ASTM SA516 Gr.70 Heat Exchanger Bottom Head

ASTM SA516 Gr.70 Heat Exchanger Bottom Head

ASTM SA516 Gr.70 is a carbon steel material commonly used for pressure vessel applications, including heat exchangers. The bottom head of a heat exchanger is the lower portion of the vessel where the heat transfer process takes place. This component is typically designed to withstand high temperatures and pressure, making SA516 Gr.70 an ideal material choice due to its excellent strength and toughness properties. The use of this material ensures the bottom head of the heat exchanger can effectively transfer heat while maintaining structural integrity and safety.

What’s the difference between ASTM A516 Gr. 70 and ASME SA516 Gr. 70. In fact, the mechanical and chemical properties of the steels are identical and it is the producer of the standard that is the key difference. ASTM, the American Society for Testing and Materials, produces standards that define limits and parameters on a product’s properties and the methods of testing those properties. ASME, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, specifies materials to be used in the manufacture and construction of particular items. The relevance of this to pressure vessels is that ASME publishes design codes and standards for the manufacture of vessels and within these a particular material standard will be endorsed. ASME “acquires” ASTM specifications in this way and its pressure vessel code committee assigns an “S” to the relevant ASTM standard. So A516 becomes SA516 when ASME acquires it.

Despite its wide use and application, A516 / SA516 is a remarkably straightforward standard in its basic form with just five key chemical elements specified along with three mechanical properties. It does not even need to be heat treated in any way.

Specifications and Standards

Chemical Composition

The application of ASTM SA516 Gr.70 for the bottom head of a heat exchanger

1. High strength and durability: ASTM SA516 Gr.70 has high tensile strength and excellent toughness, making it ideal for withstanding high pressure and temperature conditions in a heat exchanger.

2. Corrosion resistance: The carbon steel composition of ASTM SA516 Gr.70 provides good resistance to corrosion, ensuring long-term performance and reliability of the heat exchanger bottom head.

3. Weldability: ASTM SA516 Gr.70 is easily weldable, allowing for easy fabrication and assembly of the heat exchanger components.

4. Cost-effectiveness: ASTM SA516 Gr.70 is a cost-effective material choice for heat exchanger construction, offering a good balance of performance and affordability.