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SA 240 TP 304 Allowable Stress: A Comprehensive Guide

At Gangsteel, a leading manufacturer and exporter of stainless steel products, we supply high-quality SA 240 TP 304 stainless steel plates compliant with ASME SA 240 and ASTM A240 standards. SA 240 TP 304, also known as UNS S30400 or 1.4301, is an austenitic stainless steel widely used in pressure vessels, heat exchangers, and general applications due to its excellent corrosion resistance, formability, and SS 304 non magnetic properties.

Allowable stress values for SA 240 TP 304 are defined in ASME BPVC Section II, Part D, Table 1A (ferrous materials), and are based on factors like temperature, yield strength (0.2% offset), tensile strength, and creep data. These values ensure safe design under pressure and temperature loads. This article details the allowable stress for SA 240 TP 304, with a focus on typical values for plates. For inquiries, contact us at admin@gangsteel.com or explore our ASME SA 240 stainless steel plate offerings.

 

Overview of Allowable Stress for SA 240 TP 304

Allowable stress (S) for SA 240 TP 304 is the maximum stress permitted in design calculations, typically 1/3.5 of tensile strength at room temperature or 2/3 of yield strength, adjusted for temperature. It applies to plates (e.g., plat stainless 304) and is used in ASME Section VIII for pressure vessel design. Values differ slightly for SA 240 TP 304 vs. SA 240 TP 304L (low-carbon variant) due to minor differences in mechanical properties.

 

There may be two listings in ASME tables: one for standard plate data and another for enhanced values under Note G5 (e.g., using 1% proof stress for competitiveness with European codes), but the standard values are conservative and recommended unless specified otherwise.

Key notes:

  • Basis: Minimum of 1/3.5 UTS, 2/3 YS, or creep rupture limits.
  • Temperature Limit: Up to 815°C (1500°F) for continuous service, but derates above 538°C (1000°F).
  • Units: ksi (primary in ASME) and MPa (converted for reference).

Gangsteel’s sa 240 gr 304 plates meet these requirements, with SA 240 TP 304 density of 8.00 g/cm³.

 

Allowable Stress Table for SA 240 TP 304

The following table summarizes typical allowable stress values for SA 240 TP 304 plates from ASME BPVC Section II, Part D (2023 edition, as of October 14, 2025). Values are for annealed condition and may vary slightly by edition; always consult the latest code for your project. For SA 240 TP 304L, values are similar but slightly lower at elevated temperatures (e.g., 20.0 ksi at 100°F vs. 20.0 ksi for 304).

Temperature (°F / °C)

Allowable Stress (ksi)

Allowable Stress (MPa)

Notes

-20 to 100 / -29 to 38

20.0

138

Room temperature; based on YS/UTS

200 / 93

20.0

138

Minimal derating

300 / 149

20.0

138

 

400 / 204

20.0

138

 

500 / 260

20.0

138

 

600 / 316

20.0

138

 

700 / 371

20.0

138

 

800 / 427

20.0

138

 

900 / 482

20.0

138

 

1000 / 538

18.6

128

Start of derating

1100 / 593

16.3

112

 

1200 / 649

13.7

94

 

1300 / 704

10.8

75

 

1400 / 760

7.7

53

 

1500 / 816

4.8

33

 

*Source: ASME BPVC Section II, Part D, Table 1A (ferrous materials for Division 1). Values are maximum allowable; for Division 2/3 or non-pressure applications, consult specific rules. Cold-worked material may have higher values (e.g., up to 25 ksi at RT under enhanced listings).

For SA 240 TP 304H (high-carbon variant), allowable stress is higher at elevated temperatures (e.g., 25.5 ksi at 1000°F). See sa 240 gr 304h.

 

Factors Affecting Allowable Stress

  • Temperature: No derating up to 800°F; significant drop above 1000°F due to creep.
  • Material Form: Plates (SA 240) have standard values; tubes (SA 249 TP 304) or pipes (SA 312 TP 304) may align but confirm per spec.
  • Code Division: Division 1 uses conservative S; Division 2 allows higher (up to 2/3 UTS).
  • Enhanced Values: ASME Note G5 permits higher stresses (e.g., 25 ksi at RT) based on 1% proof stress for competitiveness, but requires engineering judgment.
  • Comparison: Similar to SA 240 GR 316 (20.0 ksi at RT, but better at high T due to Mo), but lower than duplex grades like SA 240 Type 2205 (~30 ksi).

For low-carbon needs, explore sa 240 gr 304l, with allowable stress ~19.6 ksi at RT.

 

Applications Using SA 240 TP 304 Allowable Stress

Allowable stress values guide designs for:

  • Pressure Vessels: Section VIII calculations for plat SS 304 3mm or thicker plates.
  • Heat Exchangers: Up to 1000°F with 18.6 ksi limit.
  • Piping: SA 240 GR 304 pipe under B31.3, using these S values.
  • Food/Chemical: Safe in mild corrosives, with SS 304 non magnetic benefits.

For chloride environments, consider sa 240 gr 316l.

 

Why Choose Gangsteel?

Gangsteel offers certified SA 240 TP 304 plates with allowable stress compliance, competitive SS 304 plate price (~$1.60/kg FOB), and custom sizes like plate 2 mm SUS 304. Our inventory supports ASME designs. For quotes or SA 240 TP 304 PDF specs, visit astm a 240 stainless plate or email admin@gangsteel.com.

Values based on ASME 2023 edition; verify with latest code for your application.

 

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