What is the maximum service temperature for A193 Grade B7 bolts?

Portland Bolt is often faced with this question, and because there are many conflicting sources online, we decided to do a little research on our own. The resource we found most helpful was ASME B31.1-2012. In this specification, there is a table which shows the maximum allowable stress values in Tension (KSI) for metal temperature. As seen in Table A-10, when the Tension (KSI) value begins to decrease, the integrity of the bolt becomes compromised. This is where the maximum service temperature comes into play. For example, if you take the red group, which covers the allowable stress values applied to bolting materials 2-1/2” in diameter and smaller, the starting Tension value is 25 KSI and keeps this value through 700°F; however, above this temperature, the Tension value begins to decrease. This marks the point at which the bolt is no longer functioning at its highest capacity.

  • Red Group: These allowable stress values apply to bolting materials 2-1/2” in diameter and smaller
    Maximum Service Temperature: 700°F
  • Green Group: These allowable stress values apply to bolting materials larger than 2-1/2” in diameter but not larger than 4” in diameter
    Maximum Service Temperature: 700°F
  • Blue Group: These allowable stress values apply to bolting materials larger than 4” in diameter but not larger than 7” in diameter
    Maximum Service Temperature: 750°F

Table A-10 Bolts, Nuts, and Studs

Low and Intermediate Alloy Steel
Grade B5 B7 B7 B7 B7M
Spec. # A193
Maximum Allowable Stress Values in Tension, ksi, for Metal Temperature, °F, Not Exceeding -20 to 100 20.0 25.0 23.0 18.8 20.0
200 20.0 25.0 23.0 18.8 20.0
300 20.0 25.0 23.0 18.8 20.0
350 - - - - -
400 20.0 25.0 23.0 18.8 20.0
450 - - - - -
500 20.0 25.0 23.0 18.8 20.0
600 20.0 25.0 23.0 18.8 20.0
650 20.0 25.0 23.0 18.8 20.0
700 20.0 25.0 23.0 18.8 20.0
750 20.0 23.6 22.2 18.8 20.0
800 18.5 21.0 20.0 18.0 18.5
850 14.5 16.3 16.3 16.3 16.5
900 10.4 12.5 12.5 12.5 12.5
950 7.6 8.5 8.5 8.5 8.5
1000 5.6 4.5 4.5 4.5 4.5
1050 4.2 - - - -
1100 3.1 - - - -
1150 2.0 - - - -
1200 1.3 - - - -
ASME B31.1 - 2012

With that being said, Portland Bolt does not have any engineers on staff, so we are not be able to give any information on the bolt’s ability to function at a higher level of heat.  The bolt would be compromised, but to what extent, we do not know. That would be a question more suitable for an engineer or metallurgist.

Coatings and Application Limits

When an A193B7 bolt has some form of protective coating, there are limitations to the maximum service temperature the bolts should be exposed to in their respective applications. In the appendixes of the A193 grade, ASTM lays out the limited service temperatures for galvanized and cadmium plated coatings below:

“Use of coated fasteners at temperatures above approximately one-half the melting point (Fahrenheit or Celsius) of the coating is not recommended unless consideration is given to the potential for liquid and solid metal embrittlement, or both. The melting point of elemental zinc is approximately 780°F [415°C]. Therefore, application of zinc-coated fasteners should be limited to temperatures less than 390°F [210°C].  The melting point of cadmium is approximately 600°F [320°C].  Therefore, application of cadmium-coated fasteners should be limited to temperatures less than 300°F [160°C].”

Other Specifications

In regard to other popular specifications and their maximum service temperatures, the table below shows the ratings for bolts made to the A307 and A449 specifications.  While the A193 specification covers bolts made from a high strength alloy steel, the A307 specification covers common mild steel bolts, and the A449 specification covers medium carbon or alloy steel  bolts that have been quenched and tempered.  In regard to these two specifications, ASME B31.1-2012 clearly states, “These materials are not acceptable for construction of pressure-retaining parts of boiler external piping.  In regard to ASTM A307, this material shall not be used above 400°F.  The allowable stress value is 7,000 psi. In regard to ASTM A449, these allowable stress values are established from a consideration of strength only and will be satisfactory for average service.” As shown in the table below, the ASTM A307 materials are not rated for temperatures above 400°F and the ASTM A449 materials are not rated for temperatures above 600°F.

  • Yellow Group: These allowable stress values apply to all parameters of the A307 specification
    Maximum Service Temperature: 400°F
  • Pink Group: These allowable stress values apply to A449 bolting materials less than or equal to 1” in diameter.
    Maximum Service Temperature: 600°F
  • Orange Group: These allowable stress values apply to A449 bolting materials greater than 1” in diameter and less than or equal to 1-1/2” in diameter
    Maximum Service Temperature: 600°F
  • Blue Group: These allowable stress values apply to A449 bolting materials greater than 1-1/2” in diameter and less than or equal to 3” in diameter.
    Maximum Service Temperature: 600°F

Table A-10 Bolts, Nuts, and Studs

Carbon Steel
Grade 1, 2, 2H B - - -
Spec. # A194 A307 A449 A449 A449
Maximum Allowable Stress Values in Tension, ksi, for Metal Temperature, °F, Not Exceeding
-20 to 100 - 7.0 23.0 20.2 14.5
200 - 7.0 23.0 20.2 14.5
300 - 7.0 23.0 20.2 14.5
350 - - - - -
400 - 7.0 23.0 20.2 14.5
450 - - - - -
500 - - 23.0 20.2 14.5
600 - - 23.0 20.2 14.5
650 - - - - -
700 - - - - -
750 - - - - -
800 - - - - -
850 - - - - -
900 - - - - -
950 - - - - -
1000 - - - - -
1050 - - - - -
1100 - - - - -
1150 - - - - -
1200 - - - - -
ASME B31.1 - 2012

If you have any questions regarding the service temperature of A193 Grade B7 bolts, or any other fastener related questions, give Portland Bolt a call! Our highly experienced estimators are fastener experts and will be happy to field any technical questions you may have.

Written ,

15 comments

    Hello dane Mc Kinnon

    is it the A193 grade B7 limited for low temperatures? I read the ASME A320 and the A193 and seems that between grade B7 from A193 and grade L7 from A320 the only diference is an impact test?

    What is the minimun temp. the grade B7 should be used for pressure vessel

    best

    @David- The ASTM standard itself does not discuss temperature limits, high or low. The main difference between A193 B7 and A320 L7 is the charpy impact test. If you are wanting to use B7 in low temperature environments, you will need to consult the boiler and pressure vessel codes. We are not familiar enough with them to comment.

    @Nasir- Apologies, but we do not have that information. We have looked, but have never found published information regarding A325 service temperatures.

    @Nagaraju- Apologies, but we do not have that information. You will need to consult the ASME codes or some other engineering code. Sorry we cannot help.

    @Subrata- ASTM does not define a maximum temperature for A193 B7 materials. The maximum allowable temperature is typically defined by engineering codes specific to your application.

    ASME B31.1 Table A-10 Note (1) gives the service temperature limits for A194 too:
    Grade 1 and 2: -20 to 600 °F
    Grade 2H: -20 to 800 °F
    etc.
    Regards

    I believe you have mislabeled the chart above. The stresses are not the maximum allowable, but design stresses for the ASME pressure vessel code calculation. The maximum allowable bolt stress for a B7 (Dia.<2.5)is 70% of yield per ASME PCC-1.

    @Jayson – I double checked Table A-10 from ASME B31.1-2012, which is what we used when writing this FAQ and it clearly says these values are the “Maximum Allowable Stress Values”.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *