| Nominal Thickness (mm) | Yield Strength (ReH) Min. (MPa) | Tensile Strength (Rm) (MPa) |
Impact Energy (KV) Min. (J) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ≤ 16 | 355 | 510 – 650 | 0°C: 34 | |
| 16 – 40 | 345 | 510 – 650 | -20°C: 27 | |
| 40 – 60 | 335 | 480 – 630 | +20°C: 40 | |
| 60 – 100 | 315 | 490 – 630 | ||
| 100 – 150 | 295 | 480 – 630 | ||
| 150 – 250 | 280 | 470 – 630 | ||
| Element | Composition Range/ Limit (%) | Element | Composition Range/ Limit (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | 0.10 – 0.22 | Molybdenum (Mo) | ≤ 0.080 |
| Silicon (Si) | ≤ 0.60 | Niobium (Nb) | ≤ 0.020 – 0.040 |
| Manganese (Mn) | 1.10 – 1.70 | Nickel (Ni) | ≤ 0.30 |
| Phosphorus (P) | ≤ 0.025 | Titanium (Ti) | ≤ 0.030 |
| Sulphur (S) | ≤ 0.015 | Vanadium (V) | ≤ 0.020 |
| Aluminium (Al) | ≤ 0.020 | Nitrogen (N) | ≤ 0.012 |
| Chromium (Cr) | ≤ 0.30 | Copper (Cu) | ≤ 0.30 |
| Feature | SA516 Gr.70 (ASME/ASTM Standard) | P355GH (EN Standard) |
|---|---|---|
| Core Standard | ASTM A516 / ASME Section II | EN 10028-2 |
| Yield Strength (Min.) | 260 MPa (38 ksi) | 355 MPa |
| Impact Test Temp. | -46°C (-50°F) (for Gr.70) is common | Typically 0°C or -20°C (as ordered) |
| Key Element Control | General requirements for P, S | Stricter limits on P (≤0.025%), S (≤0.015%) |
| Typical CEV (Weldability) | ~0.43% | Usually lower, ~0.40% due to composition control |
SA516 Gr.70 is your go-to for projects under the American ASME code, offering reliable performance with a 260 MPa yield strength. On the other hand, P355GH is the European standard’s answer, delivering a higher 355 MPa yield strength and tighter controls on impurities—making it the specified choice for PED-regulated projects where higher strength or optimized fabrication is key.
| Region / Market | Governance & Key Standard | Typical Applications & Projects | Market Position & Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| European Union & UK | Mandatory: EN 10028-2 Key Directive: Pressure Equipment Directive (PED / CE Marking) |
• Power plant boilers & heat exchangers • Industrial pressure vessels & reactors • District heating systems & pressurised pipelines |
The default and often non-negotiable choice for CE-marked pressure equipment. Its EN certification is a fundamental legal and commercial requirement for market access. |
| Middle East & Africa | Commonly Specified: EN 10028-2 or project-specific standards. Influenced by: Major international EPC contractors and energy projects. |
• Oil & gas separation vessels & storage tanks • Petrochemical plant modules • Power generation infrastructure |
A widely accepted and trusted grade for major energy projects. Often specified due to its high-quality pedigree, reliable performance, and compatibility with international engineering standards. |
| Asia-Pacific | Dual Standard Environment: EN 10028-2 or equivalent local standards (e.g., JIS SPV355). Project-Driven: Choice depends on client, licensor, or export destination. |
• Boilers for power & marine use • Process equipment for chemical & LNG industries • Fabricated pressure equipment for export to Europe |
A premium grade for high-value projects and export-oriented fabrication. Supplied by major mills and traders across the region, it is synonymous with quality for critical applications. |
| The Americas | Niche Application: EN 10028-2. Primary Market: ASME/ASTM standards (e.g., SA516 Gr.70, SA612). |
• Specialized equipment for chemical processing • Components for global OEMs with European specifications |
Not the mainstream standard, but used for equipment destined for European markets or when specified by licensors. Direct substitution for ASME grades is not permitted without design review. |
Global Application Summary:
P355GH is engineered for high-stress environments where pressure containment and temperature resistance are critical. Its core applications consistently span power generation (boilers, heat exchangers), petrochemical and oil & gas (reactors, separators, storage vessels), and major industrial pressure equipment. The choice for P355GH over other grades is ultimately less about geography and more about compliance with the EN standard framework and the PED directive.