ASTM A737/A737M-17

Standard Specification for Pressure Vessel Plates, High-Strength, Low-Alloy Steel

ABSTRACT
This specification covers high-strength low-alloy steel plates for service in welded pressure vessels and piping components. This material is particularly intended for piping and pressure vessel applications where high strength and improved toughness are required. Two grades, designated B and C, are covered. The steel shall be killed and shall conform to the fine austenitic grain size requirements specified. The material shall be normalized by heating to a suitable temperature which produces an austenitic structure holding a sufficient time to attain uniform heat throughout the material, and cooling in air. The steel shall conform to the requirements as to chemical compositions specified. The material as represented by the tension test specimen shall conform to the requirements specified.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification2 covers high-strength low-alloy steel plates for service in welded pressure vessels and piping components.  
1.2 This material is particularly intended for piping and pressure vessel applications where high strength and improved toughness are required.  
1.3 Two grades, designated B and C, are covered by this specification. Grade B provides a minimum yield strength of 50 ksi [345 MPa]. Grade C provides a minimum yield strength of 60 ksi [415 MPa].  
1.4 The maximum thickness of plates is limited only by the capacity of the chemical composition and heat treatment to meet the specified mechanical property requirements; however, current practice normally limits the maximum thickness to 4 in. [100 mm] for each grade.  
1.5 Grade C in the as-rolled condition is sensitive to cracking during flame cutting, transit, and handling, particularly in thicknesses over 2 in. [50 mm]. Plates should not be shipped in the as-rolled condition only except by mutual agreement between the manufacturer and the purchaser.  
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 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
• 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 A737/A737M-09(2013) - Standard Specification for Pressure Vessel Plates, High-Strength, Low-Alloy Steel
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2017
• Refers: ASTM A435/A435M-17(2023) - Standard Specification for Straight-Beam Ultrasonic Examination of Steel Plates
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023
• 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 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

Overview

ASTM A737/A737M-17 is an internationally recognized standard specification established by ASTM International for high-strength, low-alloy steel plates intended for use in welded pressure vessels and piping components. This standard specifically addresses the needs of pressure vessel and piping applications that demand high strength and improved toughness, ensuring safety and reliability in critical service conditions. It covers two grades, B and C, each providing defined mechanical properties suitable for various engineering requirements. The specification dictates the chemical composition, heat treatment, and mechanical property requirements, guaranteeing consistent material quality.

Key Topics

• Material Grades:
  • Grade B: Minimum yield strength of 50 ksi (345 MPa).
  • Grade C: Minimum yield strength of 60 ksi (415 MPa).
• Chemical Requirements:
  Materials must adhere to specified limits for carbon, manganese, phosphorus, sulfur, silicon, vanadium, and niobium (columbium), ensuring controlled alloy content for desired mechanical properties.
• Heat Treatment:
  Plates must be normalized, involving heating to specific temperatures to obtain a fine austenitic grain structure, followed by controlled cooling.
• Mechanical Properties:
  Required tensile strengths, elongation limits, and yield strengths are clearly specified for both grades, ensuring predictable performance under pressure.
• Thickness Limitations:
  While chemical composition and heat treatment capacity dictate maximum thickness, standard practice typically limits plates to a maximum of 4 inches (100 mm) for both grades.
• Dual Unit Standards:
  Both inch-pound and SI units are provided, with explicit instructions to use only one system for compliance.

Applications

ASTM A737/A737M-17 steel plates are widely utilized in:

• Welded Pressure Vessels:
  Ideal for fabricating pressure vessels used in industries such as oil and gas, power generation, and chemical processing, where material strength and toughness are paramount.
• Piping Components:
  Suitable for manufacturing critical piping systems subjected to high pressure and demanding service conditions.
• Boiler Construction:
  Applied in the construction of boilers and heat exchangers requiring reliable, strong, and tough steel plates.
• Heavy Industrial Equipment:
  Utilized in structural components where high-load-bearing capacity and resistance to brittle fracture are crucial.

This standard provides assurance of quality and fitness for use in environments where both performance and safety are non-negotiable.

Related Standards

When using ASTM A737/A737M-17, several related standards may also be relevant:

• ASTM A20/A20M: General requirements for steel plates used in pressure vessels. This standard governs testing, dimensional tolerances, and marking.
• ASTM A435/A435M: Straight-beam ultrasonic examination of steel plates.
• ASTM A577/A577M: Ultrasonic angle-beam examination of steel plates.
• ASTM A578/A578M: Straight-beam ultrasonic examination for special applications.

Additionally, for code compliance, see SA-737 in the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code.

Practical Value

Compliance with ASTM A737/A737M-17 ensures:

• Consistent material quality for high-strength, low-alloy steel plates.
• Reliable performance in welded pressure vessels and piping systems.
• Compatibility with international practices and recognized industrial codes.
• Improved safety and durability for critical infrastructure.

By following this standard, manufacturers, engineers, and purchasers can confidently specify materials that meet rigorous requirements for pressure vessel construction and related applications.

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:A737/A737M −17
Standard Specification for
Pressure Vessel Plates, High-Strength, Low-Alloy Steel
This standard is issued under the fixed designationA737/A737M; 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* 2. Referenced Documents
2 3
1.1 This specification covers high-strength low-alloy steel 2.1 ASTM Standards:
plates for service in welded pressure vessels and piping A20/A20M SpecificationforGeneralRequirementsforSteel
components. Plates for Pressure Vessels
A435/A435M Specification for Straight-Beam Ultrasonic
1.2 This material is particularly intended for piping and
Examination of Steel Plates
pressure vessel applications where high strength and improved
A577/A577M Specification for Ultrasonic Angle-Beam Ex-
toughness are required.
amination of Steel Plates
1.3 Two grades, designated B and C, are covered by this
A578/A578M Specification for Straight-Beam Ultrasonic
specification. Grade B provides a minimum yield strength of
Examination of Rolled Steel Plates for Special Applica-
50 ksi [345 MPa]. Grade C provides a minimum yield strength
tions
of 60 ksi [415 MPa].
3. General Requirements and Ordering Information
1.4 The maximum thickness of plates is limited only by the
capacity of the chemical composition and heat treatment to
3.1 Material supplied to this specification shall conform to
meetthespecifiedmechanicalpropertyrequirements;however,
the requirements of Specification A20/A20M. These require-
currentpracticenormallylimitsthemaximumthicknessto4in. mentsoutlinethetestingandretestingmethodsandprocedures,
[100 mm] for each grade.
permitted variations in dimensions and mass, quality, repair of
defects, marking, loading, and ordering information.
1.5 Grade C in the as-rolled condition is sensitive to
cracking during flame cutting, transit, and handling, particu-
3.2 In addition to the basic requirements of this
larly in thicknesses over 2 in. [50 mm]. Plates should not be specification, certain supplementary requirements are available
shipped in the as-rolled condition only except by mutual
when additional control, testing, or examination is required to
agreement between the manufacturer and the purchaser. meet end use requirements. The purchaser is referred to the
listed supplementary requirements in this specification and to
1.6 The values stated in either inch-pound units or SI units
the detailed requirements in Specification A20/A20M.
are to be regarded separately as standard. Within the text, the
SI units are shown in brackets. The values stated in each
3.3 If the requirements of this specification are in conflict
system are not exact equivalents; therefore, each system must
with the requirements of Specification A20/A20M, the require-
be used independently of the other. Combining values from the
ments of this specification shall prevail.
two systems may result in nonconformance with the specifi-
4. Manufacture
cation.
4.1 Steelmaking Practice—The steel shall be killed and
1.7 This international standard was developed in accor-
shall conform to the fine austenitic grain size requirement of
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
Specification A20/A20M.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
5. Heat Treatment
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee. 5.1 Thematerialshallbenormalizedbyheatingtoasuitable
temperature which produces an austenitic structure, but not
exceeding 1700°F [925°C], holding a sufficient time to attain
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee A01 on Steel,
uniform heat throughout the material, and cooling in air.
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, 2017. Published November 2017. Originally
approved in 1976. Last previous edition approved in 2013 as A737/A737M – 09 For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
(2013). DOI: 10.1520/A0737_A0737M-17. 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-737 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
----
...

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: A737/A737M − 09 (Reapproved 2013) A737/A737M − 17
Standard Specification for
Pressure Vessel Plates, High-Strength, Low-Alloy Steel
This standard is issued under the fixed designation A737/A737M; 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 Scope*
1.1 This specification covers high-strength low-alloy steel plates for service in welded pressure vessels and piping components.
1.2 This material is particularly intended for piping and pressure vessel applications where high strength and improved
toughness are required.
1.3 Two grades, designated B and C, are covered by this specification. Grade B provides a minimum yield strength of 50 ksi
[345 MPa]. Grade C provides a minimum yield strength of 60 ksi [415 MPa].
1.4 The maximum thickness of plates is limited only by the capacity of the chemical composition and heat treatment to meet
the specified mechanical property requirements; however, current practice normally limits the maximum thickness to 4 in. [100
mm] for each grade.
1.5 Grade C in the as-rolled condition is sensitive to cracking during flame cutting, transit, and handling, particularly in
thicknesses over 2 in. [50 mm]. Plates should not be shipped in the as-rolled condition only except by mutual agreement between
the manufacturer and the purchaser.
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 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
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 specification shall conform to the requirements of Specification A20/A20M. These requirements
outline the testing and retesting methods and procedures, permitted variations in dimensions and mass, quality, 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.
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 Oct. 1, 2013Nov. 1, 2017. Published October 2013November 2017. Originally approved in 1976. Last previous edition approved in 20092013
as A737/A737M – 09. 09 (2013). DOI: 10.1520/A0737_A0737M-13.10.1520/A0737_A0737M-17.
For ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code applications see related Specification SA-737 in Section II of that code.
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.
*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
A737/A737M − 17
TABLE 1 Chemical Requirements
NOTE 1—Where “…” appears in this table, there is no requirement.
Composition, %
Element Grade B Grade C
Heat Product Heat Product
Carbon, max 0.20 0.22 0.22 0.24
A A
Manganese 1.15–1.50 1.07–1.62 1.15–1.50 1.07–1.62
Phosphorus, m
...