Long weld neck flanges, self-reinforced forged connections (SRCs), forged Y-rings and other special
forgings are widely used in pressure-vessel fabrications for Oil and Gas industry. ASTM(1) A-350 LF2
Class 1 is one of the most common materials specified for these tailor-made components, especially for
SRCs on pressure vessels with toughness requirements, as this material warranties 20 Joules (average
of three specimens) at -46 ºC. However, in recent years there has been growing concern in the industry
as a result of the increasing number of cases of low toughness and low tensile strength issues with
materials certified as ASTM A-350 LF2. This is fostering the definition of additional requirements to the
ASTM to minimize the risk.
The complexity of the metallurgical processes involved in mechanical properties deterioration, where
multiple variables interact, mandates to implement control majors during the fabrication of ASTM A-350
forging materials. This paper introduces some guidelines to enhance the quality control and mechanical
testing reliability in the certification process of special forgings carried out by manufacturers. These
guidelines can be applied to not only to those made of ASTM A-350, but also to ASTM A-266 and ASTM
A-765