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Maximum Allowable Stress Values ASME Pressure Vessel Code

ASME Pressure Vessel Design and Engineering

ASME Pressure Vessel Code Maximum Allowable Stress Values:

The maximum allowable stress values to be used in the calculation of the vessel’s wall thickness are given in the ASME Code for many different materials. These stress values are a function of temperature.

Material	Spec. No.	Grade	Division 1 -20°F to -650°F	Division 2 -20°F to -650°F
Carbon Steel Plates and Sheets	SA-516	55	13,800	18,300
		60	15,000	20,000
		65	16,300	21,700
		70	17,500	23,300
	SA-285	A	11,300	15,000
		B	12,500	16,700
		C	13,800	18,300
	SA-36	-	12,700	16,900
	SA-203	A	16,300	21,700
		B	17,500	23,300
		D	16,300	21,700
		E	17,500	23,300
High Alloy Steel Plates	SA-240	304	12,000	20,000
		304L	11,250	16,700
		316	12,300	20,000
		316L	10,200	16,700

Division 1: Governs the design by “Rules”, is less stringent from the standpoint of certain design details and inspection procedures, and thus incorporates a higher safety factor of 4. For example, if a 60,000 psi tensile strength material is used, the Maximum Allowable Stress Value is 15,000 psi.

Division 2: Governs the design by “Analysis" and incorporates a lower safety factor of 3. Thus, the maximum allowable stress value for a 60,000 psi tensile strength material will become 20,000 psi.