Learn about the key ASTM material specifications for valves. A cast valve body is manufactured by pouring liquid metals into molds and is common for valves above 2 inches in diameter. A forged valve body is produced by forging and machining solid steel. The key specifications for cast steel valves body materials are ASTM A216 (WCA, WCB, WCC), ASTM A352 LCB/LCC (low-temperature), and ASTM A351 CF8/CF8M. ASTM A105, A350 and A182 cover body materials for small size (or high pressure) forged valves.
First, let’s clarify the difference between cast vs. forged valve, even if it may seem obvious: cast valves feature a cast body, forged valves have a forged body. That’s it! The difference relates to the valve body material construction technique, i.e. steel forging or casting.
Let’s now review the key cast valve body materials.
The ASTM A216 specification covers 3 grades of carbon steel (WCA, WCB, and WCC), which feature slight differences in terms of chemical and mechanical properties. These grades for cast valves bodies match carbon steel pipes in grades A53, A106, API 5L.
ASTM A216 steel castings shall be heat treated and can be manufactured in the annealed, or normalized, or normalized and tempered conditions. The surface of steel castings shall be free of adhering elements such as sand, cracks, hot tears, and other defects.
ASTM A216 carbon steel valves (cast), material chart ASTM A216 GRADE C Mn P S Si Cu Ni Cr Mo V WCA UNS J02502 0.25(1) 0.70(1) 0.04 0.045 0.60 0.30 0.50 0.50 0.20 1.00 WCB UNS J03002 0.30(2) 1.00(2) 0.04 0.045 0.60 0.30 0.50 0.50 0.20 1.00 WCC UNS J02503 0.25(3) 1.20(3) 0.04 0.045 0.60 0.30 0.50 0.50 0.20 1.00Notes:
For each reduction of 0.01% below the specified maximum Carbon content, an increase of 0.04% manganese above the specified maximum is allowed up to a maximum of 1.10%.
For each reduction of 0.01% below the specified maximum Carbon content, an increase of 0.04% Mn above the specified maximum is allowed up to a maximum of 1.28%.
For each reduction of 0.01% below the specified maximum Carbon content, an increase of 0.04% manganese above the specified maximum is allowed to a maximum of 1.40%.
The ASTM A352 specification covers multiple grades of low-temperature carbon steel (called LCA, LCB, LCC, LC1, LC2, LC3, LC4, LC9, CA6NM) for cast steel valves, flanges, fittings, and other pressure-containing parts.
Chemical composition of A352 cast valves Gr. LCA/LCB/LCC (valve material chart):
GRADE C Si Mn Cr Mo Ni Cu Nb V ASTM A352 LC3 0.15 0.6 0.65 3.5 ASTM A352 LCA 0.25 0.6 0.7 0.5 0.2 0.5 0.3 0.03 ASTM A352 LCB 0.3 0.6 1 0.5 0.2 0.5 0.3 0.03 ASTM A352 LCC 0.25 0.6 1.2 0.5 0.2 0.5 0.03The ASTM A351 specification covers austenitic steel castings for valves, flanges, fittings, and other pressure-containing parts.
The most common grades are ASTM A351 CF3, CF8 (SS304), and CF8M (SS316).
The steel shall be made by the electric furnace process with or without separate refining such as argon-oxygen decarburization.
Any ASTM A351 cast part shall receive heat treatment followed by a quench in water or rapid cooling. The steel shall conform to the chemical and mechanical requirements set by the specification.
ASTM A351 stainless steel valves, chemical composition
ASTM A351 GRADEUNSCMnSiSPCrNiMoNbVNCu CF3+CF3AJ92700.031.520.040.0417.0-21.08.0-11.00.5 CF8+CF8AJ92600.081.520.040.0418.0-21.08.0-11.00.5 CF3M+CF3MAJ92800.031.51.50.040.0417.0-21.09.0-13.02.0-3.0 CF8MJ92900.081.51.50.040.0418.0-21.09.0-12.02.0-3.0 CF3MNJ928040.031.51.50.040.0417.0-21.09.0-13.02.0-3.00.10-.20 CF8CJ927100.081.520.040.0418.0-21.09.0-12.00.5-1 CF10J929500.04-0.101.520.040.0418.0-21.08.0-11.00.5 CF10MJ929010.04-0.101.51.50.040.0418.0-21.09.0-12.02.0-3.0 CH8J93400.081.51.50.040.0422.0-26.012.-15.00.5 CH10J934010.04-0.101.520.040.0422.0-26.012.-15.00.5 CH20J934020.04-0.201.520.040.0422.0-26.012.0-15.00.5 CK20J942020.04-0.201.51.750.040.0423.0-27.019.0-22.00.5 HK30J942030.25-0.351.51.750.040.0423.0-27.019.0-22.00.5 HK40J942040.35-0.451.51.750.040.0423.0-27.019.0-22.00.5 HT30N080300.25-0.3522.50.040.0413.0-17.033.0-37.00.5 CF10MC0.11.51.50.040.0415.0-18.013.0-16.01.7-2.25-2 CN7MN08070.071.51.50.040.0419.0-22.027.5-30.52.0-3.03.0-4.0 CN3MNJ946510.03210.010.0420.0-22.023.5-25.56.0-.00.18-.260.75 CE8MN0.0811.50.040.0422.5-25.58.0-11.03.0-.50.10-.30 CG-6MMNJ937900.064.0-6.010.030.0420.5-23.511.5-13.51.50-3.00.10-.300.10-.300.20-.40 CG8MJ93000.081.51.50.040.0418.0-21.09.0-13.03.0-4.0 CF10SMnNJ929720.17.0-9.03.50-.500.030.0616.0-18.08.0-9.00.08-.18 CT15CN081510.05-0.150.15-.500.50-.500.030.0319.0-21.031.0-.00.50-.50 CK-3MCuNJ932540.0251.210.010.04519.5-20.517.5-19.56.0-7.00.18-.240.50-1.0 CE20NJ928020.21.51.50.040.0423.0-26.08.0-.00.50.08-.20 CG3MJ929990.031.51.50.040.0418.0-21.09.0-.03.0-4.0Notes:
Minimum Steel Mechanical Properties
Modulus
Approximate
ASTM CAST GRADE
Tensile strength
(psi)
Yield strength
(psi min)
Elongation
(at 2 inches)
Reduction of Area (%)
ASTM A216 Grade WCB
70,000 36,000 22 35 27.9 137-1 87ASTM A352 Grade LCB
65,000 35,000 24 35 27.9 137-1 87ASTM A217 Grade C5
90,000 60,000 18 35 27.4 241 Max.ASTM A217 Grade WC1
65,000 35,000 24 35 29.9 215 Max.ASTM A217 Grade WC6
70,000 40,000 20 35 29.9 215 Max.ASTM A217 Grade WC9
70,000 40,000 20 35 29.9 241 Max.ASTM A352 Grade LC3
65,000 40,000 24 35 27.9 137ASTM A217 Grade C12
90,000 60,000 18 35 27.4 180-240ASTM A351 Grade CF-8
65,000 28,000 35 – 28 140ASTM A351 Grade CF-8M
70,000 30,000 30 – 28.3 156-170ASTM A126 Class B
31,000 – – – – 160-220ASTM A126 Class C
41,000 – – – – 160-220ASTM A395 Type 60-45-15
60,000 45,000 15 – 23-26 143-207ASTM A439 Type D-2B
58,000 30,000 7 – – 148-211ASTM B62
30,000 14,000 20 17 13.5 55-65*ASTM B143 Alloy 1A
40,000 18,000 20 20 15 75-85*ASTM B147 Alloy 8A
65,000 25,000 20 20 15.4 98*ASTM B148 Alloy 9C
75,000 30,000 12 min. 12 17 150(Weldable Grade)
65,000 32,500 25 – 23 120-170ASTM A494 (Hastelloy B)
72,000 46,000 6 – – –ASTM A494 (Hastelloy C)
72,000 46,000 4 – – –Stellite No. 6
121,000 64,000 01.feb – 30.4 –ASTM B211 Alloy 20911-T3
44,000 36,000 15 – 10.2 95ASTM B16 1/2 Hard
45,000 15,000 7 50 14 –ASTM B21 Alloy 464
60,000 27,000 22 55 – –AISI 12L 14
79,000 71,000 16 52 – 163ASTM A108 Grade 1018
69,000 48,000 38 62 – 143(Suitable for ASTM A193 Grade B7 bolt material)
135,000 115,000 22 63 29.9 255ASTM A276 Type 302
85,000 35,000 60 70 28 150ASTM A276 Type 304
85,000 35,000 60 70 – 149ASTM A276 Type 316
80,000 30,000 60 70 28 149ASTM A276 Type 316L
81,000 34,000 55 – – 146ASTM A276 Type 410
75,000 40,000 35 70 29 155ASTM A461 Grade 630
135,000 105,000 16 50 29 275-345Alloy K500 (K Monel)
100,000 70,000 35 – 26 175-260ASTM B335 (Hastelloy B)
100,000 46,000 30 – – –ASTM B336 (Hastelloy C)
100,000 46,000 20 – – –The table shows the most common materials for cast valves and their recommended service:
MATERIAL GROUP
MATERIAL GRADE
RECOMMENDED SERVICE
High-temperature Carbon Steel
ASTM A216 Grade WCB
Non-corrosive fluids as water, oil, and gases at temperatures range -20°F (-30°C) and +800°F (+425°C)Low-temperature Carbon Steel
ASTM A352 Grade LCB
Low temperature to -50°F (-46°C). Use excluded above +650°F (+340°C).Low-temperature Carbon Steel
ASTM A352 Grade LC1
Low temperature to -75°F (-59°C). Use excluded above +650°F (+340°C).Low-temperature Carbon Steel
ASTM A352 Grade LC2
Low temperature to -100°F (-73°C). Use excluded above +650°F (+340°C).3.1/2% Nickel Steel
ASTM A352 Grade LC3
Low temperature to -150°F (-101°C). Use excluded above +650°F (+340°C).1.1/4% Chrome 1/2% Moly Steel
ASTM A217 Grade WC6
Non-corrosive fluids as water, oil, and gases at temperatures range -20°F (-30°C) and +1100°F (+593°C).2.1/4% Chrome
ASTM A217 Grade C9
Non-corrosive fluids as water, oil and gases at temperatures range -20°F (-30°C) and +1100°F (+593°C).5% Chrome 1/2% Moly
ASTM A217 Grade C5
Mild corrosive or erosive applications and non-corrosive applications at temperatures between -20°F (-30°C) and +1200°F (+649°C).9%Chrome
1% Moly
ASTM A217 Grade C12
Mild corrosive or erosive applications and non-corrosive applications at temperatures between -20°F (-30°C) and +1200°F (+649°C).12% Chrome Steel
ASTM A487 Grade CA6NM
Corrosive application at temperatures between -20°F (-30°C) and +900°F (+482°C).12% Chrome
ASTM A217 Grade CA15
Corrosive application at temperatures up to +1300°F (+704°C)Stainless steel 316
ASTM A351 Grade CF8M
Corrosive or either extremely low or high-temperature non-corrosive services between -450°F (-268°C) and +1200°F (+649°C). Above +800°F (+425°C) specify carbon content of 0.04% or greater.Stainless steel 347
ASTM 351 Grade CF8C
Mainly for high temperature, corrosive applications between -450°F (-268°C) and +1200°F (+649°C). Above +1000°F (+540°C) specify carbon content of 0.04% or greater.Stainless steel 304
ASTM A351 Grade CF8
Corrosive or extremely high temperatures non-corrosive services between -450°F (-268°C) and +1200°F (+649°C). Above +800°F (+425°C) specify carbon content of 0.04% or greater.Stainless steel 304L
ASTM A351 Grade CF3
Corrosive or non-corrosive services to +800F (+425°C).Stainless steel 316L
ASTM A351 Grade CF3M
Corrosive or non-corrosive services to +800F (+425°C).Alloy-20
ASTM A351 Grade CN7M
Good resistance to hot sulfuric acid to +800F (+425°C).Monel
ASTM 743 Grade M3-35-1
Weldable grade. Good resistance to corrosion by all common organic acids and salt water. Also highly resistant to most alkaline solutions to +750°F (+400°C).Hastelloy B
ASTM A743 Grade N-12M
Well suited for handling hydrofluoric acid at all concentrations and temperatures. Good resistance to sulphuric and phosphoric acids to +1200°F (+649°C).Hastelloy C
ASTM A743 Grade CW-12M
Good resistance to span oxidation conditions. Good properties at high temperatures. Good resistance to sulphuric and phosphoric acids to +1200°F (+649°C).Inconel
ASTM A743 Grade CY-40
Very good for high-temperature service. Good resistance to spangly corrosive media and atmosphere to +800°F (+425°C).Bronze
ASTM B62
Water, oil or gas: up to 400°F. Excellent for brine and seawater service.We recommend purchasing the ASTM A216 specification from the ASTM website or the IHS store to get a complete understanding of this topic.
Forged valves feature a body obtained by forging monolithic blocks of steel.
Forged bodies are common for small diameter valves (generally, below 2 inches) or for high-pressure valves that require extreme robustness and solidity. Forged bodies are less prone to leakages than cast valve body materials.
The ASTM A105, ASTM A350, and ASTM A182 specifications cover materials for carbon, low-alloy, and stainless steel forged valves.
The chemical and mechanical properties of the ASTM carbon, alloy, stainless forged materials (A105, A350, A182) are illustrated in this article.
The table shows the most common materials for forged valves and their respective recommended service:
Forged Material Grade
ASTM Grade Material Name Recommended Service 304 19%Chrome 9%Nickel Applications at temperatures up to +1000°F (+538°C). 316 19%Chrome, 10%Nickel 2%Moly Applications at temperatures up to +1000°F (+538°C). 321 18%Chrome, 10%Nickel with Titanium Applications at temperatures up to +800°F (+427°C). 347 18%Chrome, 10%Nickel with Columbium 347 has good intergranular-corrosion resistance and is resistant to atmospheric conditions between temperatures of +800°F(+427°C) and +1650°F(+899°C). 400 Monel This nickel alloy has good corrosion resistance, good weldability and, high strength. Great mechanical properties at subzero temperatures up to +1000°F (+538°C). 410 13%Chrome 1/2%Moly 410 is the basic martensitic stainless. It has good impact strength, corrosion and scaling resistance up to +1200°F (+649°C). 420 13%Chrome, 1%Nickel 1/4%Moly Full corrosion resistance only in the hardened or hardened and stress relieved conditions. The temperature should be below +800°F (+427°C). 600 Inconel This nickel-chromium alloy has good oxidation resistance at higher temperatures to +2000°F (+1093°C) 625 Inconel This nickel-chromium alloy has good carburization and oxidation in high-resistance at higher temperatures to +2000°F (+1093°C). 825 Incoloy Alloy 825 has a high level of corrosion resistance in both reducing and oxidizing environments and good mechanical properties at temperatures up to +1000°F (+538°C). 17-4PH 15-1/2%Chrome 4-1/2%Nickel Good corrosive resistance properties at temperatures up to +600°F (+316°C). 304H 18%Chrome 9%Nickel Applications at temperatures up to +800°F (+427°C). 304L 19%Chrome, 10%Nickel Low Carbon Applications at temperatures up to +800°F (+427°C). 316H 18%Chrome, 8%Nickel with Molybdenum Applications at temperatures up to +800°F (+427°C). 316L 19%Chrome, 10%Nickel 2%Moly, Low Carbon Applications at temperatures up to +800°F (+427°C). 317L 25%Chrome, 21%Nickel 3/4%Moly 317L has superior corrosion resistance in difficult environments and can be used at temperatures between +1700°F (+927°C) to +2200°F (+1204°C). 440C 17%Chrome 3/4%Moly This grade is used in the hard plus tempered condition. For best corrosion resistance, the tempering temperature should be below +800°F (+427°C). 800H/HT Incoloy This nickel-chromium alloy has good carburization and oxidation in high-resistance and normally used in temperatures above +1100°F (+593°C). A105N 1/4% Max Carbon Steel Non-corrosive applications including water, oil and, gases at temperatures between -20°F (-30°C) and +800°F (+427°C). ALLOY 20 20%Chrome, 35%Nickel 2-1/2%Moly Good resistance to hot sulfuric acid to +800°F (+425°C). C276 Hastelloy This nickel-molybdenum-chromium alloy has excellent corrosion resistance in a wide range of corrosive media and corrosion resistant to ambient temperatures. F11 1-1/4%Chrome 1/2%Moly Non-corrosive applications including water, oil and, gases at temperatures between -20°F (-30°C) and +1100°F (+593°C). F22 2-1/4%Chrome 1%Moly Non-corrosive applications including water, oil and, gases at temperatures between -20°F (-30°C) and +1100°F (+593°C). F5 5%Chrome 1/2%Moly Non-corrosive applications at temperatures between -20°F (-30°C) and +1200°F (+650°C). F51 22%Chrome, 5%Nickel 3%Moly F51 is a super duplex stainless steel. Good Moderate to good corrosion resistance in a variety of environments. Service to +600°F (+316°C). F53 25%Chrome, 7%Nickel 4-1/2%Moly F53 is a super duplex stainless steel. This material has excellent corrosion resistance in a variety of environments. Service to +600°F (+316°C). F55 25%Chrome, 7%Nickel 3-1/2%Moly This material combines high mechanical strength and good ductility with excellent corrosion resistance in environments with temperatures up to +600°F (+316°C). F9 9%Chrome 1%Moly Non-corrosive applications at temperatures between -20°F (-30°C) and +1200°F (+650°C). F91 9%Chrome 1%Moly Non-corrosive applications at temperatures between -20°F (-30°C) and +1200°F (+650°C). K500 Monel This nickel alloy has good corrosion resistance. Monel K500 has great mechanical properties at subzero temperatures up to about +480°C. LF2 Low Temp Carbon Steel Non-corrosive applications at temperatures from -50°F (-46°C) to +800°F (+427°C). X-750 Inconel This nickel-chromium alloy has good resistance to corrosion and oxidation along with high tensile and creep-rupture properties at temperatures up to +1300°F (+700°C).
The trim of a valve is the collective name for all the (replaceable) parts of a valve in direct contact with the fluid (“wet parts”).
The valve trim includes, generally, the disc/plug, the stem, the cage, the seat ring, the gaskets and the packing (the trim configuration depends on the type of valve). The API 600 trim chart designates the typical combinations with a conventional number (example, Trim 8).
The API 600 specification designates some typical combinations of the valve trim materials with a number (API trim #1, trim #2, etc.).
The selection of the correct combination of the trim materials is one of the most important decisions to specify valves correctly.
API TRIM # TRIM MATERIAL SEAT DISC/WEDGE BACKSEAT STEM 1 410 410 410 410 410 2 304 304 304 304 304 3 F310 310 310 310 310 4 Hard 410 Hard 410 410 410 410 5 Hardfaced Stellite Stellite 410 410 5A Hardfaced Ni-Cr Ni-Cr 410 410 6 410 and Cu-Ni Cu-Ni Cu-Ni 410 410 7 410 and Hard 410 Hard 410 Hard 410 410 410 8 410 and Hardfaced Stellite 410 410 410 8A 410 and Hardfaced Ni-Cr 410 410 410 9 Monel Monel Monel Monel Monel 10 316 316 316 316 316 11 Monel Stellite Monel Monel Monel 12 316 and Hardfaced Stellite 316 316 316 13 Alloy 20 Alloy 20 Alloy 20 Alloy 20 Alloy 20 14 Alloy 20 and Hardfaced Stellite Alloy 20 Alloy 20 Alloy 20 15 304 and Hardfaced Stellite Stellite 304 304 16 316 and Hardfaced Stellite Stellite 316 316 17 347 and Hardfaced Stellite Stellite 347 347 18 Alloy 20 and Hardfaced Stellite Stellite Alloy 20 Alloy 20* Depends upon base material grade