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In the field of pressure vessel and boiler manufacturing, understanding the properties of specialized materials is crucial for ensuring safety, durability, and performance under high-stress conditions.

At Gangsteel, we specialize in producing and exporting high-quality SA 537 CL2 material, a quenched and tempered carbon-manganese-silicon steel plate under the ASME SA537/SA537M standard, equivalent to ASTM A537 Class 2.

SA 537 CL2 is designed for applications requiring superior strength and toughness, such as in oil and gas, petrochemical reactors, and power generation equipment.

This guide from Gangsteel explores the key properties of SA 537 CL2, including chemical composition, mechanical attributes, density, and more.

For comparisons, check our ASME SA 537 Class 1 for normalized options or ASME SA 537 Class 3 for intermediate strength.

 

Chemical Composition of SA 537 CL2 Material

The chemical makeup of SA 537 CL2 is carefully controlled to enhance hardenability and weldability while minimizing impurities that could lead to cracking.

In asme sa537 class 2 boiler steel chemical composition details, low carbon content ensures easy welding without extensive preheating, and manganese provides strength adjustment based on plate thickness.

Silicon acts as a deoxidizer, and optional elements like chromium or molybdenum can be added for improved corrosion resistance in specified environments.

Phosphorus and sulfur are capped to prevent embrittlement.

Composition table:

Element

Composition (%)

Carbon (C)

0.24 max

Manganese (Mn)

0.70-1.35 (≤40mm thickness) 1.00-1.60 (>40mm thickness)

Phosphorus (P)

0.035 max

Sulfur (S)

0.035 max

Silicon (Si)

0.15-0.50

Copper (Cu)

0.35 max (if specified)

Nickel (Ni)

0.25 max (if specified)

Chromium (Cr)

0.25 max (if specified)

Molybdenum (Mo)

0.08 max (if specified)

This formulation supports the material's use in aggressive settings like sour gas processing.

 

Mechanical Properties of SA 537 CL2 Material

SA 537 CL2's mechanical properties are optimized through quenching and tempering, providing high tensile and yield strengths for high-pressure vessels.

According to sa 537 cl.2 mechanical properties and density guide, yield strength varies with thickness to maintain ductility, while tensile remains consistent for reliable load-bearing.

Elongation ensures flexibility under stress, and the material often undergoes Charpy V-notch testing for impact resistance at low temperatures (e.g., minimum 27J at -20°C).

Properties table:

Property

Value

Tensile Strength

80-100 ksi (550-690 MPa)

Yield Strength

60 ksi (415 MPa) min (≤65mm thickness) 55 ksi (380 MPa) min (>65-100mm) 46 ksi (315 MPa) min (>100-150mm)

Elongation (in 50mm)

22% min (≤100mm thickness) 20% min (>100mm)

Reduction in Area

Typically 45% min (transverse)

Hardness (Brinell)

235-293 HB (approximate, not specified)

These properties make SA 537 CL2 superior for applications where higher residual strength is needed compared to normalized grades.

 

Density and Delivery Condition

The density of SA 537 CL2 follows sa 537 cl.2 mechanical properties and density guide at approximately 7.85 g/cm³ or 7850 kg/m³, a standard value for carbon steels that aids in precise weight calculations for vessel design and transportation.

Plates are delivered in the quenched and tempered condition, involving austenitizing at 900-950°C, rapid quenching in water or oil, and tempering at 620-680°C to achieve the desired balance of strength and toughness.

At Gangsteel, we offer additional treatments like stress relieving or simulated post-weld heat treatment (PWHT) to mimic fabrication processes, ensuring plates are ready for immediate use in high-pressure systems.

 

Available Specifications and Models

Gangsteel supplies SA 537 CL2 in a wide range of dimensions to fit various boiler and vessel designs:

  • Thickness: 5mm to 150mm
  • Width: 1000mm to 4500mm
  • Length: 3000mm to 18000mm
  • Specifications: Compliant with ASME SA537 Class 2 and ASTM A537 Class 2; custom models include HIC-resistant variants, Z-direction tested plates for thick sections, and pre-cut shapes with beveling or edge preparation.

We also provide certifications like MTC per EN 10204 3.1/3.2, making it suitable for global standards such as API 934 for heavy-wall vessels.

 

Pricing Insights for SA 537 CL2 Material

As of October 02, 2025, current pricing for asme sa537 class 2 pressure vessel plates ranges from $800 to $3,000 per metric ton, depending on thickness, quantity, and market conditions.

Standard hot-rolled plates (20-50mm thick) average $1,000-1,800 per ton in Asia, while premium HIC-tested or thicker options can reach $2,500-3,000 per ton in Europe or North America.

Global trends show a 5-8% year-over-year increase due to rising energy and raw material costs, but bulk orders (100+ tons) can secure discounts of 5-10%.

At Gangsteel, we offer competitive quotes starting from $1,000 per ton for standard specifications, with FOB delivery options to minimize logistics expenses. Contact us for the latest rates tailored to your project needs.

 

Equivalent Materials for SA 537 CL2

Equivalents allow for flexible sourcing while maintaining similar quenched and tempered properties.

Key matches include ASTM A537 Class 2 (USA), EN 10028-3 P460NH (EU), DIN 17102 WStE460 (Germany), JIS G3115 SPV490 (Japan), BS EN 10028-3 P460NH (UK), GB 713 15CrMoR (China), KS D 3560 SPV490 (Korea), AFNOR 15CD4-05 (France), IS 2002 Gr.3 (India), AS 1548 PT460N (Australia).

These provide comparable high-strength characteristics for pressure applications.

Table:

Standard/Country

Equivalent Grade

Key Features

Applications

ASTM (USA)

A537 Class 2

Q&T, yield 415 MPa

High-pressure vessels

EN (EU)

P460NH

Q&T, yield ~460 MPa

Elevated temp vessels

DIN (Germany)

WStE460

High strength, toughness

Structural vessels

JIS (Japan)

SPV490

High-strength, weldable

Pressure boilers

GB (China)

15CrMoR

Heat-resistant, alloyed

Petrochemical reactors

 

Applications and Advantages in Boiler Systems

SA 537 CL2 is applied in high-pressure boilers, sour gas separators, and chemical reactors, where its strength reduces wall thickness for lighter, more efficient designs.

Advantages include excellent HIC resistance, easy welding with low-hydrogen electrodes, and extended service life in corrosive or low-temperature conditions, cutting maintenance costs by up to 20-30% over standard steels.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Properties of SA 537 CL2 Material

What is SA 537 CL2 material?

SA 537 CL2, or ASME SA537 Class 2, is a quenched and tempered carbon-manganese-silicon steel plate for pressure vessels and boilers. It features high yield strength (60 ksi min for ≤65mm thick plates) and tensile strength (80-100 ksi), making it suitable for high-pressure, moderate-temperature, or sour service environments. The heat treatment refines the grain for superior toughness and resistance to brittle failure.

What is the chemical composition of SA 537 CL2?

The chemical composition includes carbon (0.24% max) for weldability, manganese (0.70-1.60%, thickness-dependent) for hardenability, silicon (0.15-0.50%) for deoxidation, and low phosphorus/sulfur (0.035% max) to prevent embrittlement. Optional elements like copper (0.35% max), nickel (0.25% max), chromium (0.25% max), and molybdenum (0.08% max) can be added for enhanced corrosion resistance, as detailed in asme sa537 class 2 boiler steel chemical composition details.

What are the mechanical properties of SA 537 CL2?

Mechanical properties include tensile strength of 80-100 ksi (550-690 MPa), yield strength of 60 ksi (415 MPa) min for ≤65mm thick (decreasing to 46 ksi for >100mm), elongation of 22% min (≤100mm), and reduction in area typically high. It offers excellent impact resistance, often tested via Charpy V-notch at -20°C or lower for low-temperature services, per sa 537 cl.2 mechanical properties and density guide.

What is the density of SA 537 CL2 material?

The density of SA 537 CL2 is approximately 7.85 g/cm³ or 7850 kg/m³, a standard value for carbon-manganese steels. This density, as noted in sa 537 cl.2 mechanical properties and density guide, facilitates accurate calculations for vessel weight, transportation, and structural design in high-pressure systems.

What is the heat treatment for SA 537 CL2?

SA 537 CL2 undergoes quenching (rapid cooling in water or oil after austenitizing at 900-950°C) and tempering (reheating to 620-680°C), which refines the microstructure for a balance of high strength and ductility. This differs from normalized grades like Class 1, enabling better performance in high-pressure or low-temperature conditions.

What applications suit SA 537 CL2 material?

SA 537 CL2 is ideal for high-pressure boilers, petrochemical reactors, sour gas separators, and storage tanks in oil/gas industries. Its high strength allows for thinner walls, reducing weight and costs, while HIC resistance makes it suitable for corrosive environments like hydrogen sulfide exposure.

What is the equivalent of SA 537 CL2 material?

SA 537 CL2 is equivalent to ASTM A537 Class 2, with international matches like EN 10028-3 P460NH (EU), DIN WStE460 (Germany), JIS SPV490 (Japan), and GB 15CrMoR (China), offering similar quenched/tempered properties and yield strength around 415 MPa.

In summary, the properties of SA 537 CL2 material from Gangsteel—high strength, excellent toughness, and versatile applications—make it a top choice for demanding pressure vessel projects. Contact us for customized solutions and competitive pricing.

asme sa537 class 2 boiler steel chemical composition details, sa 537 cl.2 mechanical properties and density guide, current pricing for asme sa537 class 2 pressure vessel plates

 

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