Where Are BQ Plates Used? Applications Across Boilers, Pressure Vessels & Oil-Gas

Boiler Quality plates, commonly known as BQ plates, are specialised steel plates used in applications involving high pressure and high operating temperatures. These boiler quality plates are widely used in boilers, pressure vessels, and industrial systems where strength, safety, and durability are essential. 

Manufactured as pressure vessel steel plates, BQ plates are produced to meet recognised standards such as IS 2002 and SA 516 grade steel, for demanding industrial environments. 

In this blog, we explain what BQ plates are, why they are used in high-pressure applications, and where they are commonly used across boilers, pressure vessels, the oil and gas sector, and the heavy engineering sector.

What Are BQ Plates?

Boiler Quality Plates

BQ plates are specialised steel plates manufactured for use in boilers and pressurised equipment where heat and pressure are constant factors. Also known as boiler-quality plates, these materials are designed to perform reliably in conditions that standard structural steel cannot withstand.

In boiler steel applications, BQ plates are used because they offer controlled strength, good weldability, and stability under repeated heating and cooling cycles. They are produced specifically for industrial environments where safety, durability, and long service life are critical. This makes BQ plates a preferred material choice for boilers, pressure vessels, and heavy engineering equipment operating under demanding conditions.

Boiler Plate Manufacturing Process

Boiler plates are manufactured for pressure vessel manufacturing, where material quality and consistency are critical. The process focuses on producing plates that can withstand pressure, high temperatures, and extended operating hours.

Manufacturing steps include:

1. Selection of steel with controlled chemical composition.

2. Hot rolling to achieve uniform thickness.

3. Controlled cooling to maintain strength and stability.

4. Dimensional checks for plates used in heavy engineering applications.

5. Final inspection before dispatch for fabrication.

Why the Process Matters?

Manufacturing Step	Purpose
Controlled chemistry	Supports strength and weldability
Hot rolling	Ensures uniform mechanical properties
Cooling process	Prevents distortion under heat
Inspection	Confirms suitability for pressure use

This approach ensures that boilerplates meet the performance requirements of industrial boilers and pressure equipment.

Why BQ Plates Are Used in High-Pressure Applications

Get the Quote

BQ plates are used in high-pressure environments because they are designed to maintain strength and stability as internal pressure increases. In boilers and pressure equipment, even small material weaknesses can lead to deformation or failure.

Reasons BQ plates are preferred for pressure applications:

1. Designed to handle continuous internal pressure without losing shape

2. Suitable for use as high-pressure steel plates in industrial systems

3. Provide reliable performance in pressure vessel steel plate applications

4. Support safe operation during repeated heating and cooling cycles

Pressure Performance Overview

Requirement	How BQ Plates Help
Pressure containment	Maintains structural integrity
Thermal stress	Reduces risk of cracking
Long service life	Supports continuous operation
Safety	Minimises failure risks

This makes BQ plates a reliable choice for boilers, vessels, and pressure-rated process equipment.

Also Read - How HR Coils Are Used in Heavy Engineering & Large-Scale Fabrication

BQ Grades Used in Industry (IS 2002, SA 516 Gr 60/70)

BQ plates are supplied in specific grades so engineers can select material based on pressure, temperature, and service conditions. Two commonly specified standards are IS 2002 and SA 516 grade steel, both widely accepted for boiler and pressure vessel use.

Commonly used BQ grades include:

1. IS 2002: Used for boilers and pressure parts operating under moderate to high pressure

2. SA 516 Gr 60: Suitable for pressure vessels requiring good strength and weldability

3. SA 516 Gr 70: Preferred where higher strength and load-bearing capacity are required

Choosing the right grade ensures safe operation, regulatory compliance, and long-term equipment performance.

Applications in Boilers, Heat Exchangers & Pressure Vessels

BQ plates are widely used in industrial equipment where heat and pressure operate together. Their strength, weldability, and stability make them suitable for critical fabrication work across multiple sectors.

Key applications include:

1. Industrial boilers: Used for boiler shells, steam drums, and pressure parts where industrial boiler steel plates must withstand continuous heat and internal pressure.

2. Heat exchangers: Applied in exchanger shells and casings where controlled heat transfer takes place under pressure, supporting safe and efficient operation.

3. Pressure vessels: Used in vessels that store or process fluids and gases, making them suitable as pressure vessel steel grades for manufacturing plants and power facilities.

Because of this range of use, BQ plates are commonly selected for boiler steel applications where long service life, safety compliance, and consistent performance are required.

How BQ Plates Are Used in Oil & Gas, Petrochemical, and Refinery Sectors

BQ plates are extensively used in the oil and gas, petrochemical, and refinery sectors because equipment in these industries operates under constant pressure, high temperatures, and continuous production cycles. Material failure in these environments can lead to safety risks and costly shutdowns, making steel selection critical.

1. Oil & gas processing units: BQ plates are used as oil & gas steel plates in boilers, process heaters, and pressure equipment that handle pressurised fluids and gases.

2. Petrochemical plants: In reactors, separators, and process vessels, petrochemical steel plates are required to withstand high operating temperatures and internal pressure over long periods.

3. Refinery operations: BQ plates are used as refinery vessel plates in fired heaters, knock-out drums, and pressure vessels that support continuous refining processes.

Their strength, weldability, and temperature performance make BQ plates suitable for demanding process industries where safety, uptime, and compliance are essential.

For oil & gas, petrochemical, and refinery projects, material reliability is critical.

Request a quote from Fortran Steel for boiler quality plates designed to perform in high-pressure and high-temperature process environments.

What Impact Tests, UT Tests, and Certification Requirements Apply to BQ Plates

Quality testing and certification are essential for ensuring that BQ plates are safe for use in boilers and pressure equipment. These tests confirm that the material meets required mechanical and structural standards before fabrication.

Common tests and certifications include:

1. Impact testing: Verifies that impact tested steel plates can withstand sudden stress and low-temperature conditions without cracking.

2. Ultrasonic testing (UT): Detects internal defects such as inclusions or voids that may weaken the plate.

3. Material Test Certificate (MTC): Confirms chemical composition, mechanical properties, and compliance with BQ plate standards, often supplied as part of MTC certification BQ plates.

These tests help ensure traceability, safety compliance, and consistent performance in pressure vessel and boiler applications.

How to Select the Right BQ Plate Grade for Your Application

Selecting the correct BQ plate grade depends on how the equipment will operate over time. Pressure levels, working temperature, and fabrication requirements all influence grade selection.

1. Operating pressure: Higher-pressure systems typically require higher-strength grades, such as BQ 516 Gr70.

2. Service temperature: The expected temperature range helps determine suitable BQ plate standards for stable performance.

3. Plate thickness: Thicker plates may require specific grades to maintain weldability and toughness.

4. Application type: Boilers, pressure vessels, and process equipment may each require different grade specifications.

Choosing the right grade helps ensure safety, compliance, and long-term equipment reliability.

Also Read - How to Select the Right Steel Grade for Your Project?

What to Check When Choosing a Boiler Plate Supplier for Bulk Orders?

Selecting the right supplier is as important as choosing the right BQ plate grade. A reliable boiler plate supplier ensures consistency, compliance, and timely delivery for large-scale projects.

1. Standards compliance: Confirm plates meet specified standards such as IS 2002 or SA 516 grades.

2. Testing and certification: Ensure availability of impact tests, UT reports, and complete MTC documentation.

3. Grade and size availability: Supplier should offer multiple grades and thicknesses to match project needs.

4. Quality consistency: Plates should show uniform properties across batches.

5. Delivery capability: Ability to handle bulk quantities within committed timelines.

6. Industry experience: Proven supply record for boilers, pressure vessels, and heavy engineering sectors.

A supplier that meets these criteria helps reduce risk, avoid rework, and support smooth project execution.

You Might Also Like

From Foundry to Factory: How Steel Is Made in India’s Top Plants

What Is Mild Steel? Grades, Properties, and Applications

How the Construction Industry Depends on Structural Steel

FAQs

Q1. What grade of steel is used for boilers?

Boilers typically use boiler-quality steel grades designed to handle high pressure and elevated temperatures. Commonly specified grades include IS 2002 and SA 516 grade steel, which are widely used in industrial boilers and pressure parts due to their strength, weldability, and reliability under continuous operation.

Q2. What is SA 516 Grade 70 used for?

SA 516 Grade 70 is primarily used in pressure vessels, boilers, and process equipment where higher strength is required. It is commonly selected for applications at higher pressures and with thicker plates, for power plants, refineries, and heavy engineering equipment.

Q3. Do BQ plates require NDT tests?

Yes, BQ plates require non-destructive testing (NDT) to ensure safety and quality. Common tests include ultrasonic testing (UT) to detect internal defects and impact testing to confirm toughness. These tests verify that the plates meet the requirements of boiler and pressure vessel standards prior to fabrication.

Q4. How to choose BQ plates for pressure vessels?

Choosing BQ plates for pressure vessels depends on operating pressure, working temperature, and plate thickness. Applicable standards such as IS 2002 or SA 516 grades, along with testing and certification requirements, are also considered to ensure safe and reliable performance.

Q5. Why are BQ plates used in oil & gas?

BQ plates are used in the oil and gas sector because equipment operates under high pressure, high temperatures, and continuous process conditions. Their strength, stability, and compliance with industry standards make them suitable for refineries, petrochemical plants, and process vessels where reliability is essential.