P355GH Steel

P355GH steel is a non-alloy pressure vessel steel supplied to EN 10028-2. It is commonly specified for boilers, pressure vessels, heat exchangers and process equipment that operate under pressure and at elevated temperatures.

At P&D Northern Steels, we supply P355GH steel plate from our Oldham site, with in-house cutting to size available for customers who do not require a full plate. With over 54 years of steel stockholding experience, we support boiler makers, fabricators, manufacturers and engineering companies throughout the UK and abroad.

What Is P355GH Pressure Vessel Steel?

P355GH is a European pressure vessel grade covered by EN 10028-2, which specifies non-alloy and alloy steels with elevated temperature properties.

The grade designation provides useful information about the material:

• P identifies steel intended for pressure purposes.
• 355 refers to a minimum yield strength of 355 MPa for plate up to 16mm thick.
• GH identifies a grade with specified properties at elevated temperatures.

The minimum yield strength reduces as plate thickness increases. The applicable mechanical properties should therefore be checked against the thickness and specification required for the project.

P355GH is also identified by the European material number 1.0473.

Performance and Fabrication Characteristics

The grade combines strength, weldability and elevated temperature performance for pressure-related fabrication.

Its main characteristics include:

• Elevated temperature properties: P355GH has specified minimum proof strength values at elevated temperatures. This makes it suitable for equipment that must continue to perform when exposed to sustained heat.
• Mechanical strength: The material has a minimum yield strength of 355 MPa for plate up to 16mm thick. Its tensile strength and yield strength vary according to plate thickness.
• Weldability: Its controlled carbon content supports good weldability using established processes. Welding procedures should account for plate thickness, heat input, joint design, consumables and any preheating requirements.
• Non-alloy composition: The chemical composition is controlled under EN 10028-2, including limits for carbon, manganese, silicon, phosphorus, sulphur and other elements.
• Normalised condition: The grade is generally supplied in a normalised or normalised rolled condition, helping it achieve the required mechanical properties.
• Toughness: P355GH provides defined impact performance for pressure applications. Where more demanding low-temperature impact properties are required, a different subgrade may need to be specified.
• Fabrication: The plate can be cut and welded for use in a range of pressure equipment. Forming and heat treatment requirements should be confirmed as part of the fabrication procedure.
• Corrosion protection: P355GH is not inherently corrosion resistant. Coatings, surface treatments or other protective measures may be required where the finished equipment will encounter moisture, chemicals or corrosive substances.

The operating pressure, temperature, plate thickness, fabrication route and applicable design code should all be considered when confirming whether this grade is suitable.

Common Applications

P355GH is widely used across energy generation, petrochemical processing, chemical manufacturing and industrial engineering.

Typical applications include:

• Industrial boilers
• Boiler drums and shells
• Pressure vessels
• Heat exchangers
• Process vessels
• Steam equipment
• Pressurised storage tanks
• Industrial reactors
• Compressors
• Petrochemical plant
• Chemical processing equipment
• Power generation systems

These applications often involve a combination of pressure and elevated temperatures, making material selection and documentation important parts of the order.

Grade Comparisons and Multiple Certification

P355GH may appear on specifications alongside grades such as P355NL1, P355NL2, SA516 Grade 70 and 225-490B LT50. These are separate material designations covered by different standards and should not automatically be treated as equivalent.

Some steel plate may carry more than one certification where the material meets the requirements of multiple standards. However, this depends on the individual plate, mill documentation and project specification. If multiple certifications are required, it should be confirmed before the material is selected or ordered.

P355GH should also not be confused with P355NH steel. P355GH is supplied to EN 10028-2 and is specified for its elevated temperature properties. P355NH is supplied to EN 10028-3 and belongs to a family of normalised fine grain steels for pressure purposes.

Both grades may be used in pressure equipment, but they are not automatically interchangeable. The required grade should be confirmed from the design code, drawing or project specification.

Plate Availability and Cutting to Size

We supply P355GH plate for individual replacement components, planned maintenance, new equipment and ongoing production requirements.

Our in-house cutting service allows customers to order plate in dimensions closer to those needed for fabrication. This can reduce unnecessary material handling, preparation time and waste in the workshop.

We regularly support businesses sourcing steel for the boiler making industry, where availability, accurate cutting and the correct documentation can all affect production schedules.

Typical requirements we can discuss include:

• Stock plate availability
• Steel plate cut to size
• Individual replacement pieces
• One-off project requirements
• Repeat production orders
• Larger volume orders
• Non-standard dimensions or thicknesses
• Mill-sourced material
• Urgent turnaround requests
• Nationwide and overseas delivery

If the plate required is not immediately available, we can discuss sourcing options and expected lead times.

When enquiring, please provide the grade, thickness, dimensions and quantity required. If the project calls for multiple certifications or a specific material standard, include this information with the enquiry.

Certification and Project Documentation

Depending on the material and specification, P355GH plate can be supplied with EN 10204 3.1 or 3.2 certification where required. Traceability can also be provided, usually by hard stamping, when this forms part of the order.

If a plate needs to carry more than one certification, such as P355GH and another stated grade, the mill documentation must confirm that the material meets each required standard. Similar mechanical properties alone do not establish multiple certifications.

Additional material testing can be arranged through our sister company when needed. Other specialist inspection, testing or third-party witnessed services may be arranged through suitable external partners.

Providing these requirements at the beginning allows the correct stock, documentation and testing route to be identified before the order progresses.

Preparing for Delivery

Delivery arrangements should account for the dimensions and weight of the plate, as well as the access and offloading facilities at the destination.

Useful information to provide includes:

• Delivery postcode
• Plate dimensions and thickness
• Total quantity
• Site opening hours
• Booking in procedures
• Access restrictions
• Crane offload requirements
• Forklift or customer offload availability
• Packaging or banding instructions
• Whether delivery is to a workshop, construction site, port or industrial facility

Once these details are known, we can discuss an appropriate delivery method and likely timescale. Large plates and heavy cut pieces may require specific vehicle or offloading arrangements.

Minimum order quantities can be confirmed when you enquire.

Why Buy From P&D Northern Steels?

P&D Northern Steels has supplied steel plate since 1972. As experienced steel stockholders based in Oldham, we support customers across Greater Manchester, Liverpool, the North West and the wider UK.

Customers work with us for:

• P355GH pressure vessel plate
• In-house cutting to size
• Over 54 years of steel supply experience
• Support for one-off and repeat orders
• UK wide and overseas delivery
• Practical information about stock and lead times
• ISO 9001, BS EN 1090, NHSS 3B, UKCA and NSA accreditations
• Testing arranged through our sister company when required
• Other specialist services available through external partners

We focus on providing the specified grade, dimensions and documentation while keeping the ordering process clear and straightforward.

FAQs

Contact Us About P355GH Steel

If you need plate for a boiler, pressure vessel, heat exchanger or industrial process application, contact us with the required grade, thickness, dimensions and quantity. Please also include your delivery postcode and any certification, testing, traceability or offloading requirements.

Our team will review the information, check availability and confirm the likely lead time for your order.