ASTM A541/A541M-95(1999)

Standard Specification for Quenched and Tempered Carbon and Alloy Steel Forgings for Pressure Vessel Components

SCOPE
1.1 This specification  covers requirements for quenched and tempered carbon and alloy steel forgings for pressure vessel components.  
1.2 All grades are considered weldable under proper conditions. Welding technique is of fundamental importance, and it is presupposed that welding procedure and inspection will be in accordance with approved methods for the grade of material used.  Note 1-Grades 1 and 1A have different chemistries but the same mechanical requirements. Note 2-Designations have been changed as follows: Current Formerly Grade 1 Grade 1A Grade 1C Grade 2 Class 1 Grade 2 Class 2 Grade 3 Class 1 Grade 3 Class 2 Grade 4N Class 1 Grade 4N Class 2 Grade 4N Class 3 Grade 5 Class 1 Grade 5 Class 2 Grade 11 Class 4 Grade 22 Class 3 Grade 22 Class 4 Grade 22 Class 5 Grade 22V Grade 3V Class 1 Class 1A Class 4 Class 2 Class 2A Class 3 Class 3A Class 7 Class 7A Class 7B Class 8 Class 8A Class 11C Class 22B Class 22C Class 22D Class 22V Class 3V
1.3 The values stated in either inch-pound units or SI (metric) units are to be regarded separately as the standard. Within the text and tables, 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 Unless the order specifies the applicable "M" specification designation, the material shall be furnished to the inch-pound units.

General Information

• Status: Historical
• Publication Date: 09-Sep-1999
• ICS: 77.140.30 - Steels for pressure purposes
• Technical Committee: A01 - Steel, Stainless Steel and Related Alloys
• Drafting Committee: A01.06 - Steel Forgings and Billets

Relations

• Replaced By: ASTM A541/A541M-04 - Standard Specification for Quenched and Tempered Carbon and Alloy Steel Forgings for Pressure Vessel Components
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2004
• Referred By: ASTM A788/A788M-23 - Standard Specification for Steel Forgings, General Requirements
• Effective Date: 10-Sep-1999

Standards Content (Sample)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn. Contact ASTM
International (www.astm.org) for the latest information.
Designation: A 541/A 541M – 95 (Reapproved 1999)
Standard Specification for
Quenched and Tempered Carbon and Alloy Steel Forgings
for Pressure Vessel Components
This standard is issued under the fixed designationA 541/A 541M; 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 (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 1.4 Unless the order specifies the applicable “M” specifica-
2 tion designation, the material shall be furnished to the inch-
1.1 This specification covers requirements for quenched
pound units.
and tempered carbon and alloy steel forgings for pressure
vessel components.
2. Referenced Documents
1.2 All grades are considered weldable under proper condi-
2.1 ASTM Standards:
tions. Welding technique is of fundamental importance, and it
A 275/A 275M Test Method for Magnetic Particle Exami-
ispresupposedthatweldingprocedureandinspectionwillbein
nation of Steel Forgings
accordance with approved methods for the grade of material
A 370 Test Methods and Definitions for MechanicalTesting
used.
of Steel Products
NOTE 1—Grades 1 and 1A have different chemistries but the same
A 388/A 388M Practice for Ultrasonic Examination of
mechanical requirements.
Heavy Steel Forgings
NOTE 2—Designations have been changed as follows:
A 788 Specification for Steel Forgings, General Require-
Current Formerly
ments
Grade 1 Class 1 E 208 Test Method for Conducting Drop-Weight Test to
Grade 1A Class 1A
Determine Nil-Ductility Transition Temperature of Ferritic
Grade 1C Class 4
Steels
Grade 2 Class 1 Class 2
Grade 2 Class 2 Class 2A
Grade 3 Class 1 Class 3 3. Ordering Information and General Requirements
Grade 3 Class 2 Class 3A
3.1 In addition to the ordering information required by
Grade 4N Class 1 Class 7
Specification A 788, the purchaser shall include with the
Grade 4N Class 2 Class 7A
Grade 4N Class 3 Class 7B
inquiry and order a detailed drawing that locates areas of
Grade 5 Class 1 Class 8
significant loading in the forging (when required); the method
Grade 5 Class 2 Class 8A
Grade 11 Class 4 Class 11C of selecting test locations (see 6.2); purchase option (if any) in
Grade 22 Class 3 Class 22B
accordance with 9.1, and any supplementary requirements
Grade 22 Class 4 Class 22C
desired.
Grade 22 Class 5 Class 22D
Grade 22V Class 22V 3.2 Material supplied to this specification shall conform to
Grade 3V Class 3V
the requirements of Specification A 788, which outlines addi-
1.3 The values stated in either inch-pound units or SI tional ordering information, manufacturing requirements, test-
(metric) units are to be regarded separately as the standard.
ing and retesting methods and procedures, marking, certifica-
Within the text and tables, the SI units are shown in brackets.
tion, product analysis variations, and additional supplementary
The values stated in each system are not exact equivalents;
requirements.
therefore,eachsystemmustbeusedindependentlyoftheother.
3.3 If the requirements of this specification are in conflict
Combining values from the two systems may result in noncon-
with the requirements of SpecificationA 788, the requirements
formance with the specification.
of this specification shall prevail.
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee A-1 on Steel,
Stainless Steel, and RelatedAlloys, and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
A01.06 on Steel Forgings and Billets.
Current edition approved Jan. 15, 1995. Published March 1995. Originally
published as A 541 – 65. Last previous edition A 541/A 541M – 94. Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 01.05.
2 4
For ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code applications see related Specifi- Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 01.03.
cation SA-541/SA-541M in Section II of that Code. Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 03.01.
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NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn. Contact ASTM
International (www.astm.org) for the latest information.
A 541/A 541M – 95 (1999)
4. Chemical Composition reheating within the intercritical temperature range to partially
reaustenitize, and again liquid quenched. On completion of the
4.1 Heat Analysis—The heat analysis obtained from sam-
austenitizing/quenching cycles, the forgings shall be tempered
plinginaccordancewithSpecificationA 788shallcomplywith
at a subcritical temperature as described in 5.1.
Table 1 except that the additional features of Supplementary
Requirements S8, S9, S10, S12, and S15 shall also apply as
6. Mechanical Properties
individually specified in the ordering information.
4.2 ProductAnalysis—The manufacturer shall use the prod-
6.1 General Requirements—The forgings shall conform to
uct analysis provision of Specification A 788 to obtain a
the requirements ofTable 2.The forgings shall also conform to
product analysis from a forging representing each heat or
the requirements of Table 3 unless either Supplementary
multiple heat. The permissible variations of Table 1 of Speci-
Requirement S6 or S13 is specified, in which case the
ficationA 788 do not apply to carbon, phosphorus, silicon and
requirements of those sections shall apply. The largest obtain-
sulphur for all classes, vanadium for Grade 1C and columbium
able tension test specimen as specified in Fig. 4 of Test
and calcium for Grades 22Vand 3VCb. Boron is not subject to
Methods and Definitions A 370 shall be used. Impact speci-
product analysis. The purchaser may also make this determi-
mens shall be Charpy V-notch, as shown in Fig. 10 of Test
nation in accordance with Specification A 788.
Methods and Definitions A 370. The usage of subsize impact
specimens due to material limitations must have prior pur-
5. Heat Treatment for Mechanical Properties
chaser approval.
5.1 After complete austenitization, the forgings shall be
6.2 Sampling—The longitudinal axis and mid-length of
quenched in a suitable liquid medium by spraying or immer-
tension and impact test specimens shall be positioned in
sion. For Grade 22V forgings, the minimum austenitizing
accordance with one of the following methods as specified by
temperature shall be 1650°F [900°C]. Quenching shall be
the purchaser:
followed by tempering at a subcritical temperature and holding
6.2.1 Method 1—This method shall always be used when
at this temperature for a minimum time of ⁄2 h/in. [25 mm] of
the maximum quenched thickness does not exceed 2 in. [50
maximumsectionthickness.Minimumtemperingtemperatures
mm]. Specimens shall be located in the production forging or
shall be:
test forging (as described in Method 4) at mid-thickness and at
Grade °F [°C]
least 2 in. from other quenched surfaces.
1, 1A, 2 Class 2, 3 Class 2 1150 [620]
6.2.2 Method 2—t by 2t, where t is the distance from the
2, 3 Class 1, 22 Class 3 1200 [650]
1C, 11 Class 4, 22 Class 4, 4N Class 1, 4N 1100 [595] area of significant loading (see 3.1) to the nearest quenched
Class 2, 5 Class 1, 5 Class 2
surface. However, the specimens shall not be nearer to one
22 Class 15 1050 [565]
quenched surface than ⁄4 in. [20 mm] and to the second
4N Class 3 1125 [610]
3V, 3VCb 1250 [675]
quenched surface than 1 ⁄2 in. [40 mm]. When this method of
22V 1250 [675]
testing is employed, forgings are usually manufactured in
5.2 For Classes 1, 1A, 2, 2A, 3, or 3A, a multiple stage accordance with a purchaser-approved drawing showing pre-
austenitizing procedure may be used whereby the forging is quenched dimensions and the location of mechanical test
first fully austenitized and liquid quenched, followed by specimens.
TABLE 1 Chemical Requirements Composition, %
Grade 1 Grade 1A Grade 2 Grade 3 Grade 1C Grade 11 Grade 22 Grade 4N Grade 5 Grade 3V Grade 22 Grade 22V Grade
Class 4 Classes 4 Class 3 3VCb
and 5
Carbon 0.35 max 0.30 max 0.27 max 0.25 max 0.18 max 0.10–0.20 0.05–0.15 0.23 max 0.23 max 0.10–0.15 0.11–0.15 0.11–0.15 0.10-0.15
Manganese 0.40–0.90 0.70–1.35 0.50–0.90 1.20–1.50 1.30 max 0.30–0.80 0.30–0.60 0.20–0.40 0.20–0.40 0.30–0.60 0.30–0.60 0.30–0.60 0.30-0.60
Phosphorus 0.025 max 0.025 max 0.025 max 0.025 max 0.025 max 0.025 max 0.025 max 0.025 max 0.025 max 0.020 max 0.015 max 0.015 max 0.020 max
Sulfur 0.025 max 0.025 max 0.025 max 0.025 max 0.025 max 0.025 max 0.025 max 0.025 max 0.025 max 0.020 max 0.015 max 0.010 max 0.010 max
A
Silicon 0.15–0.35 0.15–0.40 0.15–0.35 0.15–0.35 0.15–0.35 0.50–1.00 0.50 max 0.30 max 0.30 max 0.10 max 0.50 max 0.10 max 0.10 max
Nickel 0.40 max 0.40 max 0.50–1.00 0.40–1.00 0.25 max 0.50 max 0.50 max 2.8–3.9 2.8–3.9 . . . 0.25 max 0.25 max 0.25 max
Chromium 0.25 max 0.25 max 0.25–0.45 0.25 max 0.15 max 1.00–1.50 2.00–2.50 1.25–2.00 1.25–2.00 2.8–3.3 2.00–2.50 2.00–2.50 2.7-3.3
Molybdenum 0.10 max 0.10 max 0.55–0.70 0.45–0.60 0.05 max 0.45–0.65 0.90–1.10 0.40–0.60 0.40–0.60 0.90–1.10 0.90–1.10 0.90–1.10 0.90-1.10
Vanadium 0.05 max 0.05 max 0.05 max 0.05 max 0.02–0.12 0.05 max 0.05 max 0.03 max 0.08 max 0.20–0.30 0.02 max 0.25–0.35 0.20-0.30
Titanium . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.015–0.035 . . . 0.030 max 0.015 max
Boron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.001–0.003 . . . 0.0020 max . . .
Copper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.20 max 0.25 max
Columbium . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.07 max 0.015-0.070
B
Calcium . . . . . . . . . . . 0.015 max 0.0005-
0.0150
A
When vacuum carbon-deoxidation is required for the classes included in Supplementary Requirements S10, the silicon content shall be 0.10 % max.
B
For Grade 22V, rare earth metals (REM) may be added in place of calcium, subject to agreement between the producer and the purchaser. In that case the total amount
of REM shall be determined and reported.
NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn. Contact ASTM
International (www.astm.org) for the latest information.
A 541/A 541M – 95 (1999)
TABLE 2 Tensile Requirements
Grades 2 Grade 2 Grade 4N Grades 4N
Class 1, Class 2 and Class 1 and Class 2 and
Grade 1 Grade 22 Grade 22 Grade 4N Grades 3V Grade 22 Grade
3 Class 1, Grade 3 Grade 5 5 Class 2
and 1A Class 4 Class 5 Class 3 and 22V Class 3 3VCb
1C and Class 2 Class 1
11 Class 4
Tensile strength, ksi 70–95 80–105 90–115 105–130 115–140 105–130 115–140 90–115 85–110 85–110 85–110
[MPa] [480–660] [550–720] [620–790] [720–900] [790–1000] [720–900] [790–1000] [620–790] [585–760] [585–760] [585-760]
Yield strength (0.2 % 36 [250] 50 [340] 65 [450] 85 [590] 100 [690] 85 [590] 100 [690] 70 [480] 60 [415] 55 [380] 60 [415]
offset), min, ksi
[MPa]
Elongation in 2 in. or 20 18 16 16 15 18 16 20 18 18 18
50 mm, min, %
Reduction of area, 38 38 35 45 40 48 45 48 45 45 45
min, %
A,B
TABLE 3 Charpy V-Notch Impact Requirements at 40°F (4°C) (Except for 2A)
Grades 1, Grade 2 Grade 2 Grade 22 Grades 22 Grades 3V and 3VCb,
1A, and Class 2 Class 1, Class 5 CL 4 4N Grade 22,
11 Class 4 and 3 3 Class 1 Classes 1, 2, 3 Class 3
Class 2 and 1C 5 Classes 1, 2 and Grade 22V
D E
Minimum average value of set of three specimens, 15 [20] 35 [47] 30 [41] 25 [34] 35 [47] 40 [55]
C
ft·lbf (J)
D E
Minimum value of one specimen, ft·lbf (J) 10 [14] 30 [41] 25 [34] 20 [27] 30 [41] 35 [50]
A
These Charpy values are for tests made on standard 10–mm square specimens. If sub-size impact specimens are used, the required minimum ft·lbf values shall be
5 2
determined by multiplying the ft·lbf values in Table 3 by ⁄6 for 7.5 by 10-mm specimens, and by ⁄3 for 5 by 10–mm specimens.
B
These values apply for tests at lower temperatures if Supplementary Requirement S6 is specified in the order.
C
Not more than one specimen from a set may be below this value.
D
Tested at 70°F [21°C].
E
Tested at 0°F [−18°C].
6.2.3 Method 3— ⁄4 T by T, where T is the maximum and shall be joined to the forging with a partial penetration
thickness of the forging as heat treated. Where this method of weldthatsealsthebufferedsurface.Specimensshallbelocated
testing is employed, the following limitations for as-treated
at least ⁄2 in. [13 mm] from the buffered surface of the forging.
thickness shall apply, unless otherwise agreed upon:
Buffers shall be removed and the welded areas subjected to
Grade in. [1 mm], max
magnetic particle test to ensure freedom from cracks unless the
welded areas are completely removed by subsequent machin-
1 and 1A 3 [75]
ing.
2 Class 2 and 3 Class 2 6 [150]
2 Class 1 and 3 Class 1 8 [205]
6.4 Samples shall be removed from forgings after the
1C 4 [100]
quenchingandtemperingheattreatments.Thissamplematerial
11 Class 4 5 [125]
22 Class 4, 4N Class 2, 5 Class 2 6 [150]
shall be subjected to a simulated post-weld heat treatment if
22 Class 5 8 [205]
supplementary requirement S1 is specified.
4N Class 1, 5 Class 1, 4N Class 3, 3V, 3VCb, 10 [255]
22V, and 22 Class 3
6.5 Orientation—For upset disk forgings, the longitudinal
axis of all test specimens shall be oriented in the tangential
6.2.4 Method 4—Test specimens shall be taken from a
representative separate test forging or bar made from the same direction. For all other forgings, the longitudinal axis of the
heat of steel which shall receive substantially the same specimens shall be oriented in the direction of maximum
reduction and type of hot working as the production forgings
working of the forging unless Supplementary Requirements
which it represents, except that a longitudinally forged bar may
S11 or S14 are imposed.
be used to represent a rolled ring of similar cross section. It
6.6 Number of Tests:
shall be of the same nominal thickness as the as-quenched
6.6.1 Forgings under 500 lb [230 kg] As Treated—For
production forgings and shall be heat treated in the same
duplicate forgings weighing less than 500 lb as treated, one
furnacechargeandunderthesameconditionsastheproduction
tension test and one impact test (three specimens) shall be
forgings. Test specimens shall be removed using the ⁄4 T by T
made to represent each heat in each heat-treatment charge.
procedure referenced in Method 3 with the same limitation on
When heat treatment is performed in continuous-type furnaces
forging thickness as in 6.2.3. This method shall be limited to
with suitable temperature control and equipped with recording
forgings with a rough machined weight of not more than 1000
pyrometers so that complete heat-treatment records are avail-
lb [455 kg].
able, a heat-treatment charge shall be considered as any
6.3 Metal Buffers—The required di
...