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 − 17

Standard Specification for

Pressure Vessel Plates, Alloy Steel, Quenched and
Tempered 7, 8, and 9 % Nickel1
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.

1. Scope* priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-

2
1.1 This specification covers 7, 8, and 9 % nickel alloy mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
steel plates for use in the water quenched and tempered 1.8 This international standard was developed in accor-
condition intended for the fabrication of welded pressure dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
vessels. ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
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, %
I 9
II 8
2. Referenced Documents
III 7 2.1 ASTM Standards:3
1.3 Plates produced under this specification are subject to A20/A20M Specification for General Requirements for Steel
impact testing at −320°F [−195°C] for Type I or Type III, and Plates for Pressure Vessels
−275°F [−170°C] for Type II; or at such other temperatures as A435/A435M Specification for Straight-Beam Ultrasonic
are agreed upon. Examination of Steel Plates
1.4 The maximum thickness of plates is limited only by the A577/A577M Specification for Ultrasonic Angle-Beam Ex-
capacity of the material to meet the specified mechanical amination of Steel Plates
property requirements; however, current mill practice normally A578/A578M Specification for Straight-Beam Ultrasonic
limits this material to 2 in. [50 mm] max. Examination of Rolled Steel Plates for Special Applica-
tions
1.5 This material is susceptible to magnetization. Use of
magnets in handling after heat treatment should be avoided if 3. General Requirements and Ordering Information
residual magnetism would be detrimental to subsequent fabri-
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
be used independently of the other. Combining values from the 3.2 In addition to the basic requirements of this
two systems may result in nonconformance with the specifi- specification, certain supplementary requirements are available
cation. when additional control, testing, or examination is required to
meet end use requirements. The purchaser is referred to the
1.7 This standard does not purport to address all of the listed supplementary requirements in this specification and to
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the the detailed requirements in Specification A20/A20M.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
3.3 If the requirements of this specification are in conflict
with the requirements of Specification A20/A20M, the require-
1
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee A01 on Steel, ments of this specification shall prevail.
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
3
approved in 1965. Last previous edition approved in 2014 as A553/A553M – 14. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
DOI: 10.1520/A0553_A0553M-14. contact ASTM Customer Service at [email protected]. For Annual Book of ASTM
2
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

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 A553/A553M − 17
TABLE 1 Chemical Requirements
Element Composition, %
Type I Type II Type III
Carbon, maxA 0.13 0.13 0.13
Manganese, max:
Heat analysis 0.90 0.90 0.90
Product analysis 0.98 0.98 0.98
Phosphorus, maxA 0.015 0.015 0.010
Sulfur, maxA 0.015 0.015 0.010
Silicon:
Heat analysis 0.15–0.40B 0.15–0.40B 0.05–0.30A
Product analysis 0.13–0.45C 0.13–0.45C
Nickel:
Heat analysis 8.50–9.50 7.50–8.50 6.50–7.50A
Product analysis 8.40–9.60 7.40–8.60
MolybdenumA ... ... 0.10–0.30
Columbium (Niobium),D maxA ... ... 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 5.2.2.1 Prior to the tempering treatment, the plates may be
Tensile strength, ksi [MPa] 100 to 120 [690–825] subjected to an intermediate heat treatment consisting of
Yield strength (0.2 % offset), min, ksi [MPa] 85 [585] heating to a temperature in the range from 1165 to 1290°F [630
Elongation in 2 in. [50 mm], min, %A 20.0
A
to 700°C] for Type I, or 1185 to 1310°F [640 to 710°C] for
See Specification A20/A20M for elongation adjustment.
Type II, or 1205 to 1330°F [650 to 720°C] for Type III; holding
at that temperature for a suitable time, but in no case less than
15 min, and then water-quenching to below 300°F [150°C] in
4. Manufacture the case of plate thicknesses of more than 5⁄8 in. [16 mm] or
4.1 Steelmaking Practice—The steel shall be killed and cooling in air or water-quenching to below 300°F [150°C] in
shall conform to the fine austenitic grain size requirement of the case of plate thicknesses of 5⁄8 in. [16 mm] and under.
Specification A20/A20M. NOTE 1—The intermediate heat treatment is for the purpose of
enhancing elongation and notch-toughness and for reducing susceptibility
5. Heat Treatment to strain-aging embrittlement and temper embrittlement. It may be
performed at the option of the material manufacturer or may be specified
5.1 All plates shall be heat treated in accordance with 5.2. by the purchaser.
Shell plates and other parts, including heads and reinforcing
pads, which are heated for forming, shall be heat treated after 6. Chemical Requirements
forming in accordance with 5.2. 6.1 The steel shall conform to the chemical requirements
5.2 Heat Treatment Procedure—Heat treat all plates by shown in Table 1 unless otherwise modified in accordance with
heating to a suitable temperature within the range from 1475 to Supplementary Requirement S17, Vacuum Carbon-Deoxidized
1700°F [800 to 925°C], holding for a sufficient time to obtain Steel, in Specification A20/A20M.
uniform temperature throughout the plate thickness and then 7. Mechanical Requirements
quenching in water. Subsequently, temper the plates within the
range from 1050 to 1175°F [565 to 635°C] for Type I and Type 7.1 Tension Test Requirements—The material as represented
II, or from 1000 to 1125°F [540 to 615°C] for Type III, holding by tension-test specimens shall conform to the requirements
at this temperature for a minimum of 30 min/in. [1.2 min/mm] specified in Table 2.
of thickness but not less than 15 min, and cool in air or water 7.1.1 Upon agreement between the purchaser and the
quench at a rate not less than 300°F/h [165°C/h]. manufacturer, yield strength may be determined by the exten-
5.2.1 Hardening—The plates shall be heated to a tempera- sion under load method, using 0.005 in./in. [mm/mm] total
ture within the range from 1475 to 1700°F [800 to 925°C], held extension.
at that temperature for a sufficient time to obtain uniform 7.1.2 For nominal plate thicknesses of 3⁄4 in. [20 mm] and
temperature throughout the plate thickness, and then quenched under, the 11⁄2 in. [40 mm] wide rectangular specimen may be
in a liquid media. used for the tension test and the elongation may be determined
5.2.2 Tempering—The plates shall be tempered at a tem- in a 2 in. [50 mm] gage length that includes the fracture and
perature within the range from 1050 to 1175°F [565 to 635°C] shows the greatest elongation.
for Type I and Type II, or from 1000 to 1125°F [540 to 615°C] 7.2 Impact Test Requirements:
for Type III; being held at that temperature for a minimum of 7.2.1 Charpy V-notch impact tests shall be made in accor-
30 min/in. [1.2 min/mm] of thickness, but in no case less than dance with Specification A20/A20M.
15 min, and then cooled in air or liquid-quenched at a rate not 7.2.2 The longitudinal axis of the test specimens shall be
less than 300°F/h [165°C/h]. transverse to the final rolling direction of the plate.

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 A553/A553M − 17
7.2.3 Unless otherwise agreed, tests shall be conducted at depending upon the ordered thickness, with the letters QT,
−320°F [−195°C] for Type I or Type III, and at −275°F except as otherwise specified in 9.1.1.
[−170°C] for Type II. 9.1.1 When the optional heat treatment in 5.2.2.1 is
7.2.4 Each test specimen shall have a lateral expansion performed, the plates shall be marked with the letters QTT
opposite the notch of not less than 0.015 in. [0.381 mm]. instead of QT.
8. Finish
10. Keywords
8.1 Because retained scale may mask surface imperfections,
as well as mar the plate surface, plates shall be descaled by the 10.1 alloy steel; alloy steel plate; pressure containing parts;
producer after heat treatment. In the case of material to be pressure vessel steels; steel plates; steel plates for pressure
heat-treated by the purchaser, the plates shall be descaled by vessel applications
the producer prior to shipment.
9. Marking
9.1 In addition to the marking required in Specification
A20/A20M, each plate shall be legibly stamped or stenciled,

SUPPLEMENTARY REQUIREMENTS

Supplementary requirements shall not apply unless specified in the order.

A list of standard supplementary requirements for use at the option of the purchaser are included
in Specification A20/A20M. Several of those considered suitable for use with this specification are
listed below by title. Other tests may be performed by agreement between the supplier and the
purchaser.

S1. Vacuum Treatment, S9. Magnetic Particle Examination,

S2. Product Analysis, S11. Ultrasonic Examination in accordance with Specifica-
S3. Simulated Post-Weld Heat Treatment of Mechanical tion A577/A577M,
Test Coupons,
S12. Ultrasonic Examination in accordance with Specifica-
S6. Drop Weight Test (for Material 0.625 in. [16 mm] and
tion A578/A578M, and
over in Thickness),
S8. Ultrasonic Examination in accordance with Specifica- S17. Vacuum Carbon-Deoxidized Steel.
tion A435/A435M,

ADDITIONAL SUPPLEMENTARY REQUIREMENTS

Also listed below are additional optional Supplementary Requirements S55 and S56, which are
suitable for this specification.

S55. Longitudinal Charpy Impact Energy Absorption Re- S56. Transverse Charpy Impact Energy Absorption Re-
quirement quirement
S55.1 The longitudinal Charpy V-notch impact properties S56.1 The transverse Charpy V-notch impact properties
shall not be less than 25 ft·lbf [34 J] at the specified tempera- shall not be less than 20 ft·lbf [27 J] at the specified tempera-
ture. ture.
S55.2 Each impact test value shall constitute the average S56.2 Each impact test value shall constitute the average
value of three specimens, with not more than one value below value of three specimens, with not more than one value below
the specified minimum value of 25 ft·lbf [34 J] but in no case the specified minimum value of 20 ft·lbf [27 J] but in no case
below 20 ft·lbf [27 J] for full size specimens. below 15 ft·lbf [20 J] for full size specimens.

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 A553/A553M − 17
SUMMARY OF CHANGES

Committee A01 has identified the location of selected changes to this standard since the last issue
(A553/A553M – 14 that may impact the use of this standard. (Approved Nov. 1, 2017.)

(1) Revised Table 1 to include ‘niobium.’

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