What is ASME SA 537 Class 2 material?

ASME SA 537 Class 2 Material

SA 537 Class 2 material is a high-strength steel specification for pressure vessels, featuring quenching and tempering to achieve elevated mechanical attributes.

It belongs to the ASME SA537 series, equivalent to ASTM A537 Class 2, and is used in welded constructions where superior yield and impact resistance are required.

The quenching process rapidly cools the steel after heating, while tempering refines it for ductility.

This makes SA 537 Class 2 ideal for sour service environments with hydrogen sulfide, compliant with NACE standards when tested.

At Gangsteel, we manufacture it for components like reactor shells and storage tanks under high pressure.

Compared to SA 537 Class 1, it offers higher strength for thinner designs, reducing weight and costs.

Chemical Composition of SA 537 Class 2 Material

The chemistry of SA 537 Class 2 focuses on low carbon for weldability and manganese for hardenability.

In asme sa537 class 2 boiler steel chemical composition details, silicon enhances oxidation resistance, with low impurities to prevent cracking.

Optional elements like chromium can be added for corrosion protection.

Composition table:

This mirrors other classes but pairs with heat treatment for enhanced results.

Mechanical Properties of SA 537 Class 2 Material

SA 537 Class 2's properties shine in high-load scenarios, with yield varying by thickness.

Per sa 537 cl.2 mechanical properties and density guide, it provides superior tensile for demanding vessels.

Properties table:

This allows efficient designs in petrochemical applications.

Density and Delivery Condition

Density follows sa 537 cl.2 mechanical properties and density guide at 7.85 g/cm³ (7850 kg/m³).

Delivered quenched and tempered, Gangsteel includes options like ultrasonic testing.

Available Specifications and Models

Gangsteel supplies SA 537 Class 2 in thicknesses 5-150mm, up to 4500mm widths, compliant with ASME/ASTM.

Custom services available for ASME SA537 Cl.1 variants.

Pricing Insights for SA 537 Class 2 Material

As of September 25, 2025, current pricing for asme sa537 class 2 pressure vessel plates ranges $800-3,000 per ton.

Standard plates average $1,000-1,500, varying by specs.

Gangsteel offers competitive quotes—contact for details.

Equivalent Materials for SA 537 Class 2

Equivalents include ASTM A537 Class 2, EN 10028-3 P460NH for similar Q&T properties.

DIN 19Mn6 and JIS SPV490 match in strength.

Table:

Verify for specific codes.

Applications and Advantages in Boiler Systems

SA 537 Class 2 is used in reactors and tanks for sour gas resistance.

Advantages: thinner walls, easy welding, long life in harsh conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About SA 537 Class 2 Material

What is SA 537 Class 2 material?

SA 537 Class 2, or ASME SA537 Class 2, is a quenched and tempered carbon-manganese-silicon steel plate designed for high-strength applications in pressure vessels and boilers. It undergoes a heat treatment process where the steel is heated to a high temperature, quenched in water or oil for rapid cooling, and then tempered to achieve a fine balance of hardness, strength, and ductility. This makes it particularly suitable for environments with elevated pressures, moderate temperatures up to 600°C, and potential exposure to corrosive gases like hydrogen sulfide in sour services. Compared to general carbon steels, it offers superior notch toughness and resistance to brittle failure, ensuring safety in critical industrial setups.

What is the difference between SA 537 Class 1 and Class 2?

The primary difference lies in the heat treatment and resulting mechanical properties. SA 537 Class 1 is normalized, involving heating to around 900°C followed by air cooling, which provides good toughness with a minimum yield strength of 50 ksi (345 MPa) for standard thicknesses. In contrast, SA 537 Class 2 is quenched and tempered, offering higher yield strength of 60 ksi (415 MPa) min for up to 65mm thick plates, making it ideal for more demanding high-pressure or low-temperature services. Class 2 also exhibits better performance in impact testing, such as Charpy V-notch, and allows for thinner plate designs, reducing overall material costs and weight while maintaining structural integrity. However, Class 2 may require more careful welding procedures to avoid cracking due to its higher hardness.

What applications suit SA 537 Class 2?

SA 537 Class 2 is well-suited for a variety of high-stress applications in industries like oil and gas, petrochemicals, and power generation. It's commonly used in fabricating pressure vessel components such as shells, heads, and drums for boilers, as well as storage tanks handling hydrocarbons or corrosive fluids under elevated pressures. In sour service environments, where hydrogen-induced cracking is a risk, it performs exceptionally when HIC-tested. Offshore platforms, chemical reactors, and heat exchangers also benefit from its high strength, allowing for compact designs. Unlike lower grades, it's preferred for services requiring enhanced creep resistance at moderate temperatures, extending equipment lifespan and minimizing maintenance in harsh operational conditions.

Is SA 537 Class 2 equivalent to A537 Class 2?

Yes, SA 537 Class 2 is essentially equivalent to ASTM A537 Class 2, as ASME SA537 is the boiler and pressure vessel code adoption of the ASTM A537 material specification. Both define the same quenched and tempered carbon-manganese-silicon steel with identical chemical composition limits (e.g., carbon max 0.24%) and mechanical requirements, such as yield strength of 60 ksi min. The difference is contextual: ASTM A537 focuses on the material properties, while ASME SA537 ensures compliance with ASME codes like Section VIII for vessel fabrication. Internationally, equivalents include EN 10028-3 P460NH or JIS G3115 SPV490, but always verify against project codes for interchangeability.

What thickness ranges for SA 537 Class 2?

SA 537 Class 2 plates are typically available in thicknesses ranging from 5mm to 150mm, making them versatile for various vessel designs from small industrial boilers to large petrochemical reactors. Mechanical properties adjust with thickness: for up to 65mm, yield is 60 ksi min; for 65-100mm, 55 ksi; and for 100-150mm, 46 ksi to maintain consistency. At Gangsteel, we offer widths up to 4500mm and lengths to 18000mm, with custom cutting and beveling options. Thicker plates may require additional testing like through-thickness (Z-direction) properties to ensure no lamellar tearing during fabrication.

Does SA 537 Class 2 need impact testing?

Yes, impact testing is often required for SA 537 Class 2, especially in low-temperature applications or per code mandates like ASME Section VIII. Typically, Charpy V-notch tests are conducted at temperatures such as -20°C or lower, ensuring minimum energy absorption (e.g., 27J average) to confirm notch toughness and resistance to brittle fracture. This is critical in services like cryogenic storage or sour gas handling. Gangsteel provides plates with standard or supplemental impact testing, and we recommend it for thicknesses over 25mm or in harsh environments to comply with standards like API 934 for heavy-wall vessels.

Can SA 537 Class 2 be used in sour service?

Yes, SA 537 Class 2 can be used in sour service environments containing hydrogen sulfide, provided it undergoes specific testing for hydrogen-induced cracking (HIC) and stress corrosion cracking (SCC) per NACE TM0284 or TM0177. Its low sulfur content (0.035% max) and fine-grained structure minimize susceptibility. When certified to NACE MR0175/ISO 15156, it's suitable for oil and gas applications like separators or scrubbers. At Gangsteel, we offer HIC-resistant variants with enhanced purity, ensuring long-term integrity in aggressive media without additional cladding.

In summary, SA 537 Class 2 from Gangsteel provides high reliability. Contact for guidance.

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