In conclusion, ASME Section II, Part A sets forth essential material specifications for

the construction of pressure vessels, boilers, and related systems. The section ensures
that materials meet rigorous standards for strength, durability, and resistance to high
pressure and temperature. This helps guarantee the safety and reliability of pressure
equipment, making sure it performs as expected under challenging conditions.

By providing clear guidelines for material selection, ASME Section II, Part A promotes
consistency across the industry, ensuring that manufacturers and engineers can rely on
a set of well-established rules when choosing materials. Ultimately, these standards are
in place to ensure the integrity of the equipment, prevent failures, and maintain safety
standards across various industries where pressure vessels and boilers are used.

Overall, it’s about ensuring that the materials used are up to the task, not just in terms
of meeting regulatory requirements, but in delivering safe, effective, and long-lasting
performance.

In conclusion, ASME Section II, Part A2 focuses on the detailed specifications for
materials used in the construction of boilers and pressure vessels. This part ensures that
the materials meet stringent criteria for mechanical properties, such as strength and
toughness, as well as resistance to high temperatures and pressures. By setting these
standards, it helps ensure that the materials will perform reliably and safely in
demanding environments.

The goal of Part A2 is to provide engineers and manufacturers with a clear and
consistent framework for selecting appropriate materials. This promotes safety, reduces
the risk of material failure, and contributes to the overall integrity of the equipment. By
following these material standards, the industry can achieve better quality control,
reduce accidents, and maintain compliance with safety regulations.

Ultimately, ASME Section II, Part A2 is about making sure that the materials used in
critical pressure equipment are fit for purpose, supporting both operational efficiency
and safety across various industries.

Common Mistakes People Might Make in ASME Section II, Part A1:

1. Misunderstanding Material Requirements

o What Happens: Sometimes, people might not fully understand the material
requirements (like strength or chemical makeup) and could pick the wrong
material for a pressure vessel or boiler.
o How It's Found: This mistake is found when the material doesn't meet the required
standards during an inspection or test.
2. Choosing the Wrong Material for the Job
o What Happens: Sometimes a material is chosen that’s not strong enough or
doesn’t work well in extreme conditions, like high temperatures or corrosive
environments.
o How It's Found: It might be discovered later when the material starts to fail, like
cracking or corroding, during use.
3. Skipping Impact Testing
 o What Happens: Some materials need to be tested to see how they handle cold or
pressure. If this test is skipped, the material might not perform well in certain
conditions.
o How It's Found: This is often noticed if the equipment fails under certain
conditions, like low temperatures.
4. Not Keeping Good Records
o What Happens: ASME requires documentation to show that materials meet the
standards. Sometimes, manufacturers forget to keep or provide these records.
o How It's Found: During an inspection or audit, the lack of proper paperwork might
cause a problem.
5. Wrong Welding or Heat Treatment
o What Happens: Welding and heat treatment are important for making sure
materials stay strong. If these processes aren’t done correctly, the material could
crack or weaken.
o How It's Found: This can be found through tests like x-rays or ultrasound, which
look for cracks in the material.
6. Not Considering the Environment
o What Happens: Some materials aren’t suitable for certain environments, like
extremely high or low temperatures, or when exposed to chemicals. People
sometimes forget to consider these factors.
o How It's Found: It might not be noticed until the material starts to break down or
corrode after being exposed to harsh conditions.
7. Using Outdated Codes or Rules
o What Happens: ASME updates its rules regularly, and sometimes people still
follow older versions of the code, missing new or stricter requirements.
o How It's Found: Inspections or audits might catch this, especially if newer
standards are not followed.
8. Mixing Materials That Don’t Work Well Together
o What Happens: Sometimes, materials with different properties are used together,
which can cause problems, especially if they don't behave the same way when
heated or under pressure.
o How It's Found: This is usually spotted when the welded joints fail or crack during
stress tests.

How Are These Mistakes Found?

 Testing: Materials are tested for strength and quality before use, so any issues can be
found early.
 Inspections: Engineers and inspectors check the materials and the equipment to make sure
everything meets the ASME standards.
 Quality Audits: These reviews check if the right materials were used and if everything was
done according to the code.
 During Operation: Sometimes, mistakes are noticed when the equipment starts showing
problems like cracks or leaks in real-world conditions.
 Expanded Table: Materials and Specifications from ASME Section II, Part A1

Material Chemical Tensile Yield Impact Additional

Material Type Elongation
Grade Composition Strength Strength Test Notes
Carbon Steel SA-36 C ≤ 0.26%, 58-80 ksi 36 ksi 20% No Used for low-
 Material Chemical Tensile Yield Impact Additional
Material Type Elongation
Grade Composition Strength Strength Test Notes
pressure
Mn: 0.60-
(General impact applications,
0.90%, P ≤ (400-550 (250
Carbon test boilers, and
0.035%, S ≤ MPa) MPa)
Steel) required general
0.035%
fabrication
C ≤ 0.26%, Used in mild
No
Mn: 0.60- 60-80 ksi 30 ksi conditions for
SA-283 impact
0.90%, P ≤ (415-550 (205 23% general
Gr. C test
0.035%, S ≤ MPa) MPa) structural
required
0.035% applications
Ideal for use in
C ≤ 0.30%,
No high-
Mn: 0.90- 60-80 ksi 32 ksi
SA-515 impact temperature
1.35%, P ≤ (415-550 (220 20%
Gr. 60 test services like
0.035%, S ≤ MPa) MPa)
required pressure
0.035%
vessels
C ≤ 0.26%, Commonly used
SA-516
Mn: 0.90- 70-90 ksi 38 ksi Required for pressure
Low-Alloy Gr. 60
1.20%, Cr: (480-620 (260 21% for low vessels in
Steel (Pressure
0.5-0.9%, Mo: MPa) MPa) temps power plants
Vessels)
0.2-0.3% and refineries
C ≤ 0.15%, Best for high-
SA-387 Mn: 0.90- 70-90 ksi 40 ksi Required temperature,
Gr. 11 Cl. 1.50%, Cr: (480-620 (275 22% for low high-pressure
2 1.0-1.5%, Mo: MPa) MPa) temps steam
0.25-0.60% applications
Excellent
C ≤ 0.08%, No corrosion
75-90 ksi 30 ksi
SA-240 Mn: 2.0%, Cr: impact resistance, used
Stainless Steel (515-620 (205 40%
Type 304 18-20%, Ni: 8- test in harsh
MPa) MPa)
10% required chemical
environments
Superior
C ≤ 0.08%,
No resistance to
Mn: 2.0%, Cr: 75-90 ksi 30 ksi
SA-240 impact corrosion and
16-18%, Ni: (515-620 (205 40%
Type 316 test high
10-14%, Mo: MPa) MPa)
required temperatures
2-3%
(versatile)
For extreme
Nickel Alloys corrosion
80-100 40-50 ksi Required
SA-387 resistance and
Ni: 99% Min. ksi (550- (275-345 30% for low
Gr. 2 high-
690 MPa) MPa) temps
temperature
environments
High-Strength SA-572 C ≤ 0.23%, 70-90 ksi 50 ksi 20% No High-strength
Low-Alloy Gr. 50 Mn: 1.35- (485-620 (345 impact steel used in
Steel 1.85%, Si: MPa) MPa) test structural
0.15-0.50%, required applications
 Material Chemical Tensile Yield Impact Additional
Material Type Elongation
Grade Composition Strength Strength Test Notes
Cu ≤ 0.35% and pipelines
C ≤ 0.08%, Used in high-
Mn: 0.30- 75-95 ksi 30 ksi Required temperature
Alloy Steel SA-213 T9 0.60%, Cr: (515-655 (205 22% at low applications like
8.0-10.0%, MPa) MPa) temps superheaters in
Mo: 1.0-1.5% boilers
C ≤ 0.05%, Designed for
Heat- Mn: 0.30- 75-95 ksi 40 ksi Required use in high-
Resistant SA-335 P5 0.60%, Cr: (515-655 (275 18% at low temperature
Steel 4.0-5.0%, Mo: MPa) MPa) temps service (e.g.,
0.45-0.60% power plants)
Suitable for
C ≤ 0.10%, pressure
Creep- Mn: 0.30- 70-90 ksi 30 ksi Required vessels and
SA-213
Resistant 0.60%, Cr: (480-620 (205 22% for low piping exposed
T11
Steel 1.0-1.5%, Mo: MPa) MPa) temps to high-
0.44-0.60% temperature
steam
C ≤ 0.12%, Used in
Mn: 0.30- 80-100 45 ksi Required extreme high-
Tungsten SA-387
0.50%, Cr: ksi (550- (310 20% for low temperature,
Alloys Gr. 22
2.0-3.0%, Mo: 690 MPa) MPa) temps high-pressure
0.80-1.00% conditions
C ≤ 0.10%, Often used for
Chromium- Mn: 0.30- 75-95 ksi 40 ksi Required steam pipelines
Molybdenum SA-335 P9 0.60%, Cr: (515-655 (275 18% for low and high-
Steel 5.0-6.0%, Mo: MPa) MPa) temps temperature
0.50-0.75% applications

Key Points to Remember:

 Chemical Composition: Specifies the maximum or range of elements like carbon

(C), manganese (Mn), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), molybdenum (Mo), sulfur (S),
phosphorus (P), etc. Each material has its own specific limits for these elements
to ensure it meets the desired properties.
 Tensile Strength: This is the maximum stress the material can withstand without
breaking. It is typically given in ksi (kilo pounds per square inch) or MPa
(megapascals).
 Yield Strength: This is the stress at which the material will deform permanently.
It is also given in ksi or MPa.
 Notes: Different materials are chosen depending on the application. For
example, SA-516 Gr. 60 is commonly used for pressure vessels because of its
ability to handle high pressures, while SA-240 Type 304 stainless steel is used for
its corrosion resistance in harsher environments.
How to Use This Table:

 The material grade tells you the specific type of steel or alloy.
 The chemical composition ensures that the material meets the necessary properties, like
strength and resistance to corrosion or heat.
 The tensile strength and yield strength tell you how strong the material is.
 Additional Notes describe the typical use of each material and where it is most applied.

Chemical Composition of Materials in ASME Section II, Part A1

Other
Material Carbo Manganes Phosphoru Sulfur Silico Chromiu Nicke Molybdenu Vanadiu
Element
Grade n (C) e (Mn) s (P) (S) n (Si) m (Cr) l (Ni) m (Mo) m (V)
s

Carbon
Steel

SA-36 ≤
≤ 0.60– 0.15– 0.40% 0.40%
(Carbon ≤ 0.035% 0.035 - - -
0.26% 0.90% 0.40% Max. Max.
Steel) %

≤
SA-283 ≤ 0.60– 0.15– 0.40% 0.40%
≤ 0.035% 0.035 - - -
Gr. C 0.26% 0.90% 0.35% Max. Max.
%

≤
SA-515 ≤ 0.90– 0.15– 0.50% 0.40%
≤ 0.035% 0.035 - - -
Gr. 60 0.30% 1.35% 0.40% Max. Max.
%

Low-
Alloy
Steel

≤
SA-516 ≤ 0.90– 0.15– 0.50– 0.40%
≤ 0.035% 0.035 0.20–0.30% - -
Gr. 60 0.26% 1.20% 0.40% 0.90% Max.
%

SA-387 ≤
≤ 0.90– 0.15– 1.00– 0.40%
Gr. 11 Cl. ≤ 0.035% 0.035 0.25–0.60% - -
0.15% 1.50% 0.50% 1.50% Max.
2 %

Stainless
Steel

≤
SA-240 ≤ 0.75– 8–
2.0% Max. ≤ 0.045% 0.030 18–20% - - -
Type 304 0.08% 1.50% 10%
%
 Other
Material Carbo Manganes Phosphoru Sulfur Silico Chromiu Nicke Molybdenu Vanadiu
Element
Grade n (C) e (Mn) s (P) (S) n (Si) m (Cr) l (Ni) m (Mo) m (V)
s

≤
SA-240 ≤ 0.75– 10–
2.0% Max. ≤ 0.045% 0.030 16–18% 2–3% - -
Type 316 0.08% 1.50% 14%
%

Nickel
Alloys

≤
SA-387 ≤ 0.30– 0.30% 0.40% 99%
≤ 0.035% 0.035 - - -
Gr. 2 0.08% 0.60% Max. Max. Min.
%

Alloy
Steel

≤
SA-213 ≤ 0.30– 0.20– 8.00– 0.80–
≤ 0.035% 0.035 1.00–1.50% - -
T9 0.08% 0.60% 0.50% 10.00% 1.10%
%

≤
SA-335 ≤ 0.30– 0.50% 4.00– 0.50%
≤ 0.035% 0.035 0.45–0.60% - -
P5 0.05% 0.60% Max. 5.00% Max.
%

≤
SA-335 ≤ 0.30– 0.50% 5.00– 0.50%
≤ 0.035% 0.035 0.50–0.75% - -
P9 0.10% 0.60% Max. 6.00% Max.
%

Creep-
Resistan
t Steel

≤
SA-213 ≤ 0.30– 0.15– 1.00– 0.40%
≤ 0.035% 0.035 0.44–0.60% - -
T11 0.10% 0.60% 0.50% 1.50% Max.
%

Tungste
n Alloys

≤
SA-387 ≤ 0.30– 0.15– 2.00– 0.40%
≤ 0.035% 0.035 0.80–1.00% - -
Gr. 22 0.12% 0.50% 0.50% 3.00% Max.
%

Explanation of Key Elements in the Table:

 1. Carbon (C): Carbon is a key element that impacts the hardness, strength, and
weldability of the material. Higher carbon content typically increases hardness
but reduces ductility.
2. Manganese (Mn): Manganese improves toughness and resistance to wear and is
often added to steel to improve its hardenability.
3. Phosphorus (P): Phosphorus is usually an impurity in steel. High levels of
phosphorus can lead to brittleness, so the levels are controlled.
4. Sulfur (S): Like phosphorus, sulfur is generally considered an impurity that can
reduce weldability and impact toughness. It is kept to low levels.
5. Silicon (Si): Silicon is used as a deoxidizer in steelmaking and can also contribute
to the steel’s strength and resistance to oxidation.
6. Chromium (Cr): Chromium increases hardness, corrosion resistance, and high-
temperature strength, which is why it is commonly found in stainless steels and
alloy steels.
7. Nickel (Ni): Nickel adds toughness, corrosion resistance, and helps maintain
strength at high temperatures. It’s a key component in stainless steels.
8. Molybdenum (Mo): Molybdenum enhances strength, hardness, and resistance to
heat and corrosion, especially in high-temperature and high-pressure
applications.
9. Vanadium (V): Vanadium is used to improve strength, toughness, and wear
resistance.

Key Notes:

 Tolerance Ranges: For each material grade, there are specific allowable ranges
for each element, ensuring the material achieves the desired mechanical
properties, such as strength, ductility, and weldability. For example, carbon
content is typically limited to ≤ 0.30% for pressure vessel steels to maintain
proper balance between strength and weldability.
 Impurity Limits: Elements like phosphorus and sulfur are usually kept to low
levels (e.g., ≤ 0.035%) to avoid material brittleness and to ensure the steel’s
integrity under stress.
 Alloying Elements: Elements such as chromium, molybdenum, and nickel are
added to improve properties like corrosion resistance (especially in stainless
steels) and high-temperature strength (in alloy and heat-resistant steels).

How to Use the Table:

 Material Selection: Engineers can use this table to determine the right material
for specific applications based on its chemical composition and the performance
characteristics required. For instance, if you need a material with high corrosion
resistance, you may opt for SA-240 Type 304 (with 18–20% chromium and 8–
10% nickel).
 Customization for Application: Understanding the chemical composition helps
determine whether a material is suited for high-temperature environments,
pressure vessels, or corrosive conditions.
Test Results and Acceptance Criteria in ASME Section II, Part A1

Test Type Test Method Acceptance Criteria Rejection Criteria Retest Method

- If the material fails - Retest the sample

- Material must meet
to meet the specified per ASTM E8. If it
ASTM E8 or minimum tensile
Tensile Test minimum tensile or still fails, it is
equivalent strength and yield
yield strength, it is deemed unfit for
strength requirements.
rejected. use.

- Failure to meet the

- Material should pass - Retest at the
required minimum
Charpy V-notch impact specified
Impact Test impact energy at the
ASTM E23 test at specified temperature. If
(Charpy) specified
temperatures (usually at failure persists, the
temperature is
low temperatures). material is rejected.
grounds for rejection.

- The material’s
- Retest using
chemical composition - Exceeding limits for
spectrometric
Chemical must be within the carbon, sulfur,
ASTM A751 or analysis or
Composition specified range for phosphorus, or other
equivalent equivalent to
Test elements such as specified elements
confirm
carbon, manganese, leads to rejection.
composition.
sulfur, phosphorus, etc.

- Retest the
- Hardness must meet - If the hardness
hardness using the
ASTM E10 or the specified maximum exceeds the specified
Hardness Test same method. If
equivalent values (e.g., Rockwell value, the material is
results still exceed
hardness). rejected.
the limit, reject.

- Material should pass

Visual visual inspection and - Any cracking,
- Retest after
Weldability Inspection + qualify under standard excessive porosity,
correcting welding
Test Weld Procedure welding procedures or lack of weldability
procedure.
Qualification (e.g., no cracking, leads to rejection.
porosity).

- Retest on the
ASTM E8 + AWS - Tensile strength of the - If the weld tensile
welded joint. If
Tensile Test D1.1 (for weld should meet the strength is below the
tensile strength
After Welding welded required values after required minimum, it
fails, reject the
materials) welding. is rejected.
material.

- Failure to bend
- Material should pass a without cracking or - Retest the bend
ASTM A370 or
Bend Test bend test for ductility excessive test with the
equivalent
and flexibility. deformation results corrected sample.
in rejection.
 Test Type Test Method Acceptance Criteria Rejection Criteria Retest Method

- If the grain size is

- Material should exhibit too coarse or does
- Retest using
ASTM E112 or a fine grain structure not meet the
Grain Size Test microscopic
equivalent (usually specific grain specified grain size
inspection.
number). number, reject the
material.

Visual - No visible defects like - Visible cracks,

- Retest after
Visual Inspection (per cracks, pitting, or pitting, corrosion, or
surface cleaning and
Inspection code or inclusions should be inclusions lead to
repairs.
specification) present. rejection.

- Material should meet - Presence of

ultrasonic standards for internal defects such
Ultrasonic Test ASTM A578 or - Retest using
internal defects (e.g., no as voids, inclusions,
(UT) equivalent ultrasonic testing.
significant voids or or cracks leads to
inclusions). rejection.

- Visible cracks,
- X-ray or gamma-ray
voids, or - Retest with
tests should show no
Radiographic ASTM E94 or imperfections radiography. If
significant internal
Test equivalent detected by defects remain,
defects like voids or
radiographic testing reject.
cracks.
leads to rejection.

- Nickel content should

- Exceeding or falling
Nickel Content be within specified - Retest by chemical
ASTM E350 or short of nickel
(for Alloy range for alloys analysis (e.g.,
equivalent content will result in
Steels) requiring nickel (e.g., spectrometry).
rejection.
Type 304 Stainless).

- Material must pass the

corrosion resistance - Failure to meet - Retest after
ASTM G48 or test for the specified corrosion resistance modifying
Corrosion Test
equivalent environment (e.g., limits for the given environmental
pitting, crevice material grade. conditions.
corrosion).

- Creep strength must

- If the creep
meet or exceed - Retest after
Creep Strength ASTM E139 or strength falls below
specified values for adjustment of
Test equivalent the required level,
high-temperature testing conditions.
reject the material.
applications.

Retest After ASTM A285 or - Material must meet - Failure to meet - Retest following
Heat equivalent mechanical properties required properties the correct heat
Treatment after the prescribed after heat treatment treatment process.
heat treatment (e.g.,
 Test Type Test Method Acceptance Criteria Rejection Criteria Retest Method

hardness, strength). leads to rejection.

Explanation of Columns:

1. Test Type: The type of test conducted to verify the material's compliance with the
required specifications (e.g., tensile, impact, chemical composition).
2. Test Method: The standard or specification used to perform the test (e.g., ASTM E8
for tensile testing, ASTM E23 for impact testing).
3. Acceptance Criteria: The standards or thresholds the material must meet to be
considered acceptable. These are derived from the ASME code and related standards.
4. Rejection Criteria: If the material fails to meet the specified criteria in the test, it is
considered rejected and deemed unfit for use in the application.
5. Retest Method: In case the material fails a test, the retesting procedure is outlined.
Often, this involves repeating the test on the same material or adjusting the process
and re-testing the material.

Key Notes:

 Tensile Testing is critical for verifying the strength and elasticity of the material, and
it ensures the material can withstand the intended operational stresses.
 Impact Testing (Charpy V-notch) helps to assess the material's ability to resist
sudden shocks or impacts, particularly in low-temperature environments.
 Chemical Composition tests ensure that the material contains the correct proportions
of elements (such as carbon, manganese, and chromium) to meet the required
performance standards.
 Weldability is assessed through visual inspection and sometimes additional tests to
ensure the material can be welded without defects.
 Retesting: When a test result falls outside the acceptable limits, the material is often
retested after corrections are made (e.g., remelting, re-heat treatment) or a sample is
taken from a new batch.

Final Notes:

 Each material and application in ASME Section II, Part A1 may have different standards for
tests, depending on the material's specific use (e.g., carbon steel vs. high-alloy steel,
pressure vessel vs. boiler).
 Always refer to the full ASME BPVC code for precise specifications, particularly if the
material is intended for use in safety-critical systems like pressure vessels, boilers, or piping
systems.