ASTM A516 Gr 70 vs EN P355GH Standard Equivalent

Gangsteel, a leading manufacturer and exporter of pressure vessel and boiler steel plates, supplies high-quality ASTM A516 GR 70 plates for industries such as oil and gas, petrochemical, and power generation. When selecting materials for global projects, understanding the equivalence between ASTM A516 GR 70 and EN P355GH is essential for engineers and fabricators to ensure compliance with international standards. This article compares their chemical composition, mechanical properties, and applications to clarify their equivalence and differences.

Chemical Composition Comparison

Both ASTM A516 GR 70 and EN P355GH are carbon steel plates designed for pressure vessels, with compositions optimized for weldability and toughness. The table below compares their chemical compositions:

Key Differences:

• Carbon: ASTM A516 GR 70 allows a higher carbon content (0.27% max) than P355GH (0.10–0.22%), which may increase strength but requires careful welding to avoid hardness.
• Manganese: P355GH has a higher manganese range (1.10–1.70%) than A516 GR 70 (0.85–1.20%), enhancing toughness.
• Phosphorus and Sulfur: P355GH has stricter limits (0.025% P, 0.015% S), improving notch toughness compared to A516 GR 70 (0.035% max for both).
• Other Elements: P355GH specifies limits for chromium, nickel, and molybdenum, which are not explicitly controlled in A516 GR 70, offering P355GH slightly better corrosion resistance in specific environments.

Gangsteel ensures that ASTM A516 GR 70 meets ASME SA516 GR 70 standards, with testing to verify chemical consistency for equivalence to EN P355GH. For detailed equivalency data, refer to our ASME SA516 GR 70 Equivalent Grade guide.

Mechanical Properties Comparison

The mechanical properties of ASTM A516 GR 70 and EN P355GH are closely aligned, reflecting their suitability for pressure vessel applications. The table below compares their key properties:

Key Differences:

• Tensile Strength: P355GH has a slightly higher tensile strength range (510–650 MPa) than ASTM A516 GR 70 (485–620 MPa), but the overlap makes them comparable for most applications.
• Yield Strength: P355GH’s minimum yield strength (355 MPa for ≤16 mm thickness) is higher than A516 GR 70 (260 MPa), offering better resistance to deformation in thinner plates.
• Elongation: P355GH has slightly higher ductility (20–22% vs. 17–21%), aiding formability.
• Impact Toughness: A516 GR 70 is tested at lower temperatures (-46°C), making it more suitable for cryogenic applications, while P355GH’s requirement (-20°C) is less stringent.

Equivalence and Standards

ASTM A516 GR 70 is widely regarded as equivalent to EN P355GH for pressure vessel applications, particularly in Europe, due to their similar chemical and mechanical properties. Both meet stringent standards:

• ASTM A516 GR 70 aligns with ASME SA516 GR 70 for ASME-coded vessels.
• EN P355GH complies with EN 10028-2 for European pressure vessel standards.

For detailed equivalency insights, explore Gangsteel’s ASME SA516 GR 70 Equivalent Grade guide.

Applications

• ASTM A516 GR 70: Used in:
  • High-pressure vessels for oil, gas, and chemical processing.
  • Boilers in power generation requiring high strength and low-temperature toughness.
  • Cryogenic applications like LNG storage tanks.
• EN P355GH: Applied in:
  • Pressure vessels and boilers in European markets.
  • Petrochemical reactors and heat exchangers.
  • Applications requiring high yield strength and moderate temperature resistance.

Both grades are suitable for welded pressure vessels, but ASTM A516 GR 70 is preferred for low-temperature service, while P355GH is often chosen for European compliance.

Weldability

• ASTM A516 GR 70: Fully killed and often normalized, it offers excellent weldability with SMAW, GTAW, and SAW processes. Its higher carbon content requires controlled welding to avoid hardness issues.
• EN P355GH: Also fully killed, with lower carbon and sulfur content, it provides superior weldability and reduced risk of cracking.

Gangsteel supplies ASTM A516 GR 70 in normalized conditions to enhance weld quality and toughness.

Comparison with Other A516 Grades

For broader context, compare ASTM A516 GR 70 with other A516 grades:

Gangsteel Solution

Gangsteel is a global leader in supplying ASTM A516 GR 70 and ASME SA516 GR 70 plates, offering:

• Certified Quality: Plates undergo ultrasonic testing, Charpy impact tests, and chemical analysis to meet ASTM/ASME standards.
• Customization: Available in normalized or hot-rolled forms for specific project needs.
• Global Supply: Competitive pricing and reliable delivery worldwide.
• Technical Support: Guidance on selecting ASTM A516 GR 70 versus ASTM A516 GR 65, ASTM A516 GR 60, or ASTM A516 GR 55.

ASTM A516 GR 70 and EN P355GH are closely equivalent for pressure vessel applications, with A516 GR 70 offering superior low-temperature toughness and P355GH providing higher yield strength and stricter chemical controls. Gangsteel’s ASME SA516 GR 70 plates ensure reliability for global projects. For more equivalency details, explore our ASME SA516 GR 70 Equivalent Grade guide.