Petrochemical plants operate in some of the harshest industrial environments. Equipment must endure extreme temperatures, high pressures, and continuous operation. That’s where ASTM A387 Grade 22 alloy steel plates step in—engineered specifically to thrive in these conditions. These plates have earned a trusted reputation across industries in the UAE, USA, UK, and Germany for their ability to perform when it matters most.
What Makes Grade 22 So Reliable in Petrochemical Settings?
The secret lies in the plate’s chemical composition. ASTM A387 Grade 22 includes 2.25% chromium and 1% molybdenum, giving it enhanced resistance to oxidation, sulfidation, and creep—three common threats in high-temperature petrochemical processing.
Key mechanical properties:
Standard: ASTM A387 / ASME SA387
UNS Number: K21590
Tensile Strength: 415–585 MPa
Yield Strength: Minimum 205 MPa
Condition: Supplied in normalized and tempered condition
The heat-resistant structure makes Grade 22 ideal for equipment exposed to long-term elevated temperatures, such as reactors, heat exchangers, and pressure vessels.
Applications That Demand No Compromise
Grade 22 plates are used wherever thermal fatigue, high-pressure cycles, and aggressive operating environments are present:
- Hydrocrackers
- Steam reformers
- Heavy oil upgraders
- High-pressure reactors
- Heat recovery systems
Countries like Germany and the UK utilize this material in refineries and chemical plants, while large-scale facilities in the USA and UAE count on its long-term reliability in gas processing and power generation.
Fabricators Like It Too—Here’s Why
While performance under pressure is crucial, so is ease of fabrication. Grade 22 is well-suited for welding, forming, and machining, which simplifies the manufacturing process. When fabricators across Europe and North America choose materials, they favor Grade 22 for its:
Excellent weldability with proper filler metals
Compatibility with post-weld heat treatment (PWHT)
Dimensional stability during shaping and cutting
This workability helps meet tight project timelines without sacrificing quality—an important factor in turnaround maintenance and plant expansions.
Why It’s the Go-To Alloy in Global Petrochemical Projects
Beyond strength and heat resistance, ASTM A387 Grade 22 delivers international compliance, cost-efficiency, and availability—making it a staple in material specifications for EPCs and end users alike.
In projects across the UAE, USA, UK, and Germany, this alloy meets critical criteria such as:
Long service life under thermal cycling
Reduced maintenance and inspection frequency
Compatibility with global standards like ASME, ASTM, and EN
Whether the priority is uptime, safety, or regulatory alignment, Grade 22 checks all the boxes.
Final Thoughts
ASTM A387 Grade 22 plates aren’t just strong—they’re strategically engineered for complex petrochemical environments. With the ability to handle high heat, aggressive media, and demanding operational cycles, these plates continue to be a top choice for petrochemical applications worldwide.
Looking for steel plates that work as hard as your plant does? Grade 22 might just be what your project needs to stay safe, efficient, and compliant.