SA553 Type 1 High-Toughness 9% Nickel Steel Plate for Cryogenic Applications (-196°C) with Quenched & Tempered Treatment
Price:
Negotiable
MOQ:
1 Ton
Delivery Time:
7–15 Working Days
Brand:
GNEE
Product Description
SA553 Type 1 Pressure Vessel Steel Plate | High-Toughness 9% Nickel Low-Temperature Steel
ASME SA553 Type 1 is a high-nickel (8.50%-9.50%), low-carbon steel plate designed for cryogenic applications, operating effectively at temperatures down to -196°C (-320°F). It offers superior toughness, high strength, and excellent weldability, making it ideal for LNG, nitrogen, and oxygen storage tanks. The material is supplied in a quenched and tempered condition to ensure structural integrity.
Key Specifications & Properties
- Grade & Standard: ASME SA553 Type 1/ASTM A553 Type I
- Nickel Content: 8.50% - 9.50%
- Heat Treatment: Quenched & Tempered (Q&T)
- Low-Temperature Performance: Resists brittle fracture at cryogenic temperatures (-196°C), with Charpy impact energy often around 200J
- Strength & Ductility: Combines high tensile strength (approx. 655 - 825 MPa or 95-120 ksi) with excellent notch toughness
Technical Specifications
Chemical Composition (Heat Analysis %)
| Element | C (max) | Mn | P (max) | S (max) | Si | Ni |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Value | 0.13 | 0.90 | 0.015 | 0.015 | 0.15-0.40 | 8.50-9.50 |
Mechanical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Tensile Strength (MPa) | 690 - 825 |
| Yield Strength (MPa) | ≥ 585 |
| Elongation in 2 in. (50mm) | ≥ 20% |
| Charpy V-Notch Impact (-196°C) | ≥ 34J (Lateral Expansion ≥ 0.38mm) |
| Heat Treatment | Quenched & Tempered (Q+T) |
Available Dimensions & Supply Range
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Thickness | 5mm - 100mm (Specializing in 6mm-50mm for LNG tanks) |
| Width | 1500mm - 4000mm |
| Length | 3000mm - 18000mm (Custom lengths available) |
| Surface Finish | Shot blasting and Priming (Optional) |
| Edge Processing | Mill Edge, Cut Edge, or Beveled for Welding |
Why SA553 Type 1 Steel is the Preferred Material for Cryogenic Pressure Vessels
SA553 Type 1 Steel's Exceptional Cryogenic Toughness
At temperatures approaching -196°C, most ferritic steels undergo a ductile-brittle transition, becoming prone to brittle fracture. SA553 Type 1 steel overcomes this limitation through a carefully balanced 9% nickel content and a special heat treatment process. These two factors work together to form a fine-grained martensitic structure containing retained austenite phase, effectively preventing crack propagation at extremely low temperatures. This material exhibits a minimum Charpy V-notch impact energy of 27 J and a lateral expansion of at least 0.381 mm at -196°C, providing a statistically reliable safety margin, validated by decades of field applications in thousands of LNG storage tanks, cryogenic transport containers, and industrial gas storage systems worldwide.
The High Strength-to-Weight Ratio of SA553 Type 1 Steel
SA553 Type 1 steel has a minimum yield strength of 585 MPa (84,800 psi) and a tensile strength ranging from 690 to 825 MPa (100,000 to 120,000 psi), allowing vessel designers to reduce wall thickness without compromising structural integrity. This directly translates to lower steel consumption, lighter vessel weight, simpler foundation requirements, and significant reductions in the transportation and installation costs of large LNG storage tanks.
The Excellent Weldability of SA553 Type 1 Steel
The low carbon content of SA553 Type 1 steel (maximum 0.13%) minimizes the risk of cold cracking in the heat-affected zone during welding, enabling the use of conventional fusion welding processes, including manual arc welding (SMAW), submerged arc welding (SAW), gas metal arc welding (GMAW), and argon arc welding (TIG), with suitable nickel-based welding wires. Compared to austenitic stainless steel, which requires more specialized welding techniques and more expensive welding materials, this makes the factory prefabrication and on-site installation of SA553 Type 1 steel more practical and cost-effective.
Key Applications
- LNG Storage & Transportation: Land-based LNG storage tanks, LNG fuel tanks for ships
- Cryogenic Equipment: Liquid oxygen/nitrogen/argon spherical tanks and cylinders
- Energy Sector: Ethylene and ammonia storage vessels
- Aerospace: Propellant storage systems
Value-Added Processing Services
In addition to supplying SA553 Type 1 plates in standard dimensions, GNEE provides advanced processing services including:
- Cutting (plasma, laser, water jet - any size and any shape)
- Beveling and edge preparation (for welding fit-up)
- Drilling and machining
- Bending and forming
- Stress relieving (post-forming)
- Pre-fabrication welding (steel structure assemblies)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Is SA553 Type 1 the same as ASTM A553 Type I?
Yes. ASME SA-553 Type I is identical to ASTM A553 Type I. The "SA" prefix indicates the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code designation, while the "A" prefix denotes the ASTM standard - both reference the same material specification, chemical requirements, and mechanical test requirements.
Q2: What is the difference between SA553 Type 1 and Type 2?
The primary difference is the nickel content: SA553 Type 1 contains 8.50% to 9.50% nickel and is impact tested at -195°C, whereas Type 2 contains 7.50% to 8.50% nickel and is impact tested at -170°C.
Q3: What is the maximum thickness available for SA553 Type 1?
The standard specification places no absolute maximum thickness - the limit is determined by the mill's ability to meet the specified mechanical property and impact test requirements through the full thickness. In current mill practice, SA553 Type 1 is routinely available up to 50 mm, and GNEE offers production capability up to 260 mm in certain widths.
Q4: Does GNEE offer third-party inspection for SA553 Type 1?
Yes. GNEE welcomes third-party inspection by SGS, Bureau Veritas, TÜV, Lloyd's Register, DNV, ABS, or any customer-nominated inspection agency during production and prior to shipment.
Q5: Can I get a free sample of SA553 Type 1?
Yes. GNEE offers free A4-sized sample plates for customer evaluation and lab testing. Simply contact our sales team with your sample request and delivery address, and we will arrange shipment to your designated laboratory or receiving location.
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Company
Gnee Steel (tianjin) Co., Ltd.
Location
FLAT/RM 1512 15/F LUCKY CENTRE NO.165-171 WAN CHAI ROAD WAN CHAI HK
Contact Person
Kelly Zhang