ASME SA612 is a high-strength carbon-manganese-silicon steel plate specifically designed for medium- and low-temperature welded pressure vessels and boilers. It is primarily used in the manufacture of storage tanks, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) containers, and industrial processing equipment.
- Equivalent Standard: Complies with the ASTM A612 standard, where ASTM covers material standards and ASME covers specifications for boilers and pressure vessels.
- Thickness Limits: The standard typically limits the maximum thickness to 25 millimeters (1 inch), but custom production can exceed this limit.
- Grain Structure: Manufactured from killed steel with a fine austenitic grain structure to achieve optimal toughness and weldability.
GNEE Steel will provide high-quality steel plates conforming to ASME SA612 specifications to meet your needs. We ensure the smooth operation of our ASME SA612 compliant steel plate business. Please feel free to contact us with any requirements; we will do our best to meet your needs.
ASME SA612 VS SA 516 GR.70：Selection Conclusion
Selection is determined by three primary technical factors: design pressure/temperature, wall thickness requirement, and service environment.
| Selection Criteria | Prefer ASME SA612 | Prefer SA516 Gr70 |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Design Temperature | ≤ -30°C (-40°C ~ -30°C) | ≥ -29°C (Ambient ~ -29°C) |
| Equipment Types | LNG storage tanks, cryogenic pressure vessels, offshore platform equipment, portable pressure tanks | Ambient-temperature boilers, standard medium & low-pressure vessels, petrochemical atmospheric equipment |
| Cost Priority | Lightweight design, priority on total material cost control | Low unit price priority, small-batch conventional projects |
| Certification Requirements | ASME U-stamp, PED cryogenic certification | General pressure vessel certification |
| Service Conditions | High pressure, cyclic loading, wet hydrogen sulfide service | Ambient temperature & atmospheric pressure, non-corrosive service |
Choose ASME SA612 If Your Project Meets Any Of The Following:
• Medium/high pressure, medium/low temperature equipment with weight reduction design targets.
• Above-ground LPG storage tanks, medium & small high-pressure separators, cryogenic heat exchangers.
• Assets deployed in frigid zones; minimum service temperature down to -40°C, extended to -60°C under select extreme operating conditions.
• Projects requiring equipment mass reduction and controlled plate dead weight.
ASME SA612 VS SA 516 GR70：How to choose?
Choose SA516 Gr.70 If Your Project Meets Any Of The Following:
• General petrochemical pressure vessels, distillation columns, reactors, boiler drums (majority standard units)
• Large atmospheric / medium-pressure storage tanks, thick-wall spherical tanks, process equipment exposed to H₂S service (HIC-resistant grade available as option)
• Service temperature range: -29°C to 400°C
• Projects without strict weight reduction requirements, with unit procurement cost as primary control target
Main characteristics of ASME SA612 Pressure Vessel Plate
ASME SA612 vs SA516 Grade 70
See how ASME SA612 compares to the commonly used SA516 Grade 70 in pressure vessel applications.
| Eigentum | ASME SA516 Grade 70 | ASME SA612 |
|---|---|---|
| Material Type | Kohlenstoffstahl | Manganese Silicon Alloy Steel |
| Zugfestigkeit | 485-620 MPa | 570-725 MPa |
| Streckgrenze | Minimum 260 MPa | Minimum 345 MPa |
| Impact Test Temperature | -29°C | -40°C |
| Typical Applications | Fixed Storage Tanks | Mobile LPG Tankers, Pressure Vessels |
| Weight Reduction Potential | Standard |
Up to 16% Weight Saved |
Key Advantages of ASME SA612
Higher Strength-to-Weight Ratio:
Enables thinner wall designs while maintaining required structural integrity
Improved Transportation Efficiency:
Reduces equipment weight by up to 16%, allowing for increased payload capacity
Better Low-Temperature Performance:
Certified for service down to -40°C with excellent impact toughness
Long-Term Cost Savings:
Despite slightly higher material cost, overall project costs are reduced through weight savings and improved efficiency
Do these mechanical properties fully meet your project requirements?
Our engineers can review your thickness, welding requirements, and delivery schedule at no cost to help you avoid costly mismatches.
Success Story: LPG Tanker Manufacturer
Core Data：
1.2 tons weight reduction per tank | 8% higher LPG loading capacity | 200 tons quarterly purchasing volume
Challenge：
The client intended to boost the payload capacity of LPG tankers, without compromising safety performance and relevant regulatory standards.
Solution：
We proposed material replacement: replace 12mm SA516 Gr70 with 10mm ASME SA612 steel plate. The outstanding strength-to-weight ratio of SA612 guarantees structural safety with thinner plate.
Results：
Each tank cuts 1.2 tons dead weight, enabling 8% more LPG delivery per trip under identical total vehicle weight. The client achieved remarkable operating cost reduction and higher profit margin, with a steady quarterly order of 200 tons SA612 plate.
ASME SA612 VS SA 516 GR.70：Typical Applications
ASME SA612 Typical Applications
Cryogenic storage tanks (LNG, ethylene, liquid ammonia) operating at -45°C to -30°C
Offshore platform pressure vessels and cold-region industrial equipment
High-pressure lightweight mobile pressure transport tanks
ASME U-stamp certified low temperature pressure equipment
Sour service wet hydrogen sulfide pressure vessels (HIC-resistant version available)
SA 516 GR.70 Typical Applications
Normal temperature boilers and medium pressure vessels operating at -29°C to 400°C
Atmospheric storage tanks for oil, gas and petrochemical industries
General purpose heat exchangers and process vessels
Non-cryogenic conventional pressure equipment projects
ASME SA612 VS SA 516 GR.70：Cost Comparison
| Cost Item | SA612 | SA516 Gr70 | Cost Difference Conclusion |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unit plate price | 8%~12% higher than SA516 | Base reference price | SA612 has a slightly higher unit price |
| Designed wall thickness | 20%~25% thinner (higher tensile strength) | Base reference thickness | Total material weight of SA612 cut down by 20% |
| Total material cost | 10%~15% lower than SA516 | Base reference cost | ✅ SA612 delivers lower total material cost |
| Welding & fabrication cost | 30% cost reduction (low carbon equivalent, no preheating required) | Base reference cost | ✅ SA612 features lower processing cost |
| Transportation / Installation cost | 20% weight reduction brings corresponding cost cut | Base reference cost | ✅ SA612 achieves lower full-life-cycle supply chain cost |
Click to get the ASME SA612 latest prices
EN 10204 3.1 Mill Test Certificate
FAQ:
What is A612 steel?
ASTM A612 specification is the Standard Specification for Pressure Vessel Plates, Carbon Steel, High Strength, for Moderate and Lower Temperature Service. ASTM A612 encompasses carbon-manganese-silicon steel plates intended for use in welded pressure vessels for moderate and low temperature service.
Are SA612 and A612 Steel Plates the Same Product? What Are the Core Differences?
They are the same type of steel plate. ASTM A612 is the material standard, while ASME SA612 is the designation assigned after ASTM A612 was incorporated into the ASME Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code, specifically for the fabrication of pressure-bearing equipment.
What Are the Equivalent Grades of SA612/A612 in Chinese and European Standards? Can They Be Used as Direct Substitutes?
Common approximate equivalent grades include EN P355GH, DIN 1.0473, and GB Q345R. However, they cannot be used as direct equivalents. Their suitability must be confirmed in accordance with design specifications and approval requirements.
Which Is More Suitable for Low-Temperature Applications: SA612 or SA516 Gr.70?
SA612 delivers more stable comprehensive performance in thick plate and high-stress working conditions, whereas SA516 Gr.70 offers better cost-effectiveness in conventional operating conditions.
What is SA 516 GR 70 equivalent to?
What is the equivalent material for A516 GR 70? Common equivalents include ASME SA516 GR 70, EN 10028 P355GH, and BS1501 224-490 A & B, suitable for similar pressure vessel applications.
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