ASTM A553/A553M-22

Standard Specification for Pressure Vessel Plates, Alloy Steel, Quenched and Tempered 7 %, 8 %, and 9 % Nickel

ABSTRACT
This specification covers 8 and 9% nickel alloy steel plates for use in the water quenched and tempered condition intended for the fabrication of welded pressure vessels. The materials shall be available in two types, namely Type I and II, having different chemical compositions. The maximum thickness of plates is limited only by the capacity of the material to meet the specified mechanical property requirements. The material is susceptible to magnetization and the use of magnets in handling after heat treatment should be avoided if residual magnetism would be detrimental to subsequent fabrication or service. The steels shall be killed and shall conform to the fine austenitic grain size requirement specified. The plates shall be tempered and hardened by heat treatment. The specimens shall be subjected to tension and Charpy V-notch impact tests.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification2 covers 7 %, 8 %, and 9 % nickel alloy steel plates for use in the water quenched and tempered condition intended for the fabrication of welded pressure vessels.  
1.2 Material under this specification is available in three types having different chemical composition as follows:    
Type  
Nominal Nickel Content, %  
I  
9  
II  
8    
III  
7  
1.3 Plates produced under this specification are subject to impact testing at −320 °F [−195 °C] for Type I or Type III, and −275 °F [−170 °C] for Type II; or at such other temperatures as are agreed upon.  
1.4 The maximum thickness of plates is limited only by the capacity of the material to meet the specified mechanical property requirements.  
1.5 This material is susceptible to magnetization. Use of magnets in handling after heat treatment should be avoided if residual magnetism would be detrimental to subsequent fabrication or service.  
1.6 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.  
1.7 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.8 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-2022
• ICS: 77.140.50 - Flat steel products and semi-products
• Technical Committee: A01 - Steel, Stainless Steel and Related Alloys
• Drafting Committee: A01.11 - Steel Plates for Boilers and Pressure Vessels

Relations

• Refers: ASTM A578/A578M-17(2023) - Standard Specification for Straight-Beam Ultrasonic Examination of Rolled Steel Plates for Special Applications
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023
• Refers: ASTM A435/A435M-17(2023) - Standard Specification for Straight-Beam Ultrasonic Examination of Steel Plates
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023
• Refers: ASTM A577/A577M-17(2023) - Standard Specification for Ultrasonic Angle-Beam Examination of Steel Plates
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023
• Refers: ASTM A20/A20M-18 - Standard Specification for General Requirements for Steel Plates for Pressure Vessels
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2018
• Refers: ASTM A20/A20M-17 - Standard Specification for General Requirements for Steel Plates for Pressure Vessels
• Effective Date: 15-Nov-2017
• Refers: ASTM A578/A578M-17 - Standard Specification for Straight-Beam Ultrasonic Examination of Rolled Steel Plates for Special Applications
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2017
• Refers: ASTM A20/A20M-15 - Standard Specification for General Requirements for Steel Plates for Pressure Vessels
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2015
• Refers: ASTM A20/A20M-14 - Standard Specification for General Requirements for Steel Plates for Pressure Vessels
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2014
• Refers: ASTM A20/A20M-13 - Standard Specification for General Requirements for Steel Plates for Pressure Vessels
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2013
• Refers: ASTM A577/A577M-90(2012) - Standard Specification for Ultrasonic Angle-Beam Examination of Steel Plates
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2012
• Refers: ASTM A435/A435M-90(2012) - Standard Specification for Straight-Beam Ultrasonic Examination of Steel Plates
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2012
• Refers: ASTM A578/A578M-07(2012) - Standard Specification for Straight-Beam Ultrasonic Examination of Rolled Steel Plates for Special Applications
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2012
• Refers: ASTM A20/A20M-11 - Standard Specification for General Requirements for Steel Plates for Pressure Vessels
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2011
• Refers: ASTM A20/A20M-10 - Standard Specification for General Requirements for Steel Plates for Pressure Vessels
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2010
• Refers: ASTM A20/A20M-09 - Standard Specification for General Requirements for Steel Plates for Pressure Vessels
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2009

Overview

ASTM A553/A553M-22 is the standard specification developed by ASTM International for pressure vessel plates made of quenched and tempered alloy steel containing 7%, 8%, or 9% nickel. These specialty alloy steel plates are critically designed for use in welded pressure vessels and are supplied in the water quenched and tempered condition. The inclusion of high-nickel content makes these plates suitable for low-temperature service, ensuring toughness and strength at cryogenic temperatures. The standard covers three types (Type I, II, and III), each corresponding to a different nominal nickel percentage and associated properties.

Key Topics

• Nickel Alloy Steel Grades:

  • Type I: 9% nickel
  • Type II: 8% nickel
  • Type III: 7% nickel

• Intended Applications:

  • Designed for the fabrication of welded pressure vessels, particularly where low-temperature toughness is required.

• Material Properties:

  • Plates must meet strict mechanical property requirements, including tensile strength (100-120 ksi), minimum yield strength (85 ksi), and elongation (20%).
  • Impact testing is mandatory at very low temperatures:
    • Type I and III: −320 °F [−195 °C]
    • Type II: −275 °F [−170 °C]

• Heat Treatment:

  • All plates are subjected to water quenching and tempering, following prescribed temperature ranges.
  • Optional intermediate heat treatment may be applied to enhance elongation and notch-toughness.

• Magnetization:

  • The material is susceptible to magnetization. Caution should be exercised regarding the use of magnets during handling after heat treatment when residual magnetism may compromise fabrication or end-use performance.

• Surface Finish:

  • Plates are required to be descaled post-heat treatment to prevent masking of surface imperfections.

• Testing and Marking:

  • Plates undergo tension and Charpy V-notch impact testing.
  • Supplementary requirements available for more stringent testing (e.g., vacuum treatment, ultrasonic examination, magnetic particle examination).

Applications

ASTM A553/A553M-22 alloy steel pressure vessel plates are widely used in applications where superior mechanical properties at low temperatures are mandatory. Key applications include:

• Cryogenic storage tanks: Storage of liquefied gases like LNG (liquefied natural gas) and nitrogen, where subzero toughness is required.
• Welded pressure vessels: Used in petrochemical, chemical processing, energy, and refining industries for the fabrication of reliable, durable pressure containers.
• Low-temperature process equipment: Essential for safe operation in facilities handling volatile fluids at cryogenic or refrigerated conditions.

The specified heat treatments and mechanical testing assure performance under the most demanding cold service environments.

Related Standards

For full compliance and integration into broader pressure vessel and steel plate applications, ASTM A553/A553M-22 cross-references several related standards:

• ASTM A20/A20M: General Requirements for Steel Plates for Pressure Vessels (governs testing, ordering, and general compliance)
• ASTM A435/A435M, A577/A577M, A578/A578M: Ultrasonic examination standards for steel plates, applicable for detecting internal flaws
• ASME SA-553/SA-553M: Equivalent specification for compliance with the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code

Other supplementary requirements include vacuum deoxidization, simulated post-weld heat treatment testing, and special impact energy absorption criteria.

ASTM A553/A553M-22 remains an essential, highly referenced standard for ensuring safety, performance, and compliance in the construction of low-temperature welded pressure vessels worldwide.

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:A553/A553M −22
Standard Specification for
Pressure Vessel Plates, Alloy Steel, Quenched and
Tempered 7%, 8%, and 9 % Nickel
This standard is issued under the fixed designationA553/A553M; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year
of original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.
A superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope* priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.1 This specification covers 7%, 8%, and 9% nickel
1.8 This international standard was developed in accor-
alloy steel plates for use in the water quenched and tempered
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
condition intended for the fabrication of welded pressure
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
vessels.
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
1.2 Material under this specification is available in three
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
types having different chemical composition as follows:
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Type Nominal Nickel Content, %
I9
2. Referenced Documents
II 8
III 7
2.1 ASTM Standards:
A20/A20MSpecificationforGeneralRequirementsforSteel
1.3 Plates produced under this specification are subject to
Plates for Pressure Vessels
impact testing at −320°F [−195°C] forType I orType III, and
A435/A435MSpecification for Straight-Beam Ultrasonic
−275°F[−170°C]forTypeII;oratsuchothertemperaturesas
Examination of Steel Plates
are agreed upon.
A577/A577MSpecification for Ultrasonic Angle-Beam Ex-
1.4 The maximum thickness of plates is limited only by the
amination of Steel Plates
capacity of the material to meet the specified mechanical
A578/A578MSpecification for Straight-Beam Ultrasonic
property requirements.
Examination of Rolled Steel Plates for Special Applica-
1.5 This material is susceptible to magnetization. Use of tions
magnets in handling after heat treatment should be avoided if
residual magnetism would be detrimental to subsequent fabri- 3. General Requirements and Ordering Information
cation or service.
3.1 Material supplied to this material specification shall
conform to Specification A20/A20M. These requirements out-
1.6 The values stated in either inch-pound units or SI units
line the testing and retesting methods and procedures, permit-
are to be regarded separately as standard. Within the text, the
ted variations in dimensions, and mass, quality and repair of
SI units are shown in brackets. The values stated in each
defects, marking, loading, and ordering information.
system are not exact equivalents; therefore, each system must
beusedindependentlyoftheother.Combiningvaluesfromthe
3.2 In addition to the basic requirements of this
two systems may result in nonconformance with the specifi-
specification,certainsupplementaryrequirementsareavailable
cation.
when additional control, testing, or examination is required to
1.7 This standard does not purport to address all of the meet end use requirements. The purchaser is referred to the
listed supplementary requirements in this specification and to
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- the detailed requirements in Specification A20/A20M.
3.3 If the requirements of this specification are in conflict
withtherequirementsofSpecificationA20/A20M,therequire-
ments of this specification shall prevail.
This specification is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee A01 on Steel,
Stainless Steel and RelatedAlloys and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
A01.11 on Steel Plates for Boilers and Pressure Vessels.
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2022. Published December 2022. Originally
ɛ1
approved in 1965. Last previous edition approved in 2017 as A553/A553M–17 . For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
DOI: 10.1520/A0553_A0553M-22. contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
For ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code applications, see related Specifi- Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
cation SA-553/SA-553M in Section II of that Code. 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
A553/A553M−22
TABLE 1 Chemical Requirements
Element Composition, %
Type I Type II Type III
A
Carbon, max 0.13 0.13 0.13
Manganese, max:
Heat analysis 0.90 0.90 0.90
Product analysis 0.98 0.98 0.98
A
Phosphorus, max 0.015 0.015 0.010
A
Sulfur, max 0.015 0.015 0.010
Silicon:
B B A
Heat analysis 0.15–0.40 0.15–0.40 0.05–0.30
C C
Product analysis 0.13–0.45 0.13–0.45
Nickel:
A
Heat analysis 8.50–9.50 7.50–8.50 6.50–7.50
Product analysis 8.40–9.60 7.40–8.60
A
Molybdenum . . 0.10–0.30
D A
Columbium (Niobium), max . . 0.03
A
Applies to both heat and product analyses.
B
Silicon may be less than 0.15 %, provided total aluminum is 0.030 % or over, or provided acid soluble aluminum is 0.025 % or over.
C
Silicon may be less than 0.13 %, provided total aluminum is 0.030 % or over, or provided acid soluble aluminum is 0.025 % or over.
D
Columbium and niobium are interchangeable names for the same element and both names are acceptable for use in A01 specifications.
TABLE 2 Tensile Requirements
no case less than 15 min, and then cooled in air or liquid-
Tensile strength, ksi [MPa] 100 to 120 [690–825] quenched at a rate not less than 300°F⁄h [165°C⁄h].
Yield strength (0.2 % offset), min, ksi [MPa] 85 [585]
5.2.2.1 Prior to the tempering treatment, the plates may be
A
Elongation in 2 in. [50 mm], min, % 20.0
subjected to an intermediate heat treatment consisting of
A
See Specification A20/A20M for elongation adjustment.
heating to a temperature in the range from 1165°F to 1290°F
[630°C to 700°C] for Type I, or 1185°F to 1310°F [640°C
to 710°C] for Type II, or 1205°F to 1330°F [650°C to
4. Manufacture
720°C] for Type III; holding at that temperature for a suitable
4.1 Steelmaking Practice—The steel shall be killed and
time,butinnocaselessthan15min,andthenwater-quenching
shall conform to the fine austenitic grain size requirement of
to below 300°F [150°C] in the case of plate thicknesses of
Specification A20/A20M. 5
more than ⁄8 in. [16 mm] or cooling in air or water-quenching
to below 300°F [150°C] in the case of plate thicknesses of ⁄8
5. Heat Treatment
in. [16 mm] and under.
5.1 All plates shall be heat treated in accordance with 5.2.
NOTE 1—The intermediate heat treatment is for the purpose of
Shell plates and other parts, including heads and reinforcing
enhancing elongation and notch-toughness and for reducing susceptibility
pads, which are hea
...

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.
´1
Designation: A553/A553M − 17 A553/A553M − 22
Standard Specification for
Pressure Vessel Plates, Alloy Steel, Quenched and
Tempered 7, 8,7 %, 8 %, and 9 % Nickel
This standard is issued under the fixed designation A553/A553M; 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.
ε NOTE—An editorial correction was made to Footnote 1 in December 2019.
1. Scope*
1.1 This specification covers 7, 8,7 %, 8 %, and 9 % nickel alloy steel plates for use in the water quenched and tempered
condition intended for the fabrication of welded pressure vessels.
1.2 Material under this specification is available in three types having different chemical composition as follows:
Type Nominal Nickel Content, %
I 9
II 8
III 7
1.3 Plates produced under this specification are subject to impact testing at −320°F [−195°C]−320 °F [−195 °C] for Type I or Type
III, and −275°F [−170°C]−275 °F [−170 °C] for Type II; or at such other temperatures as are agreed upon.
1.4 The maximum thickness of plates is limited only by the capacity of the material to meet the specified mechanical property
requirements; however, current mill practice normally limits this material to 2 in. [50 mm] max. requirements.
1.5 This material is susceptible to magnetization. Use of magnets in handling after heat treatment should be avoided if residual
magnetism would be detrimental to subsequent fabrication or service.
1.6 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.
1.7 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of
regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.8 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.
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 Nov. 1, 2017Nov. 1, 2022. Published November 2017December 2022. Originally approved in 1965. Last previous edition approved in 20142017
ɛ1
as A553/A553M – 14.A553/A553M – 17 . DOI: 10.1520/A0553_A0553M-17E01.10.1520/A0553_A0553M-22.
For ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code applications, see related Specification SA-553/SA-553M in Section II of that Code.
*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
A553/A553M − 22
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
A20/A20M Specification for General Requirements for Steel Plates for Pressure Vessels
A435/A435M Specification for Straight-Beam Ultrasonic Examination of Steel Plates
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 requirements are available when additional
control, testing, or examination is required to meet end use requirements. The purchaser is referred to the listed supplementary
requirements in this specification and to the detailed requirements in Specification A20/A20M.
3.3 If the requirements of this specification are in conflict with the requirements of Specification A20/A20M, the requirements of
this specification shall prevail.
4. Manufacture
4.1 Steelmaking Practice—The steel shall be killed and shall conform to the fine austenitic grain size requirement of Specification
A20/A20M.
5. Heat Treatment
5.1 All plates shall be heat treated in accordance with 5.2. Shell plates and other parts, including heads and reinforcing pads, which
are heated for forming, shall be heat treated after forming in accordance with 5.2.
5.2 Heat Treatment Procedure—Heat treat all plates by heating to a suitable temperature within the range from 14751475 °F to
1700°F [8001700 °F [800 °C to 925°C],925 °C], holding for a sufficient time to obtain uniform temperature throughout the plate
thickness and then quenching in water. Subsequently, temper the plates within the range from 10501050 °F to 1175°F [5651175 °F
[565 °C to 635°C]635 °C] for Type I and Type II, or from 10001000 °F to 1125°F [5401125 °F [540 °C to 615°C]615 °C] for Type
TABLE 1 Chemical Requirements
Element Composition, %
Type I Type II Type III
A
Carbon, max 0.13 0.13 0.13
Manganese, max:
Heat analysis 0.90 0.90 0.90
Product analysis 0.98 0.98 0.98
A
Phosphorus, max 0.015 0.015 0.010
A
Sulfur, max 0.015 0.015 0.010
Silicon:
B B A
Heat analysis 0.15–0.40 0.15–0.40 0.05–0.30
C C
Product analysis 0.13–0.45 0.13–0.45
Nickel:
A
Heat analysis 8.50–9.50 7.50–8.50 6.50–7.50
Product analysis 8.40–9.60 7.40–8.60
A
Molybdenum . . 0.10–0.30
D A
Columbium (Niobium), max . . 0.03
A
Applies to both heat and product analyses.
B
Silicon may be less than 0.15 %, provided total aluminum is 0.030 % or over, or provided acid soluble aluminum is 0.025 % or over.
C
Silicon may be less than 0.13 %, provided total aluminum is 0.030 % or over, or provided acid soluble aluminum is 0.025 % or over.
D
Columbium and niobium are interchangeable names for the same element and both names are acceptable for use in A01 specifications.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
A553/A553M − 22
TABLE 2 Tensile Requirements
Tensile strength, ksi [MPa] 100 to 120 [690–825]
Yield strength (0.2 % offset), min, ksi [MPa] 85 [585]
A
Elongation in 2 in. [50 mm], min, % 20.0
A
See Specification A20/A20M for elongation adjustment.
III, holding at this temperature for a minimum of 30 min/in. [1.2 min/mm] of thickness but not less than 15 min, and cool in air
or water quench at a rate not less than 300°F/h300 °F [165°C/h].⁄h [165 °C ⁄h].
5.2.1 Hardening—Th
...