ASME SA203 Grade D Steel Plate | SA203 Gr.D 3.5Ni Low Temperature Plate
What is ASME SA203 Grade D Steel?
As a professional China mill-Direct Supply and ASME pressure-vessel plate exporter, SHH STEEL supplies ASME SA203 Grade D Steel Plate produced to ASME SA-203/SA-203M.
On drawings, MTCs and RFQs this grade is written many ways: ASME SA203 Grade D, SA203 Gr.D, SA203 Gr D, SA203GRD, SA203 GR D, SA-203 Grade D, SA-203 Gr.D, ASTM A203 Grade D, A203 Gr.D, A203GRD, 3.5Ni low temperature plate, 3.5 nickel steel plate and 3.50 nickel pressure vessel plate. All of these names refer to the same 3.50% nickel alloy plate. ASME SA-203/SA-203M is the Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code companion to ASTM A203/A203M.
SA203 Gr.D sits in the higher-nickel half of ASME SA-203. Grades A and B are 2.25% Ni. Grades D, E and F are 3.50% Ni. Strength of Grade D matches Grade A: minimum yield 255 MPa (37 ksi) and tensile 450–585 MPa (65–85 ksi). The extra nickel is specified when MDMT is lower and the designer wants more notch toughness than 2.25Ni or than carbon vessel steels such as ASME SA516 (ASME SA-516/SA-516M) and ASTM A516.
General requirements follow ASME SA-20. Grades A, B, D and E are normalized. Steel is killed and produced to fine-grain practice. SA203 Gr.D is not a 9% Ni cryogenic grade and is not an elevated-temperature Cr-Mo grade such as ASME SA387 (SA-387).
SHH STEEL supplies SA203 Gr.D as true China mill-Direct Supply. Dual marking ASME SA203 Grade D / ASTM A203 Grade D is available for equipment built to ASME Section VIII. Certificates can be EN 10204 3.1 or EN 10204 3.2.
If the project compares other coded vessel plates, SHH STEEL places SA203 Gr.D next to ASME SA537 (SA-537), ASTM A537, ASME SA515 (SA-515) and ASTM A285.
Material Specification
| Specification Element | Requirement | SHH STEEL Compliance |
|---|---|---|
| Grade | ASME SA203 Grade D / SA203 Gr.D / SA203GRD | Confirmed |
| Product Specification | ASME SA-203/SA-203M | Applied |
| Companion Spec | ASTM A203 Grade D / A203 Gr.D | Dual cert available |
| General Requirements | ASME SA-20 / ASTM A20 | Applied |
| Code Context | ASME Section VIII | As specified |
| Product Form | Pressure vessel plate | Available |
| Delivery Condition | Normalized | Standard |
| Typical Thickness | 6 mm – 100 mm (common mill practice for Grade D) | Heavier by enquiry |
| Width / Length | Up to about 4600 mm wide / 12000 mm long | Mill capability |
| Certification | EN 10204 3.1 or 3.2 / third-party | As ordered |
This product belongs to the Pressure Vessel Steel Plates family. It is a 3.5Ni coded vessel plate under ASME SA-203, not a structural Carbon Steel Plates grade.
Chemical Composition
SA203 Grade D chemistry under ASME SA-203/SA-203M is reported as heat analysis (ladle analysis) and, when specified, product analysis.
Heat Analysis (Ladle Analysis) — Grade D
| Element | Thickness / Basis | Heat Analysis (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon (C), max | ≤ 50 mm (2 in.) | 0.17 |
| Carbon (C), max | > 50 mm to 100 mm (2–4 in.) | 0.20 |
| Manganese (Mn), max | ≤ 50 mm | 0.70 |
| Manganese (Mn), max | > 50 mm | 0.80 |
| Phosphorus (P), max | All | 0.025 |
| Sulfur (S), max | All | 0.025 |
| Silicon (Si) | All | 0.15 – 0.40 |
| Nickel (Ni) | All | 3.25 – 3.75 |
Product Analysis — Grade D
| Element | Thickness / Basis | Product Analysis (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Manganese (Mn), max | ≤ 50 mm | 0.78 |
| Manganese (Mn), max | > 50 mm | 0.88 |
| Silicon (Si) | All | 0.13 – 0.45 |
| Nickel (Ni) | All | 3.18 – 3.82 |
| C, P, S | Product check per SA-20/SA-203 | Per order |
Heat-analysis nickel of 3.25–3.75% (product 3.18–3.82%) is the 3.50% nominal nickel grade in ASME SA-203. Carbon of Grade D follows the lower Grade A schedule, not the higher Grade B/E schedule. Tighter residuals, restricted carbon equivalent or HIC chemistry are supplementary requirements.
SHH STEEL reports ladle analysis on every certificate. Product analysis is added when ASME SA-20 product analysis or the vessel specification requires it.
Mechanical Properties
Tensile Requirements — ASME SA203 Grade D per ASME SA-203/SA-203M
| Property | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Tensile strength | 450 – 585 MPa (65 – 85 ksi) |
| Yield strength, min (0.2%) | 255 MPa (37 ksi) |
| Elongation in 200 mm (8 in.), min | 19% |
| Elongation in 50 mm (2 in.), min | 23% |
Grade D uses the same tensile table as Grade A. The extra nickel does not raise room-temperature strength; it is specified for low-temperature toughness. Density is 7.85 g/cm³. Hardness after normalizing is typically around 160 HB unless a special window is ordered.
Specimens are prepared under ASME SA-20. If simulated PWHT is specified, coupons are heat-treated to the vessel cycle before testing.
Material Comparison
| Grade | Nominal Ni | Yield min | Tensile | Heat treatment | Code use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SA203 Gr.A | 2.25% | 255 MPa | 450–585 MPa | Normalized | Same strength as D, less nickel |
| SA203 Gr.B | 2.25% | 275 MPa | 485–620 MPa | Normalized | Higher-strength 2.25Ni |
| SA203 Gr.D | 3.50% | 255 MPa | 450–585 MPa | Normalized | 3.5Ni low-temperature plate |
| SA203 Gr.E | 3.50% | 275 MPa | 485–620 MPa | Normalized | 3.5Ni + higher strength |
| SA203 Gr.F | 3.50% | 380/345 | 550–690/515–655 | Quench + temper | Highest-strength 3.5Ni |
Order SA203 Gr.D / SA203GRD when the ASME SA-203 drawing needs 3.5Ni and 255 MPa yield. If the same 3.5Ni chemistry is required at 275 MPa, use Grade E. If 255 MPa yield is enough and MDMT is not severe, Grade A may be more economical. Carbon QT options include ASME SA537 and ASTM A537. HSLA Steel Plates are not a coded substitute for ASME SA-203.
Low-Temperature Toughness
The reason to specify SA203 Grade D instead of Grade A in ASME SA-203/SA-203M is low-temperature toughness. Nominal 3.50% nickel lowers the ductile-to-brittle transition relative to 2.25Ni and relative to carbon vessel steel of the same strength used in ASME Section VIII.
Impact temperature, orientation and energy minimums are agreed on the order. When Grades A, B, D and E receive a cooling rate faster than air cooling and are then tempered at not less than 595°C, Charpy V-notch testing with a minimum average of 27 J (20 ft·lbf) is required. Many Section VIII specifications set a colder temperature or a higher energy average.
SHH STEEL can supply SA203 Gr.D 3.5Ni low temperature plate with Charpy sets at the temperature written on the RFQ. Results are listed on the 3.1 or 3.2 certificate. SA203 Gr.D is not a liquid-gas 9% Ni grade.
Weldability
SA203 Grade D under ASME SA-203 is a welded pressure-vessel plate. Normalized 3.5Ni steel is welded with low-hydrogen procedures qualified to ASME Section IX.
Consumables are selected to match nickel and the required joint toughness. Preheat depends on thickness and restraint. When ASME Section VIII requires PWHT, the shop cycle is commonly 595–650°C. If properties after that cycle are needed, simulated PWHT of mill coupons should be ordered before shipment.
Compared with Grade F, Grade D avoids quench-and-temper distortion and is simpler for site welding. SHH STEEL recommends a qualified WPS/PQR for each thickness break and can support procedure review through steel welding services.
Heat Treatment
All SA203 Grade D plates shall be normalized per ASME SA-203/SA-203M, except where the purchaser approves a faster cool plus temper at not less than 595°C to improve toughness. That optional route requires impact testing.
Normalizing is heating into the austenite range followed by air cooling. Grade F quench-and-temper practice must not be applied to Grade D unless the order is changed to Grade F.
If the specification fixes a normalizing temperature band or holding time per thickness under ASME SA-20, SHH STEEL writes those parameters into the mill instruction and reports them on the certificate.
Delivery Condition
SHH STEEL delivers ASME SA203 Grade D / SA203 Gr.D in the normalized condition as required by ASME SA-203.
The certificate lists SA203 Gr.D and, when dual certified, A203 Gr.D; heat number; heat analysis; product analysis when ordered; tensile results; heat-treatment condition; agreed Charpy values; and supplementary tests. Plates are industrial vessel plate: heat-treated, then pickled or shot-blasted as agreed.
Decorative finishes such as 2B, BA or No.4 are not used. Surface condition is vessel-plate quality for welding, NDE and coating. Heat number and grade marking support ASME Section VIII traceability.
Certificates may be EN 10204 3.1 or EN 10204 3.2. Third-party stamps (BV, LR, DNV, TUV, SGS or the purchaser’s agency) are arranged when written on the order.
Dimensions
Typical supply range from SHH STEEL for SA203 Gr.D 3.5Ni low temperature plate:
- Thickness: 6 mm – 100 mm as common practice for Grade D (heavier by mill enquiry)
- Width: up to about 4600 mm
- Length: up to about 12000 mm
Cut-to-length shells, heads and nest sizes are available. Extra-wide or extra-thick plates should be confirmed before the purchase order is issued, because Grade D mill practice is often limited to about 100 mm.
Tolerances
Dimensional tolerances follow ASME SA-20 / ASTM A20 for pressure-vessel plates.
Thickness, width, length, flatness and camber are vessel-plate tolerances, not strip tolerances. Restricted thickness or extra-flatness can be accepted when the vessel drawing requires it. Ultrasonic testing to A435 or A578 is added when specified. Cutting to finished sizes is available through steel cutting services.
Supplementary Requirements
ASME Section VIII specifications for 3.5Ni plate often add tests beyond the base SA-203 Grade D table. SHH STEEL treats the following as supplementary requirements.
Simulated PWHT. Coupons from the same heat and thickness receive the vessel PWHT cycle. Tensile and Charpy tests are run on those coupons.
Nondestructive examination. UT to A435, A577 or A578 with purchaser acceptance levels. Edge MT/PT after cutting if required.
Low-temperature impact. Test temperature, specimen size, orientation and minimum average/single values as written on the RFQ.
Special hardness. HBW or HV window after normalizing or after simulated PWHT.
Restricted chemistry. Tighter C, P, S, residuals or carbon equivalent on heat and product analysis per ASME SA-203 / SA-20.
HIC testing. NACE TM0284 with purchaser solution and CLR/CTR/CSR limits. Not automatic on SA203 Gr.D.
NACE / sour-service notes. Review against NACE MR0175 / ISO 15156 or MR0103 only when the datasheet cites the clause.
Z-direction testing. ASTM A770 or purchaser Z15/Z25/Z35 for thick nozzles and restrained joints.
Third-party witnessing. Witness of heat treatment, mechanical tests, UT and documents. Output can be EN 10204 3.2.
Supplementary tests go through steel testing service and appear line by line on the certificate. Items not on the purchase order are not assumed.
Equivalent Material Grades
| Designation | Standard / Region | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ASME SA203 Grade D / SA203 Gr.D / SA203GRD | ASME SA-203/SA-203M | Code name on this page |
| ASTM A203 Grade D / A203 Gr.D / A203GRD | ASTM A203/A203M | Companion material spec |
| 3.5Ni low temperature plate | Commercial | Nickel-content search name |
| JIS G3127 SL3N255 related | JIS | Closest 3.5Ni / 255 MPa |
| EN 10028-4 related Ni vessel steels | EN | Project-specific dual cert |
| GB 09MnNiDR related | GB/T | Chinese low-temp Ni family |
For ASME stamping, the purchase order should say ASME SA203 Grade D to ASME SA-203/SA-203M, or dual SA203 / A203 Grade D. Nearby carbon vessel grades include ASME SA516, ASTM A516, ASME SA515 and ASTM A285.
Applications
ASME SA203 Grade D / SA203 Gr.D is selected for ASME Section VIII vessels that need 3.5Ni toughness at 255 MPa yield. Typical applications of ASME SA203 Grade D Steel Plate include:
| Industry / Sector | Typical Components (with keywords) |
|---|---|
| Low-Temperature Vessels | SA203 Gr.D shells, heads and SA203GRD 3.5Ni low temperature plate |
| Oil, Gas & Petrochemical | ASME SA203 Grade D drums, separators and cold-service equipment |
| Refrigerated Storage | SA-203 Grade D tanks and low-temperature containment plate |
| Energy & Power | SA203 Grade D 3.5Ni heat-exchange shells |
| Dual-Certified Export Jobs | SA203 / A203 Gr.D plate to ASME SA-203 and ASTM A203 |
| ASME Section VIII Fabrication | SA203 Gr D normalized plate cut to nest sizes |
SHH STEEL supplies SA203 Gr.D with full heat traceability. Related industry pages include petrochemical industry and energy industry. Supporting services include steel cutting services, steel welding services, steel testing service and worldwide shipping service.
Why Choose SHH STEEL
SHH STEEL is a China mill-Direct Supply for plates to ASME SA-203/SA-203M. For SA203 Grade D we offer:
- China mill-Direct Supply pricing on SA203 Gr.D / A203 Gr.D
- Dual ASME SA203 / ASTM A203 marking
- Heat analysis and product analysis per ASME SA-20 / SA-203
- EN 10204 3.1 standard; EN 10204 3.2 or nominated third-party inspection on request
- Normalized delivery with agreed Charpy temperature
- Supplementary PWHT simulation, UT, HIC, NACE review and Z-direction testing
- Cutting to shell and head nest sizes
- Technical support to separate Grade D from A/B/E/F and from SA516 / SA537
- Export packing through worldwide shipping service
For company scope and other vessel grades, visit China steel Mill Agent-SHH STEEL.
FAQ
- What other names are used for ASME SA203 Grade D?Buyers also write SA203 Gr.D, SA203GRD, SA-203 Grade D, ASTM A203 Grade D, A203GRD and 3.5Ni low temperature plate. They all mean the 3.50% nickel Grade D plate in ASME SA-203/SA-203M. SHH STEEL prints the exact name required on the purchase order.
- Is SA203 Grade D the same as A203 Grade D?They are companion specifications. ASME SA-203 is the Code version used with ASME Section VIII; ASTM A203 is the ASTM product spec. Chemistry and tensile limits match. SHH STEEL dual-certifies when the vessel must be Code-stamped.
- What is the nickel content of SA203 Gr.D?Heat analysis is 3.25–3.75% Ni and product analysis is 3.18–3.82% Ni under ASME SA-203. That is the 3.50% nominal nickel grade, the same Ni band as Grade E and Grade F.
- What is the difference between SA203 Grade A and Grade D?trength is the same (255 MPa yield, 450–585 MPa tensile). Grade A is 2.25% Ni; Grade D is 3.50% Ni, both in ASME SA-203/SA-203M. Choose Grade D when lower-temperature toughness is the reason for nickel.
- What is the difference between SA203 Grade D and Grade E?Same 3.50% nickel. Grade E requires 275 MPa yield and 485–620 MPa tensile. Grade D stays at 255 MPa yield. Order the grade written on the ASME drawing.
- Does SA203 Grade D need normalizing?Yes. ASME SA-203 requires Grades A, B, D and E to be normalized. A faster cool plus temper at ≥595°C is allowed only with purchaser approval, and then Charpy testing is required.
- Can welding be qualified to ASME Section IX?Yes. SA203 Gr.D is a welded vessel plate. Procedures should be qualified to ASME Section IX with nickel-matching, low-hydrogen consumables. The fabricator owns the qualified WPS.
- Can SHH STEEL issue EN 10204 3.2?Yes. EN 10204 3.1 is standard. EN 10204 3.2 or another third-party witness is arranged when it is written on the order.
- What is the density of SA203 Gr.D?7.85 g/cm³. SHH STEEL uses this value for shipping-weight estimates on ASME SA-203 plate.
Conclusion
ASME SA203 Grade D Steel Plate is the 3.50% nickel, 255 MPa yield low-temperature vessel grade in ASME SA-203/SA-203M. Whether the inquiry says SA203 Gr.D, SA203GRD, SA-203 Grade D or 3.5Ni low temperature plate, SHH STEEL supplies normalized plate with heat and product analysis, optional supplementary tests, and EN 10204 3.1 or 3.2 certification.
As a professional China mill-Direct Supply, SHH STEEL provides ASME SA203 Grade D / SA203 Gr.D 3.5Ni Low Temperature Plate with full traceability for ASME Section VIII fabrication.
Contact SHH STEEL today for stock, impact temperature, dual SA203/A203 marking to ASME SA-203, 3.2 inspection or a quotation.
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