Plates, Carbon Steel, Low- and
Intermediate-Tensile Strength
This standard is issued under the fixed designation A285/A285M; 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.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope*
1.1 This specification covers carbon steel plates of low- and intermediate-tensile strengths which may be made by killed,
semi-killed, capped, or rimmed steel practices at the producer’skilled or semi-killed at the producer’s option. These plates are
intended for fusion-welded pressure vessels.
1.2 Plates under this specification are available in three grades having different strength levels as follows:
Grade Tensile Strength, ksi [MPa]
A 45–65 [310–450]
B 50–70 [345–485]
C 55–75 [380–515]
1.3 The maximum thickness of plates under this specification, for reasons of internal soundness, is limited to a maximum
thickness of 2 in. [50 mm] for all grades. is limited by the capacity of the composition to meet the specified mechanical property
requirements.
NOTE 1—For killed carbon steels only, refer to the following ASTM specifications:
A 299/A 299M Pressure Vessel Plates, Carbon Steel, Manganese-
Silicon.
A299/A299M Specification for Pressure Vessel Plates, Carbon Steel, Manganese-Silicon
A515/A515M Specification for Pressure Vessel Plates, Carbon Steel, for Intermediate- and Higher-Temperature Service
A516/A516M Specification for Pressure Vessel Plates, Carbon Steel, for Moderate- and Lower-Temperature Service
A 515/A 515M Pressure Vessel Plates, Carbon Steel, for
Intermediate- and Higher-Temperature Service
A 516/A 516M Pressure Vessel Plates, Carbon Steel, for Moderate-
and Lower-Temperature Service.
1.4 For plates produced from coil and furnished without heat treatment or with stress relieving only, the additional requirements,
including additional testing requirements and the reporting of additional test results, of Specification A20/A20M apply.
1.5 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.
1.6 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.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
A20/A20M Specification for General Requirements for Steel Plates for Pressure Vessels
A299/A299M Specification for Pressure Vessel Plates, Carbon Steel, Manganese-Silicon
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee A01 on Steel, Stainless Steel and Related Alloys and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee A01.11
on Steel Plates for Boilers and Pressure Vessels.
Current edition approved May 1, 2012Nov. 1, 2017. Published June 2012November 2017. Originally approved in 1946. Last previous edition approved in 20072012 as
A285/A285M – 03 (2007). 12. DOI: 10.1520/A0285_A0285M-12.10.1520/A0285_A0285M-17.
For ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code applications, see related Specification SA-285/SA-285M in Section II of that Code.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
A285/A285M − 17
A435/A435M Specification for Straight-Beam Ultrasonic Examination of Steel Plates
A515/A515M Specification for Pressure Vessel Plates, Carbon Steel, for Intermediate- and Higher-Temperature Service
A516/A516M Specification for Pressure Vessel Plates, Carbon Steel, for Moderate- and Lower-Temperature Service
A577/A577M Specification for Ultrasonic Angle-Beam Examination of Steel Plates
A578/A578M Specification for Straight-Beam Ultrasonic Examination of Rolled Steel Plates for Special Applications
3. General Requirements and Ordering Information
3.1 Material supplied to this material specification shall conform to Specification A20/A20M. These requirements outline the
testing and retesting methods and procedures, permitted variations in dimensions, and mass, quality and repair of defects, marking,
loading, and ordering information.
3.2 In addition to the basic requirements of this specification, certain supplementary req
...

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