ASTM A 20/A20M : 2011

1.1 This general requirements specification covers a group of common requirements that, unless otherwise specified in the applicable product specification, apply to rolled steel plates for pressure vessels covered by each of the following product specifications issued by ASTM:

^A These designations refer to the latest issue of the respective specification which appears in the Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 01.04.

1.1.1 This general requirements specification also covers a group of supplementary requirements that are applicable to several of the above product specifications as indicated therein. Such requirements are provided for use if additional testing or additional restrictions are required by the purchaser, and apply only if specified individually in the purchase order.

1.2 Appendix X1 provides information on coil as a source of plates for pressure vessels.

1.3 Appendix X2 provides information on the variability of tensile properties in plates for pressure vessels.

1.4 Appendix X3 provides information on the variability of Charpy-V-Notch impact test properties in plates for pressure vessels.

1.5 Appendix X4 provides information on cold bending of plates, including suggested minimum inside radii for cold bending.

1.6 These materials are intended to be suitable for fusion welding. When the steel is to be welded, it is presupposed that a welding procedure suitable for the grade of steel and intended use or service will be utilized.

1.7 In case of any conflict in requirements, the requirements of the applicable product specification prevail over those of this general requirements specification.

1.8 Additional requirements that are specified in the purchase order and accepted by the supplier are permitted, provided that such requirements do not negate any of the requirements of this general requirements specification or the applicable product specification.

1.9 For purposes of determining conformance with this general requirements specification and the applicable product specification, values are to be rounded to the nearest unit in the right-hand place of figures used in expressing the limiting values in accordance with the rounding method of Practice E29.

1.10 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard.

1.11 This general requirements specification and the applicable product specification are expressed in both inch-pound units and SI units; unless the order specifies the applicable “M” specification designation (SI units), the plates are to be furnished to inch-pound units.