Steel A182 F3V QT-SPWHT-MAX
Heat-treated state
ASTM A182 F3V · UNS K31830
Over-tempered bounding condition for heavy-wall reactors; property basis for design because it gives the lowest strength.
Values for the QT-SPWHT-MAX condition
Other A182 F3V tempers and conditions
A182 F3V is listed in 5 conditions; see the grade overview at A182 F3V.
- NT
- QT-SPWHT-MAX
- QT-SPWHT-SC
- QT
- QT-SPWHT-MIN
Compare all 5 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
normalized and tempered ≥675 °C | Alternative A182 heat treatment for thinner or geometrically awkward forgings where liquid quenching is impractical; slightly lower strength and toughness. | 460 | 620 | 21 | 13 HRC | 7.8 % IACS |
QT-SPWHT-MAXThis page Q&T + maximum simulated PWHT (long cycle, ~705 °C × many hours) | Over-tempered bounding condition for heavy-wall reactors; property basis for design because it gives the lowest strength. | 470 | 620 | 23 | 13 HRC | 7.8 % IACS |
Q&T + simulated PWHT + step cooling (temper-embrittlement qualification) | Order this test condition when API 934-A step-cooling / vTr54 shift acceptance must be demonstrated for the reactor forging. | 480 | 630 | 22 | 15 HRC | 7.8 % IACS |
QTDefault Quenched and tempered | Standard as-delivered condition for A182 F3V forgings; best combination of strength and upper-shelf toughness. | 505 | 655 | 22 | 210 HB | — |
Q&T + minimum simulated PWHT (short cycle, ~690 °C) | Test condition/delivery basis representing the least-tempered material of a fabricated vessel — governs the upper end of strength and hardness. | 525 | 680 | 21 | 20 HRC | 7.8 % IACS |
What is A182 F3V QT-SPWHT-MAX?
A182 F3V QT-SPWHT-MAX is A182 F3V heat treated to QT-SPWHT-MAX — over-tempered bounding condition for heavy-wall reactors; property basis for design because it gives the lowest strength. A182 F3V QT-SPWHT-MAX has a yield strength of 470 MPa (68.2 ksi) and a tensile strength of 620 MPa (89.9 ksi) — stronger than 57% of steel grades. Elongation at break is 23% and the elastic modulus is 207 GPa (30 Msi). A182 F3V QT-SPWHT-MAX has a density of 7.85 g/cm³ (0.284 lb/in³), heavier than 56% of steel grades. It melts at 1,450°C (2,642 °F). QT is the default condition FabDigit quotes; QT-SPWHT-MAX is available on request or by drawing note.
Advantages
- Tough — resists crack growth — 220 MPa·√m (200.2 ksi·√in), better than 100% of steel grades
- High service temperature — 482°C (900 °F), better than 89% of steel grades
A182 F3V QT-SPWHT-MAX properties
Typical room-temperature values for A182 F3V QT-SPWHT-MAX; 23 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are A182 F3V reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among steel grades.
Physical3
A182 F3V QT-SPWHT-MAX has a density of 7.85 g/cm³ (0.284 lb/in³), heavier than 56% of steel grades. It melts at 1,450°C (2,642 °F).
Mechanical17
A182 F3V QT-SPWHT-MAX has a yield strength of 470 MPa (68.2 ksi) and a tensile strength of 620 MPa (89.9 ksi) — stronger than 57% of steel grades. Elongation at break is 23% and the elastic modulus is 207 GPa (30 Msi).
Thermal6
A182 F3V QT-SPWHT-MAX is rated for continuous service to 482°C (900 °F). It conducts heat at 36 W/m·K (20.8 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 73% of steel grades. Thermal expansion is 12 µm/m·K (6.67 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
A182 F3V QT-SPWHT-MAX conducts electricity at 7.8 % IACS, worse than 57% of steel grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is poor (16/100), better than 79% of steel grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of A182 F3V QT-SPWHT-MAX takes about 32 MJ of energy and emits 2.4 kg of CO₂ — more than 70% of steel grades. Typical recycled content is 30%.
Manufacturability7
A182 F3V QT-SPWHT-MAX's machinability is fair (51/100, better than 50% of steel grades); weldability fair (52/100); formability poor (28/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with A182 F3V QT-SPWHT-MAX
Is A182 F3V easy to machine?
Machines like Q&T 4130/4140 at ~210 HB — rigid setups, carbide inserts, moderate speeds and generous coolant; leave stock for the post-PWHT final cut since long tempering cycles move dimensions.
Can A182 F3V be welded?
SAW/SMAW/GTAW with matching 3Cr-1Mo-V consumables, preheat 150–230 °C, strict hydrogen control and mandatory PWHT ~690–705 °C per API 934-A; control J-factor and weld-metal X-bar for step-cooling embrittlement.
Can A182 F3V be formed, bent or molded?
Hot forged 1150–900 °C with controlled finishing temperature, then quench/normalize and temper ≥675 °C; cold forming is not practical.
What surface finishes work on A182 F3V?
Process side is protected by 309L/347 or Alloy 625 strip/weld overlay; external surfaces painted or metallized — no anodizing, and hard chrome/plating requires baking to avoid hydrogen embrittlement.
A182 F3V chemical composition (wt %)
Limits by weight percent from the governing specification, written the way the spec states them — a single maximum for impurities, a range for alloying elements, and the base element as balance. Nominal is the typical mid-range value.
| Element | Spec limit (wt %) | Nominal |
|---|---|---|
| C | 0.11 – 0.15 | 0.13 |
| Mn | 0.3 – 0.6 | 0.45 |
| Pkept low to limit temper embrittlement (J-factor) | ≤ 0.02 | 0.01 |
| S | ≤ 0.01 | 0 |
| Sirestricted for embrittlement control | ≤ 0.1 | 0.06 |
| Ni | ≤ 0.25 | 0.15 |
| Cr | 2.75 – 3.25 | 3 |
| Mo | 0.9 – 1.1 | 1 |
| Vcreep and HTHA strengthening carbide former | 0.2 – 0.3 | 0.25 |
| Nblisted as Cb in ASTM A182 | 0.02 – 0.07 | 0.03 |
| Cainclusion shape control | 5×10⁻⁴ – 0.02 | 0 |
| Ti | ≤ 0.03 | 0.01 |
| B | ≤ 0 | 5×10⁻⁴ |
| Cu | ≤ 0.25 | 0.1 |
| Fe | balance | — |
A182 F3V QT-SPWHT-MAX — frequently asked
What is A182 F3V QT-SPWHT-MAX used for?
A182 F3V QT-SPWHT-MAX is typically used for hydrocracker reactor forgings, heavy-wall pressure vessel nozzles, reactor shell courses and heads, vessel flanges for hydrogen service, manway and instrument nozzle forgings and high-pressure exchanger tubesheets. In short: creep upgrade over F22; API 934-A reactor forging grade; step-cooling embrittlement controlled.
What is the yield strength of A182 F3V QT-SPWHT-MAX?
A182 F3V QT-SPWHT-MAX has a typical yield strength of 470 MPa (68.2 ksi) and a tensile strength of 620 MPa (89.9 ksi) — stronger than 57% of steel grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 5 listed tempers.
Is A182 F3V QT-SPWHT-MAX easy to machine?
Reasonably — machinability is rated fair (51/100, better than 50% of steel grades). Machines like Q&T 4130/4140 at ~210 HB — rigid setups, carbide inserts, moderate speeds and generous coolant; leave stock for the post-PWHT final cut since long tempering cycles move dimensions.
Can A182 F3V QT-SPWHT-MAX be welded?
With care — weldability is rated fair (52/100). SAW/SMAW/GTAW with matching 3Cr-1Mo-V consumables, preheat 150–230 °C, strict hydrogen control and mandatory PWHT ~690–705 °C per API 934-A; control J-factor and weld-metal X-bar for step-cooling embrittlement.
What surface finishes work on A182 F3V QT-SPWHT-MAX?
Process side is protected by 309L/347 or Alloy 625 strip/weld overlay; external surfaces painted or metallized — no anodizing, and hard chrome/plating requires baking to avoid hydrogen embrittlement.
Can A182 F3V QT-SPWHT-MAX be formed, bent or molded?
Hot forged 1150–900 °C with controlled finishing temperature, then quench/normalize and temper ≥675 °C; cold forming is not practical.
What is the maximum service temperature of A182 F3V QT-SPWHT-MAX?
A182 F3V QT-SPWHT-MAX is rated for continuous use to about 482°C (900 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
What is the difference between A182 F3V-QT and A182 F3V-NT?
QT is the default condition — standard as-delivered condition for A182 F3V forgings; best combination of strength and upper-shelf toughness. NT: alternative A182 heat treatment for thinner or geometrically awkward forgings where liquid quenching is impractical; slightly lower strength and toughness. Yield strength is 505 MPa in QT versus 460 MPa in NT.
Sources
- ASTM A182/A182M — Forged or Rolled Alloy and Stainless Steel Pipe Flanges, Fittings, Valves and Parts for High-Temperature Service (Grade F3V, UNS K31830) — ASTM International (2023)
- ASTM A336/A336M — Alloy Steel Forgings for Pressure and High-Temperature Parts (Grade F3V) — ASTM International (2021)
- API 934-A — Materials and Fabrication of 2¼Cr-1Mo, 2¼Cr-1Mo-¼V, 3Cr-1Mo and 3Cr-1Mo-¼V Steel Heavy Wall Pressure Vessels — American Petroleum Institute (2019)
- ASME BPVC Section II Part D — Material Properties (physical properties, allowable stresses, Group B) — ASME (2023)
- API 941 — Steels for Hydrogen Service at Elevated Temperatures (Nelson curves) — American Petroleum Institute (2016)
- ASM Handbook Vol.1 — Properties and Selection: Irons, Steels, and High-Performance Alloys (Cr-Mo steels) — ASM International (1990)
- Heavy-wall Cr-Mo-V reactor forging datasheets (JSW / Kobe Steel / Böhler type 3Cr-1Mo-V) — various forge masters (2020)
Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.