Pressure Vessel Plates, Alloy Steel, Quenched-and-Tempered, Chromium-Molybdenum, and Chromium-Molybdenum-Vanadium

A542/A542M-13: Standard Specification for Pressure Vessel Plates, Alloy Steel, Quenched-and-Tempered, Chromium-Molybdenum, and Chromium-Molybdenum-Vanadium

For engineers and designers working with high-pressure and high-temperature applications, selecting the right materials is paramount for safety and performance. ASTM A542/A542M-13 provides an essential framework for specifying quenched-and-tempered alloy steel plates, ensuring reliability in demanding environments. This industry-leading standard is a cornerstone for the fabrication of robust pressure vessels and critical components across various sectors.

What is A542/A542M-13?

ASTM A542/A542M-13 is an authoritative specification that defines the requirements for alloy steel plates containing chromium and molybdenum, with or without vanadium, intended for use in the quenched-and-tempered condition. Its primary purpose is to ensure these plates possess the necessary mechanical properties and chemical composition for constructing welded pressure vessels and associated components that operate under stringent conditions.

Scope & Purpose

This standard governs the manufacturing, chemical composition, and mechanical properties of specific alloy steel plates. It covers five types of plates, designated A through E, and various strength classes, focusing on their suitability for fusion welding after a specific heat treatment process. The specification outlines minimum and maximum thickness limitations and addresses the material's sensitivity to cracking in its as-rolled state, emphasizing the need for careful handling and shipping agreements. It explicitly does not cover plates intended for other applications or those not subjected to the specified heat treatment.

Who Must Comply?

• • Primary audience: Materials Engineers, Welding Engineers, Quality Control Inspectors, Mechanical Engineers, and Procurement Specialists involved in the design, fabrication, and procurement of pressure vessels and high-pressure components.
• • Industries affected: Heavy Manufacturing, Energy (including oil and gas, power generation), Petrochemical, and Aerospace industries.
• • Compliance nature: Compliance is typically voluntary, driven by contractual requirements, project specifications, and internal company quality assurance programs. However, for ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code applications, adherence is mandatory.
• • Enforcement: Compliance is generally ensured through contractual obligations, third-party inspections, and audits by regulatory bodies or clients.

Key Requirements Overview

The comprehensive A542/A542M-13 standard mandates several critical aspects for material integrity:

• • The standard requires that the steel be produced using a fine austenitic grain size and fully killed steelmaking practices.
• • Professionals must ensure that plates undergo a specified quenching and tempering heat treatment process to achieve the desired mechanical properties.
• • Key provisions include adherence to defined chemical composition limits for chromium, molybdenum, and vanadium, as well as other alloying elements.
• • The specification details minimum tensile strength requirements for various classes and mandates Charpy V-notch impact testing for specific classes (4 and 4a) to ensure adequate toughness at specified temperatures.
• • It also references the need for compliance with general requirements outlined in ASTM A20/A20M for steel plates for pressure vessels.

Related Standards & References

A542/A542M-13 is often used in conjunction with other **proven