16MnDR Steel Plate for Low-Temperature Pressure Vessels (GB/T 713.3-2023)
16MnDR is a low-alloy steel plate grade for low-temperature pressure vessels under the Chinese national standard. The manufacturing specification is GB/T 713.3-2023 (previous version: GB/T 3531-2014), and the ultrasonic testing standard is NB/T 47013.3-2015.
This grade is specifically designed for use down to -40°C, with mandatory Charpy V-notch impact testing at -40°C (≥47 J).
16MnDR is widely used in LPG storage tanks, cryogenic vessels, and equipment in cold regions. For even lower temperatures (-70°C), 09MnNiDR or 11MnNiMoDR are recommended.
16MnDR designation explanation: 16 represents average carbon content (0.16%), Mn denotes Manganese alloying element, DR stands for Low-temperature ("低") Pressure Vessel ("容").
Product Overview
16MnDR Steel Plate is a low-alloy pressure vessel steel manufactured in accordance with GB/T 713.3. It is specifically designed for low-temperature service down to -40°C, where reliable impact toughness, weldability, and structural safety are critical.
Compared with room-temperature pressure vessel steels such as Q245R and Q345R, 16MnDR offers guaranteed low-temperature impact toughness (-40°C, ≥47J), making it suitable for cold regions and cryogenic applications.
Core Advantages
- Guaranteed -40°C impact toughness (≥47 J)
- Good weldability with proper procedures
- Delivered normalized or normalized + tempered
- Simulated PWHT · Third-party inspection
- Custom rolling to required sizes
📋 Applications
📦 Stock Resources
Normalized plates: 5–60mm (W:2000–2500, L:11000–12500)
N+T plates: 12–120mm (W:2000–2500, L:11000–12500)
Custom rolling: up to 120mm
Spot stock size range and supply conditions
Supply Condition: N, N+T (per GB/T 713.3-2023)
16MnDR Chemical Composition (max %)
| C | Si | Mn | Ni | Mo | V | Nb | Alt* | N | P | S |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ≤0.20 | 0.15–0.50 | 1.20–1.60 | ≤0.40 | ≤0.08 | — | — | ≥0.020 | ≤0.012 | ≤0.020 | ≤0.010 |
Note: *当采用酸溶铝(Als)代替Alt时，Als含量应不小于0.015%；当钢中Nb+V+Ti≥0.015%时，Al含量不作要求。
16MnDR · alloying elements & roles
per GB/T 713.3Influences strength and hardness; kept low for low-temperature toughness.
Increases strength, deoxidizer.
Enhances strength and toughness, desulfurizer.
Enhances low-temperature toughness and toughness.
Residual element; improves high-temperature strength.
Deoxidizer, refines grain structure. Als ≥0.015% if used instead.
Controlled to avoid aging and maintain toughness.
Harmful element, reduces low-temperature toughness.
Harmful element, causes hot shortness.
16MnDR Mechanical Properties & Impact Test
| Thickness (mm) | YS (MPa) | TS (MPa) | Elong (%) | Impact -40°C (J) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5–16 | ≥315 | 490–620 | 21 | ≥47 |
| >16–36 | ≥295 | 470–600 | 21 | ≥47 |
| >36–60 | ≥285 | 460–590 | 21 | ≥47 |
| >60–100 | ≥275 | 450–580 | 21 | ≥47 |
| >100–120 | ≥265 | 440–570 | 21 | ≥47 |
Note: 16MnDR is delivered in normalized or normalized + tempered condition. Impact test at -40°C is mandatory per GB/T 713.3-2023. Bending test: D=2a (transverse).
Low-Temperature Impact Test Requirements
📋 For thickness >36mm, an additional set of impact tests at 1/2 thickness can be specified. Drop-weight test (NDT) per GB/T 6803 is available upon request. Higher impact energy values can be agreed in the contract.
16MnDR vs Related Low-Temperature Grades
| Item | 16MnDR | 09MnNiDR | 13MnNiDR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | GB/T 713.3 | GB/T 713.3 | GB/T 713.3 |
| Min use temp | -40°C | -70°C | -60°C |
| Min yield (MPa) | 315 (5–16mm) | 300 (6–16mm) | 345 (5–36mm) |
| Impact temp | -40°C | -70°C | -60°C |
| Impact energy | ≥47 J | ≥60 J | ≥60 J |
Reference: For even lower temperatures, 11MnNiMoDR (quenched + tempered, -70°C, YS ≥420 MPa) is available. For -196°C service, nickel-alloy steels per GB/T 713.4 (e.g., 08Ni3DR, 06Ni9DR) are required.
Scenario-Based Recommendation · GB Grade Comparison
Q245R
Charpy: 0°C ( -20°C optional )
Q345R
Charpy 0°C
Q370R
Charpy -20°C ≥47J
16MnDR
Charpy -40°C ≥47J
09MnNiDR
Charpy -70°C (Ni alloyed)
Quality Control & Inspection
📐 Customizable Specification Range for 16MnDR
Delivery Condition
N normalized · N+T normalized + tempered. Per GB/T 713.3-2023, 16MnDR is delivered in normalized or normalized + tempered condition.
Additional Requirements
- Higher impact energy values (agreed in contract)
- 1/2 thickness impact test (for thickness >36mm)
- Drop-weight test (NDT) per GB/T 6803
- Simulated post‑weld heat treatment (PWHT)
- UT per NB/T 47013.3, grade I or higher
📋 Other customized technical conditions are also negotiable.
✅ The above ranges represent our standard customizing capability — dimensions, delivery conditions, and supplementary tests can be further adjusted to meet your project specifications.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 16MnDR steel plate used for?
16MnDR steel plate is mainly used for low-temperature pressure vessels, LPG storage tanks, cryogenic heat exchangers, spherical tanks, and other equipment operating down to -40°C, manufactured according to GB/T 713.3.
What is the difference between 16MnDR and Q345R?
16MnDR is specifically designed for low-temperature service down to -40°C with mandatory -40°C impact testing (≥47J), while Q345R is a room-temperature pressure vessel steel with 0°C impact testing. 16MnDR has lower P and S limits and controlled N content.
Can 16MnDR be used below -40°C?
No. 16MnDR is qualified for use down to -40°C. For lower temperatures (-60°C to -70°C), 13MnNiDR or 09MnNiDR should be used. For -196°C, nickel-alloy steels per GB/T 713.4 are required.
Does 16MnDR require ultrasonic testing?
Per GB/T 713.3-2023, UT is required for certain thickness ranges and can be specified for others by agreement. The standard UT grade is per NB/T 47013.3, typically not lower than Grade I.
Can you provide 16MnDR steel plates with custom sizes?
Yes. Custom rolling for thickness 5–120mm, width up to 5200mm, length up to 18000mm. Delivery: approximately 30 days normalized, 35 days N+T.
Request a Quote
Emails go directly to customize@cehesteel.com — reply within 12h.