This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles

for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

Designation: A387/A387M − 17a Used in USDOE-NE Standards

Standard Specification for

Pressure Vessel Plates, Alloy Steel, Chromium-
Molybdenum1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation A387/A387M; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year
of original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.
A superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.

1. Scope* be used independently of the other. Combining values from the

2
1.1 This specification covers chromium-molybdenum alloy two systems may result in nonconformance with this specifi-
steel plates intended primarily for welded boilers and pressure cation.
vessels designed for elevated temperature service. 1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
1.2 Plates are available under this specification in several
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
grades having different alloy contents as follows:
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
Nominal Nominal
Chromium Molybdenum
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Grade Content, % Content, % Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2 0.50 0.50
12 1.00 0.50 2. Referenced Documents
11 1.25 0.50
22 2.25 1.00 2.1 ASTM Standards:3
21 3.00 1.00 A20/A20M Specification for General Requirements for Steel
5 5.00 0.50
9 9.00 1.00 Plates for Pressure Vessels
91 9.00 1.00 A370 Test Methods and Definitions for Mechanical Testing
1.3 Each grade except Grade 91 is available in two classes of Steel Products
of tensile strength levels as defined in the Tensile Requirements A435/A435M Specification for Straight-Beam Ultrasonic
tables. Grade 91 is available only as Class 2. Grade 91 consists Examination of Steel Plates
of two types, with Type 2 differentiated from Type 1 by A577/A577M Specification for Ultrasonic Angle-Beam Ex-
requiring restricted composition for the enhancement of creep amination of Steel Plates
resistance. A578/A578M Specification for Straight-Beam Ultrasonic
NOTE 1—Grade 911, previously covered by this specification, is now Examination of Rolled Steel Plates for Special Applica-
covered by Specification A1017/A1017M. tions
1.4 The maximum thickness of plates is limited only by the A1017/A1017M Specification for Pressure Vessel Plates,
capacity of the composition to meet the specified mechanical Alloy Steel, Chromium-Molybdenum-Tungsten
property requirements. 2.2 AWS Specifications:4
A5.5/A5.5M Low-Alloy Steel Electrodes for Shielded Metal
1.5 The values stated in either inch-pound units or SI units
Arc Welding
are to be regarded separately as standard. Within the text, the
A5.23/A5.23M Low-Alloy Steel Electrodes and Fluxes for
SI units are shown in brackets. The values stated in each
Submerged Arc Welding
system are not exact equivalents. Therefore, each system must
A5.28/A5.28M Low-Alloy Steel Electrodes and Rods for
Gas Shielded Arc Welding
1
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee A01 on Steel,
Stainless Steel and Related Alloys and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
3
A01.11 on Steel Plates for Boilers and Pressure Vessels. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2017. Published November 2017. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 1955. Last previous edition approved in 2017 as A387/A387M – 17. Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
DOI: 10.1520/A0387_A0387M-17A. the ASTM website.
2 4
For ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code applications, see related Specifi- Available from American Welding Society (AWS), 550 NW LeJeune Rd.,
cation SA-387/SA-387M in Section II of that Code. Miami, FL 33126, http://www.aws.org.

*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States

1
 A387/A387M − 17a
A5.29/A5.29M Low-Alloy Steel Electrodes for Flux Cored 6. Chemical Requirements
Arc Welding 6.1 The steel shall conform to the requirements as to
3. General Requirements and Ordering Information chemical composition shown in Table 1 unless otherwise
modified in accordance with Supplementary Requirement S17,
3.1 Material supplied to this material specification shall Vacuum Carbon-Deoxidized Steel, in Specification A20/A20M
conform to Specification A20/A20M. These requirements out- for grades other than Grade 11.
line the testing and retesting methods and procedures, permis-
sible variations in dimensions and weight, quality and repair of 7. Metallurgical Structure
defects, marking, loading, and ordering information. 7.1 Austenitic Grain Size—Grade 2 material shall have a
3.2 In addition to the basic requirements of this coarse austenitic grain size.
specification, certain supplementary requirements are available
when additional control, testing, or examination is required to 8. Mechanical Requirements
meet end use requirements. The purchaser is referred to the 8.1 Tension Test Requirements:
listed supplementary requirements in this specification and to 8.1.1 The material as represented by the tension test speci-
the detailed requirements in Specification A20/A20M. mens shall conform to the applicable requirements of Table 2
3.3 If the requirements of this specification are in conflict or Table 3, as specified on the order.
with the requirements of Specification A20/A20M, the require- 8.1.2 Adjustment of the percentage elongation requirements
ments of this specification shall prevail. is permitted in accordance with Specification A20/A20M for
plates up to 3⁄4 in. [20 mm] inclusive, in thickness when an 8-in.
4. Manufacture [200-mm] gage length is used.
4.1 Steelmaking Practice—The steel shall be killed.
9. Repair Welding
5. Heat Treatment 9.1 Repair welding shall be permitted only with the ap-
5.1 Except for Grade 91, all plates shall be thermally treated proval of the purchaser. Repair welds shall meet the require-
either by annealing, normalizing and tempering, or, when ments of the construction code specified by the purchaser.
permitted by the purchaser, accelerated cooling from the 9.2 All repair welds in Grade 91 shall be made with one of
austenitizing temperature by air blasting or liquid quenching, the following welding processes and consumables: SMAW,
followed by tempering. Minimum tempering temperatures A5.5/A5.5M E90XX-B9; SAW, A5.23/A5.23M EB9 + neutral
shall be as follows: flux; GTAW, A5.28/A5.28M ER90S-B9; and FCAW A5.29/
Grade Temperature, °F [°C] A5.29M E91T1-B9. In addition, the sum of the Ni+Mn content
2, 12, and 11 1150 [620] of all welding consumables used to weld repair Grade 91 plate
22, 21, and 9 1250 [675]
5 1300 [705] shall not exceed 1.0 %.
5.1.1 Grade 91 plates shall be thermally treated, either by 10. Marking
normalizing and tempering or by accelerated cooling from the
austenitizing temperature by air blasting or liquid quenching, 10.1 In addition to the marking required in Specification
followed by tempering. Grade 91 plates shall be austenitized at A20/A20M, each plate shall be legibly stamped or stenciled,
1900 to 1975°F [1040 to 1080°C] and shall be tempered at depending upon the ordered thickness, with the letter A for
1350 to 1470°F [730 to 800°C]. annealed, N for normalized and tempered, and Q for acceler-
ated cooled and tempered, as applicable. Grade 91 plates shall
5.2 Grade 5, 9, 21, 22, and 91 plates ordered without the be marked with the appropriate type. Plates ordered to, and
heat treatment required by 5.1 shall be furnished in either the conforming to, Type 2 may be marked Type 1 as well.
stress relieved or the annealed condition.
5.3 For plates ordered without the heat treatment required 11. Keywords
by 5.1, heat treatment of the plates to conform to 5.1 and to 11.1 alloy steel; alloy steel plate; creep resistance; elevated
Table 2 or Table 3, as applicable, shall be the responsibility of temperature; pressure containing parts; pressure vessel steels;
the purchaser. steel plates; steel plates for pressure vessels

2
 TABLE 1 Chemical Requirements
NOTE 1—Where “. . .” appears, there is no requirement.
Composition, %
Grade and UNS Number
Element Grade 2 Grade 12 Grade 11 Grade 22 Grade 21 Grade 5 Grade 9 Grade 91 Grade 91
S50460 K11757 K11789 K21590 K31545 S50200 K90941 Type 1 Type 2
K90901 K90901
Carbon:
Heat analysis 0.05–0.21 0.05–0.17 0.05–0.17 0.05–0.15A 0.05–0.15A 0.15 max 0.15 max 0.08–0.12 0.08–0.12
Product analysis 0.04–0.21 0.04–0.17 0.04–0.17 0.04–0.15A 0.04–0.15A 0.15 max 0.15 max 0.06–0.15 0.06–0.15
Manganese:
Heat analysis 0.55–0.80 0.40–0.65 0.40–0.65 0.30–0.60 0.30–0.60 0.30–0.60 0.30–0.60 0.30–0.60 0.30–0.50
Product analysis 0.50–0.88 0.35–0.73 0.35–0.73 0.25–0.66 0.25–0.66 0.25–0.66 0.25–0.66 0.25–0.66 0.30–0.50
Phosphorus, max:
Heat analysis 0.025 0.025 0.025 0.025 0.025 0.025 0.025 0.020 0.020
Product analysis 0.025 0.025 0.025 0.025 0.025 0.025 0.025 0.025 0.020
Sulfur, max:
Heat analysis 0.025 0.025 0.025 0.025 0.025 0.025 0.025 0.010 0.005
Product analysis 0.025 0.025 0.025 0.025 0.025 0.025 0.025 0.012 0.005
Silicon:
Heat analysis 0.15–0.40 0.15–0.40 0.50–0.80 0.50 max 0.50 max 0.50 max 1.00 max 0.20–0.50 0.20–0.40
Product analysis 0.13–0.45 0.13–0.45 0.44–0.86 0.50 max 0.50 max 0.55 max 1.05 max 0.18–0.56 0.20–0.40
Chromium:
Heat analysis 0.50–0.80 0.80–1.15 1.00–1.50 2.00–2.50 2.75–3.25 4.00–6.00 8.00–10.00 8.00–9.50 8.0–9.50
Product analysis 0.46–0.85 0.74–1.21 0.94–1.56 1.88–2.62 2.63–3.37 3.90–6.10 7.90–10.10 7.90–9.60 8.0–9.50
Molybdenum:

3
Heat analysis 0.45–0.60 0.45–0.60 0.45–0.65 0.90–1.10 0.90–1.10 0.45–0.65 0.90–1.10 0.85–1.05 0.85–1.05
Product analysis 0.40–0.65 0.40–0.65 0.40–0.70 0.85–1.15 0.85–1.15 0.40–0.70 0.85–1.15 0.80–1.10 0.80–1.05
Nickel, max:
Heat analysis ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 0.40 0.20
Product analysis ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 0.43 0.20
Vanadium:
Heat analysis ... ... ... ... ... ... 0.04 max 0.18–0.25 0.18–0.25
A387/A387M − 17a

Product analysis ... ... ... ... ... ... 0.05 max 0.16–0.27 0.16–0.27
Columbium (niobium):B
Heat analysis ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 0.06–0.10 0.06–0.10
Product analysis ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 0.05–0.11 0.05–0.11
Boron, maxC ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 0.001
Nitrogen:
Heat analysis ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 0.030–0.070 0.035–0.070
Product analysis ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 0.025–0.080 0.035–0.070
Nitrogen/aluminum ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... $4.0
Aluminum, maxC ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 0.02 0.020
Titanium, maxC ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 0.01 0.01
Zirconium, maxC ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 0.01 0.01
Tungsten, maxC ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 0.05
Copper, maxC ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 0.10
Antimony, maxC ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 0.003
Arsenic, maxC ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 0.010
Tin, maxC ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 0.010
A
The carbon content for plates over 5 in. [125 mm] in thickness is 0.17 max on product analysis.
B
Columbium and niobium are interchangeable names for the same element and both names are acceptable for use in A01 specifications.
C
Applies to both heat and product analysis.
 A387/A387M − 17a
TABLE 2 Tensile Requirements for Class 1 Plates
Grades 2 and 12 Grade 11 Grades 22, 21, 5, 9
Tensile strength, ksi [MPa] 55 to 80 [380 to 550] 60 to 85 [415 to 585] 60 to 85 [415 to 585]
Yield strength, min, ksi [MPa] 33 [230] 35 [240] 30 [205]
Elongation in 8 in. [200 mm], min, %A 18 19 ...
Elongation in 2 in. [50 mm], min, %A 22 22 18
Reduction of area, min, % ... ... 45B
40C
A
See Specification A20/A20M, elongation adjustments.
B
Measured on round test specimens.
C
Measured on flat specimen.

TABLE 3 Tensile Requirements for Class 2 PlatesA

Grade 2 Grade 11 Grade 12 Grades 22, 21, 5, 9 Grade 91
Tensile strength, ksi [MPa] 70 to 90 75 to 100 65 to 85 75 to 100 85 to 110
[485 to 620] [515 to 690] [450 to 585] [515 to 690] [585 to 760]
Yield strength, min, ksi [MPa]/(0.2 % offset) 45 [310] 45 [310] 40 [275] 45 [310] 60 [415]
Elongation in 8 in. [200 mm], min, %B 18 18 19 ... ...
Elongation in 2 in. [50 mm], min, %B 22 22 22 18 18
Reduction of area, min, % ... ... ... 45C ...
40D
A
Not applicable to annealed material.
B
See Specification A20/A20M, elongation adjustments.
C
Measured on round test specimens.
D
Measured on flat specimen.

SUPPLEMENTARY REQUIREMENTS

Supplementary requirements shall not apply unless specified in the order. A list of standardized
supplementary requirements for use at the option of the purchaser is included in Specification
A20/A20M. Several of those considered suitable for use with this specification are listed below by
title. Other tests may be performed by agreement between the supplier and the purchaser.

S1. Vacuum Treatment,

S2. Product Analysis,
S3. Simulated Post-Weld Heat Treatment of Mechanical
Test Coupons,
S4.1 Additional Tension Test,
S5. Charpy V-Notch Impact Test,
S6. Drop Weight Test (for Material 0.625 in. [16 mm] and
over in Thickness),
S7. High-Temperature Tension Test,
S8. Ultrasonic Examination in accordance with Specifica-
tion A435/A435M,
S9. Magnetic Particle Examination,
S11. Ultrasonic Examination in accordance with Specifica-
tion A577/A577M,
S12. Ultrasonic Examination in accordance with Specifica-
tion A578/A578M, and FIG. S1.1 Transition Temperature Curves Before and After Step
Cool Heat Treatment
S17. Vacuum Carbon-Deoxidized Steel.

4
 A387/A387M − 17a
ADDITIONAL SUPPLEMENTARY REQUIREMENTS

In addition, the following supplementary requirements are suitable for this application. S62 and S63
are applicable for Grades 22 and 21 only.

S53. Alternative Location for Mechanical Testing S63.1.2 The test specimens for one transition temperature
curve shall be given the minimum post weld heat treatment
When specified by the purchaser, the axis of the tensile and
(PWHT) cycle specified by the purchaser.
impact test specimens shall come from the mid-thickness of
S63.2 The test specimens for the other transition tempera-
each plate tested, in lieu of midway between the center
ture curve shall be given the PWHT cycle specified in S63.1.2
thickness and the top or bottom surface of the plate.
plus the following step cooling heat treatment:
Hold at 1100°F (593°C) for 1 h, then cool at 10°F (5.6°C)/h
S60. Restricted Carbon
to 1000°F (538°C).
S60.1 The maximum carbon content of Grade 5 shall be Hold at 1000°F (538°C) for 15 h, then cool at 10°F (5.6°C)/h
0.10 %. to 975°F (524°C).
Hold at 975°F (524°C) for 24 h, then cool at 10°F (5.6°C)/h
S62. Temper Embrittlement Factor to 925°F (496°C).
Hold at 925°F (496°C) for 60 h, then cool at 5°F (2.8°C)/h
S62.1 The composition of the steel, based on heat analysis,
to 875°F (468°C).
shall be restricted in accordance with the following equations:
Hold at 875°F (468°C) for 100 h, then cool at 50°F
J 5 ~ Si1Mn! 3 ~ P1Sn! 3 104 # 150 ~ Si, Mn, P and Sn in wt % ! (27.8°C)/h to 600°F (315°C).
Cu # 0.20% Cool in still air.
Ni # 0.30% S63.3 Test the Charpy V-notch test specimens in accordance
with Test Methods and Definitions A370 to determine the 40
S62.1.1 Lower values of J, Cu, and Ni can be specified by ft-lbs (55 J) transition temperature from each transition tem-
agreement between purchaser and the supplier. perature curve using a set of three test specimens at each test
S62.1.2 When so specified by the purchaser, the maximum temperature. The test temperatures shall include tests on the
value of J shall not exceed 100. upper and lower shelves and a minimum of four intermediate
S62.1.3 The values of J shall be reported. temperatures.
S62.1.4 If the plates are repaired by welding, the composi- S63.4 The following requirements shall be met.
tion of the weld deposit shall be restricted in accordance with vTr4012.5∆vTr40 # 50°F
the following equations: vTr5512.5∆vTr55 # 10°C
X 5 ~ 10P15Sb14Sn1As! /100 # 15 ~ P, Sb, Sn and As in ppm!
where:
Cu # 0.20% vTr40 (vTr55) = the 40 ft-lbs (55 J) transition tempera-
Ni # 0.30% ture of the material subjected to the
minimum PWHT specified by the pur-
S62.1.5 The values of X shall be reported. chaser.
∆vTr40 (∆vTr55) = the shift of the 40 ft-lbs (55 J) transition
S63. Impact Properties After Step Cooling temperature the of the step cooled ma-
S63.1 The Charpy V-notch impact properties shall be deter- terial. (The 40 ft-lbs (55 J) transition
mined as follows: temperature the of the step cooled ma-
S63.1.1 A sufficient amount of Charpy V-notch test speci- terial minus that of the material sub-
mens shall be taken from the same location from a plate from jected to the minimum PWHT only).
each heat of steel to construct two transition temperature S63.5 The 40 ft-lbs (55 J) transition temperatures for the
curves. two material conditions shall be reported.

5
 A387/A387M − 17a
SUMMARY OF CHANGES

Committee A01 has identified the location of selected changes to this standard since the last issue
(A387/A387M – 17) that may impact the use of this standard. (Approved Nov. 1, 2017.)

(1) Revised 1.2 and 1.3 to remove reference to 21L and 22L. (5) Revised Section 10 to include marking of types for Grade
(2) Revised Table 1 to rename Grade 91 as Grade 91, Type 1, 91.
and to add Grade 91, Type 2, reflecting restricted composition; (6) Revised Section 11 to include the keywords elevated
and to remove Grades 21L and 22L. temperature and creep resistance.
(3) Revised Table 1 to include information on niobium in the (7) Removed Supplementary Requirement S76 (and S76.1);
table and the accompanying table footnote. this information is now included in Table 1 as Grade 91, Type
(4) Revised Table 2 to remove Grades 21L and 22L. 2.

Committee A01 has identified the location of selected changes to this standard since the last issue
(A387/A387M – 11) that may impact the use of this standard. (Approved March 15, 2017.)

(1) Added Supplementary Requirement S76.

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