The ASME SA36 baffle plate is a carbon steel structural plate manufactured in compliance with ASME SA36 / ASTM A36 - the ASME specification for carbon steel shapes, plates, and bars of structural quality for use in riveted, bolted, or welded construction. As a critical internal component in shell-and-tube heat exchangers, the baffle plate serves three essential functions:
This baffle plate is manufactured from killed steel per ASME SA36 requirements, ensuring uniformity and soundness for pressure-containing applications.
ASME SA36 is a low-carbon structural steel grade with a minimum yield strength of 36,000 psi (250 MPa) and tensile strength range of 58,000 - 80,000 psi (400-550 MPa). The material is fully weldable using common methods (SMAW, GMAW) and requires no post-weld heat treatment for most applications.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Material Standard | ASME SA36 / ASTM A36 |
| Material Type | Carbon Steel - Structural Quality |
| Yield Strength (min) | ≥ 250 MPa (36,000 psi) |
| Tensile Strength | 400 - 550 MPa (58,000 - 80,000 psi) |
| Elongation (in 50 mm) | ≥ 23% |
| Elongation (in 200 mm) | ≥ 20% |
| Thickness Range | C max % | Mn % | P max % | S max % | Si % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ≤ 20 mm (≤ ¾") | 0.25 | - | 0.040 | 0.050 | 0.40 max |
| >20 - 40 mm (¾-1½") | 0.25 | 0.80-1.20 | 0.040 | 0.050 | 0.40 max |
| >40 - 65 mm (1½-2½") | 0.26 | 0.80-1.20 | 0.040 | 0.050 | 0.15-0.40 |
| >65 - 100 mm (2½-4") | 0.27 | 0.85-1.20 | 0.040 | 0.050 | 0.15-0.40 |
| >100 mm (>4") | 0.29 | 0.85-1.20 | 0.040 | 0.050 | 0.15-0.40 |
Baffle plates are fabricated to customer drawings with the following typical parameters:
| Parameter | Typical Range / Value |
|---|---|
| Thickness | 3 mm - 50 mm (customizable) |
| Baffle Types | Segmental (single/double), helical, disc-and-doughnut, orifice |
| Cut Percentage | 20 - 45% of shell diameter |
| Baffle Spacing | Per TEMA standards (typically 20-100% of shell ID) |
| Hole Diameter Tolerance | ± 0.5 mm for tube holes |
| Flatness | ≤ 3 mm/m |
| Cutting Method | Plasma, laser, or waterjet - precision cut with clean, burr-free edges |
Each baffle plate is stamped with heat number and project number for full material traceability, meeting ASME Section II requirements.
Per ASME SA36 Section 8, tension tests are conducted on material as represented by the test specimen. The following quality controls apply:
| Test / Inspection | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Tension Test | Yield ≥ 250 MPa; Tensile 400-550 MPa; Elongation per Table 2 |
| Heat Analysis | Chemical composition per Table 3 (above) |
| Product Analysis | Chemical composition with A6/A6M tolerances |
| Dimensional Inspection | Thickness, flatness, hole diameter, edge condition |
| Traceability | Heat number and project number stamped on each part |
| Visual Inspection | Clean edges, no burrs, no distortion |
For structural products produced from coil and furnished without heat treatment, additional testing requirements of Specification A6/A6M apply.
ASME SA36 baffle plates are specified for shell-and-tube heat exchangers in:
Suitable for low-to-moderate temperature/pressure services handling water, oil, steam, and similar non-aggressive fluids. For corrosive environments (acidic/alkaline fluids), protective coatings or material upgrades are recommended.
