Procuring ASTM A515 Gr.65 steel plate for critical applications like pressure vessels requires a rigorous inspection protocol. Verifying key material properties through specific tests is non-negotiable for ensuring safety, performance, and regulatory compliance. This checklist outlines the essential inspection items that should be confirmed via the Mill Test Certificate (MTC) or specified for independent verification.
The following tests form the baseline requirement per the ASTM A515 specification and must be documented in the MTC:
Chemical Composition Analysis: Verifies conformance to specified limits for Carbon (C), Manganese (Mn), Silicon (Si), Phosphorus (P), and Sulfur (S). Both heat analysis and product analysis are standard.
Mechanical Tensile Test: Determines critical properties including Tensile Strength, Yield Strength, and Elongation to ensure they meet the minimum requirements for Grade 65.
Heat Treatment Verification: Confirms the plate was supplied in the required Normalized (or stress-relieved) condition. The MTC must state the heat treatment process performed by the mill.
For high-integrity pressure vessel applications, specify these additional tests in your purchase order:
Ultrasonic Testing (UT): ASTM A578/A578M Level II (or higher) scanning is strongly advised to detect internal laminations, inclusions, or discontinuities that could compromise integrity under pressure.
Charpy V-Notch Impact Test: While not mandatory in ASTM A515, many engineering standards mandate impact testing to verify notch toughness at a specified temperature (e.g., room temperature or higher), per ASTM A370.
Dimensional and Visual Inspection: Confirms plate thickness, width, length, flatness, and surface quality are within ordered tolerances and free from major defects.
