Ministry of Defence

Defence Standard 02-791 (NES 791)

Issue 1 Publication Date 01 April 2000

Requirements For Weldable

Structural Steels
Part 4
'BX' Quality Steel-Plates

Incorporating NES 791 Category 2

Issue 2 Publication Date December 1988

AMENDMENT RECORD
Amd No

Date

Text Affected

REVISION NOTE
This standard is raised to Issue 1 to update its content.
HISTORICAL RECORD
This standard supersedes the following:
Naval Engineering Standard (NES) 791 Part 4 Issue 2 dated December 1988.

Signature and Date

Ministry of Defence

Naval Engineering Standard

NES 791 Part 4

Issue 2 (Reformatted)

REQUIREMENTS FOR WELDABLE

STRUCTURAL STEELS
PART 4
BX QUALITY STEELPLATES

December 1988

This NES Supersedes

NES 791 PART 4 ISSUE 1

Record of Amendments
AMDT
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

INSERTED BY

DATE

NAVAL ENGINEERING STANDARD 791

REQUIREMENTS FOR WELDABLE STRUCTURAL STEELS
PART 4
ISSUE 2 (REFORMATTED)
BX QUALITY STEELPLATE

The issue and use of this Standard

is authorized for use in MOD contracts
by MOD(PE) Sea Systems and
the Naval Support Command

ECROWN COPYRIGHT
Published by:
Director of Naval Architecture
Procurement Executive, Ministry of Defence
Sea Systems, Foxhill, Bath BA1 5AB
i

ii

NES 791
Part 4
Issue 2 (Reformatted)

SCOPE
1.

The requirements for BX Quality Steel Plate in thickness above 18mm for special structural
purposes. Each plate is tested to ensure minimum susceptibility to lamellar tearing.

iii

NES 791
Part 4
Issue 2 (Reformatted)

iv

NES 791
Part 4
Issue 2 (Reformatted)

FOREWORD
Sponsorship
1.

This Naval Engineering Standard (NES) is sponsored by the Procurement Executive, Ministry
of Defence, Chief Naval Architect (CNA), Section NA 132.

2.

It is to be applied as required by any Ministry of Defence contract for steel plate of BX quality
for special structural purposes and is applicable to Surface Ships and Submarines.

3.

This NES comprises:

Requirements for Weldable Structural Steels
Part 1

Mild SteelPlate, Sections and Bars.

Part 2

Notch Tough Mild SteelPlate.

Part 3

B Quality SteelPlates and Sections.

Part 4

BX Quality SteelPlate.

4.

If it is found to be technically unsuitable for any particular requirement the Sponsor is to be

informed in writing of the circumstances with a copy to CNA, Section NA 145.

5.

Any user of this NES either within MOD or in outside industry may propose an amendment
to it. Proposals for amendments which are:
a.

not directly applicable to a particular contract are to be made to the Sponsor of the NES;

b.

directly applicable to a particular contract are to be dealt with using existing procedures
or as specified in the contract.

6.

No alteration is to be made to this NES except by the issue of a formal amendment.

7.

Unless otherwise stated, reference in this NES to approval, approved, authorized and similar
terms means by the Ministry of Defence.

8.

Any significant amendments that may be made to this NES at a later date will be indicated
by a vertical sideline. Deletions will be indicated by 000 appearing at the end of the line
intervals.

9.

This NES has been reissued to update preliminary pages and because of the changes required
due to the revision of BS 4360.

Conditions of Release
General
10.

This Naval Engineering Standard (NES) has been prepared for the use of the Crown and of
its contractors in the execution of contracts for the Crown. The Crown hereby excludes all
liability (other than liability for death or personal injury) whatsoever and howsoever arising
(including but without limitation, negligence on the part of the Crown, its servants or agents)
for any loss or damage however caused where the NES is used for any other purpose.

11.

This document is Crown Copyright and the information herein may be subject to Crown or
third party rights. It is not to be released, reproduced or published without written permission
of the MOD.

12.

The Crown reserves the right to amend or modify the contents of this NES without consulting
or informing any holder.

NES 791
Part 4
Issue 2 (Reformatted)

MOD Tender or Contract Process

13.

This NES is the property of the Crown and unless otherwise authorized in writing by the MOD
must be returned on completion of the contract, or submission of the tender, in connection
with which it is issued.

14.

When this NES is used in connection with a MOD tender or contract, the user is to ensure that
he is in possession of the appropriate version of each document, including related documents,
relevant to each particular tender or contract. Enquiries in this connection may be made of
the local MOD(PE) Quality Assurance Representative or the Authority named in the tender
or contract.

15.

When NES are incorporated into MOD contracts, users are responsible for their correct
application and for complying with contracts and any other statutory requirements.
Compliance with an NES does not of itself confer immunity from legal obligations.

Related Documents
16.

In the tender and procurement processes the related documents listed in each section and
Annex A can be obtained as follows:
a.

British Standards

British Standards Institution,

389 Chiswick High Road,
London W4 4AL

b.

Defence Standards

Directorate of Standardization and Safety Policy,

Stan 1, Kentigern House, 65 Brown Street,
Glasgow G2 8EX

c.

Naval Engineering Standards

CSE3a, CSE Llangennech, Llanelli,

Dyfed SA14 8YP

d.

Other documents

Tender or Contract Sponsor to advise.

Note: Tender or Contract Sponsor can advise in cases of difficulty.

17.

All applications to Ministry Establishments for related documents are to quote the relevant
MOD Invitation to Tender or Contract Number and date, together with the sponsoring
Directorate and the Tender or Contract Sponsor.

18.

Prime Contractors are responsible for supplying their subcontractors with relevant
documentation, including specifications, standards and drawings.

Health and Safety

Warning
19.

This NES may call for the use of processes, substances and/or procedures that may be injurious
to health if adequate precautions are not taken. It refers only to technical suitability and in
no way absolves either the supplier or the user from statutory obligations relating to health
and safety at any stage of manufacture or use. Where attention is drawn to hazards, those
quoted may not necessarily be exhaustive.

vi

NES 791
Part 4
Issue 2 (Reformatted)

CONTENTS
Page No

TITLE PAGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

SCOPE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

iii

FOREWORD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sponsorship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Conditions of Release . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MOD Tender or Contract Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Related Documents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Health and Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

v
v
v
v
vi
vi
vi
vi

CONTENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

vii

SECTION

MATERIALS AND MANUFACTURE . . . . . . . . . .

Chemical Composition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
TABLE 1.1 CHEMICAL COMPOSITION . . . . . .
Weight Rolling Margins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Flatness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1.1
1.1
1.1
1.1
1.1

2.1

TEST REQUIREMENTS AND MECHANICAL

PROPERTIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
TABLE 2.1 PLATE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ultrasonic Examination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2.1
2.1
2.2

SECTION

3.
3.1

QUALITY OF FINISHED STEEL . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Surface Treatment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

3.1
3.1

SECTION

4.

QUALITY ASSURANCE DOCUMENTATION . . .

4.1

SECTION

5.

IDENTIFICATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

5.1

ANNEX

A.

RELATED DOCUMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

A.1

ANNEX

B.

DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS . . . . . . . .

B.1

ANNEX

C.

SURFACE CONDITION OF HOT ROLLED

HEAVY PLATE, MEDIUM PLATE, AND WIDE
FLATS/UNIVERSALS. STANDARD FOR
REFERENCE IN CASES OF DISPUTE . . . . . . . . .
SCOPE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
DEFINITION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SURFACE ASSESSMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
METHOD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SURFACE DEFECT AREA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
DEFECT DEPTHS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SIGNIFICANCE OF DEFECTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
FIGURE C.1 PLATES <12MM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
FIGURE C.2 PLATES >12MM <20MM . . . . . . .
FIGURE C.3 PLATES 20MM TO 50MM . . . . . . . .

C.1
C.1
C.1
C.1
C.1
C.1
C.1
C.2
C.3
C.3
C.3

1.
1.1
1.2
1.3

SECTION

2.

C.1
C.2
C.3
C.3.1
C.3.2
C.3.3
C.3.4

ALPHABETICAL INDEX
vii

NES 791
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viii

NES 791
Part 4
Issue 2 (Reformatted)

1.

1.1

MATERIALS AND MANUFACTURE

a.

The steel is to comply with the requirements of BS 4360 except where stated
herein.

b.

The steelmaking process is to be in accordance with BS 4360. The steel is to be

fully killed, and is to have a grain size of 5 or finer determined by the
McQuaidEhn method in accordance with BS 4490. Plate is to be normalized.

Chemical Composition
a.

The ladle analysis of the steel is to be as shown in TABLE 1.1:

Si

Mn

% max

% min

% max

% min

% max

% max

% max

0.19

0.10

0.35

1.20

1.70

0.025

0.025

TABLE 1.1 CHEMICAL COMPOSITION

b.

1.2

Weight Rolling Margins

a.

1.3

The carbon equivalent value when calculated in accordance with the formula
in option B7 of BS 4360 is not to exceed 0.45. The ladle analysis is to include
details of all elements in the carbon equivalent value (CEV) formula.

The specified weight for plates is the maximum and the rolling margins are to
be wholly under the specified thickness. Option B16 and TABLE 37 of BS 4360
apply.

Flatness
a.

Plates are to be flat within the tolerance limits specified in accordance with
BS 4360 Table 5.

1.1

NES 791
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1.2

NES 791
Part 4
Issue 2 (Reformatted)

2.

TEST REQUIREMENTS AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES

a.

The steel plate is to be subjected to a tensile test from a sample test piece cut
in a crosswire direction in accordance with BS 4360 Section 3 Clause 21. Tensile
test samples are to be in accordance with BS 4360, Section 3 Clause 22 and the
test results are to be in accordance with mechanical properties shown in
TABLE 2.1.
Tensile strength
Thickness of
plate

min

max

N/mm 2 N/mm 2
Above 18mm up
to and inc 32mm
Above 32mm up
to and inc 75mm

Yield
stress
min

Elongation Charpy V Notch

min
i on
impact test
gauge length
of 5.65S o Temp Energy

N/mm 2

min av
J

460

580

295

20

30

40

450

560

280

20

30

40

TABLE 2.1 PLATE

b.

Three adjacent Charpy V-Notch specimens are to be taken from each plate. The
location, preparation and testing of the samples is to be in accordance with
BS 4360 Section 3.

c.

Each broken Charpy test piece is to be examined for crystallinity in accordance

with BS 131 Part 5 and the crystallinity is not to be greater than 75%. For
general estimation of this area the visual method described in BS 131 Part 5
Clause 4a may be used. For critical cases approaching 75% crystallinity the more
direct methods described in Clauses 4b and 4c are to be used. If the method
described in Clause 4b is used, the crystalline area is to be estimated from the
mean values of at least three separate measurements of both width and length.

d.

Through thickness tensile testing is to be undertaken on each test piece

removed from the six test blocks cut from each plate as shown in the sketch
below. Each test piece is to be of 6mm diam (minimum) and the gauge length
is to be the full plate thickness with friction welded extension pieces as required.

e.

All samples tested from each plate are to have an average reduction of area not
less than 20%. If one or more samples fall below 15% reduction of area, two
further samples are to be taken from the same test block and provided no single
sample falls below 15% reduction of area the plate is acceptable.

2.1

NES 791
Part 4
Issue 2 (Reformatted)

2.1

Ultrasonic Examination
a.

Each plate is to be ultrasonically tested in accordance with NES 729. The

acceptance standard is to be L2C2 to the requirements of BS 5996.

2.2

NES 791
Part 4
Issue 2 (Reformatted)

3.

QUALITY OF FINISHED STEEL

a.

The quality of all finished steel is to be in accordance with BS 4360: Section 1,

except that the reference standard at ANNEX C. of this NES is to apply. The
correction of minor defects is to be limited such that the thickness is not locally
reduced by more than 4% below the minimum thickness otherwise allowed.
Correction of defects by weld repair is not permitted, options B11 and B12 of
BS 4360 apply.

b.

In the assessment of fitness for purpose any defect of a type which could affect
this purpose in respect of possible stress raisers or sites of local corrosion, eg
sharp bottomed scars or pits (see Notes 1 and 2 in Clause 3.c.), pitting with
overhanging edges etc, the purchaser is to report the product to the
manufacturer for early agreement on repair or replacement.

c.

When the foregoing requirements have been met and there are surface
blemishes such that it is considered unsatisfactory, because the blemishes mar
the appearance of the plate or would adversely affect the adhesion of a protective
paint system, then Annex C. is to be used as the basis for arbitration between
the purchaser and the manufacturer.

Notes:

3.1

(1)

For the purpose of this NES a sharp bottomed scar or pit is defined as any
scar or pit which is greater than 0.2mm deep and the depth is greater than
the width.

(2)

To assist in the assessment of borderline cases a reference block is to be

used as the datum. This block may be in the form of 50mm 15mm
2mm with machined slots 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6 and 0.7mm wide. Other
forms of approved assessment methods may be used.

Surface Treatment
a.

All plates are to be abrasively blasted in accordance with NES 755 and inspected
in accordance with Clauses 3.a. to 3.c. Immediately after blasting, the steel is
to be coated with priming paint in accordance with NES 757.

3.1

NES 791
Part 4
Issue 2 (Reformatted)

3.2

NES 791
Part 4
Issue 2 (Reformatted)

4.

QUALITY ASSURANCE DOCUMENTATION

a.

Certification is to be provided to the consignee in accordance with BS 4360 and

is to include ladle analysis, mechanical properties, with details of any reheat or
retest, and results of the non-destructive examination. This certification is
required even when inspection has taken place. A copy of each certificate is to
be provided to the MOD Quality Assurance Representative.

4.1

NES 791
Part 4
Issue 2 (Reformatted)

4.2

NES 791
Part 4
Issue 2 (Reformatted)

5.

IDENTIFICATION
a.

All finished steel is to be legibly marked with the following:

(1)

Hard Stampedmarkings outlined by circling with paint of a

contrasting colour:
(a)

specification number;

(b)

cast number;

(c)

test certificate number;

(d)

manufacturers works code.

These numbers are to be positioned at the top right and left hand corners
either on the edge of the plate or on the plate within 16mm of the plate
edge.
(2)

(3)

Painted Markingslocated near the end of the plates:

(a)

contract number;

(b)

destination;

(c)

dimensions;

(d)

customer identification (last 7 digits of NS Cat No).

Colour Codingon each plate is to be painted with distinctive green,

yellow and white colour bands on diagonally opposite corners.

5.1

NES 791
Part 4
Issue 2 (Reformatted)

5.2

NES 791
Part 4
Issue 2 (Reformatted)

ANNEX A.
RELATED DOCUMENTS
A.1

Reference is made to:

Referred to in Clause
BS 131 Part 5

Methods for Notched Bar

TestsDetermination of
Crystallinity

BS 4232

Surface finish of blast-cleaned

steel for painting
Specification for weldable
structural steels

BS 4360

BS 4490
BS 5996

NES 729
NES 755
NES 757

Methods for the determination of

austenitic grain size of steel
Method of testing and quality
grading of ferritic steel plate by
ultrasonic methods

2.c.

ANNEX C.
1.a., 1.b., 1.1b., 1.2a.,
1.3a., 2.a., 2.b., 3.a.,
4.a., ANNEX C.
1.b.
2.1a.

Requirements for Non-destructive

Examination Methods
Abrasive Blasting of Steel

2.1a.

Application and Uses of

Prefabrication (Shop) Primers

3.1a.

A.1

3.1a.

ANNEX A.

NES 791
Part 4
Issue 2 (Reformatted)

ANNEX A.

A.2

NES 791
Part 4
Issue 2 (Reformatted)

ANNEX B.
DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS
B.1

There are no Definitions and Abbreviations for this NES.

B.1

ANNEX B.

NES 791
Part 4
Issue 2 (Reformatted)

ANNEX B.

B.2

NES 791
Part 4
Issue 2 (Reformatted)

ANNEX C.
SURFACE CONDITION OF HOT ROLLED HEAVY PLATE, MEDIUM PLATE, AND WIDE
FLATS/UNIVERSALS. STANDARD FOR REFERENCE IN CASES OF DISPUTE
C.1

SCOPE
a.

C.2

The surface conditions which supplement the quality requirements of BS 4360

for hot rolled heavy and medium plate, also hot rolled wide flats/universals in
thicknesses up to 50mm; for thickness over 50mm special agreements may be
made. The requirements for the surface condition of these steel products are to
be used as a basis for arbitration between the supplier and the customer where
the customer or his representative considers plate surface condition to be
unsatisfactory.

DEFINITION
a.

This document relates solely to defects within the rolling margin, and is
concerned with those minor defects which arise in processing despite regular
maintenance of equipment and inspection controls, such as scale, pitting,
scores, small blisters and light surface laminations (slivers or shell). These are
not readily seen in the scaled condition and are revealed after descaling.

b.

Within the terms of this standard a surface defect is a surface blemish or group
of minor blemishes which do not affect fitness for purpose but mar the surface
appearance of the plate.

C.3

SURFACE ASSESSMENT

C.3.1

METHOD

C.3.2

C.3.3

a.

Both surfaces are to be inspected and assessed independently, bearing in mind

that the resulting thickness must be not less than the minimum permissible.
The inspection of plates is to be carried out in good lighting conditions
(preferably 400 lux) or with the use of a local light source, in a practical manner
by slowly walking the length of the plate.

b.

The depths of surface defects are measured with a surface depth gauge.
However, with a little experience it is possible to estimate surface defect depth
visually with a sufficient accuracy, having taken the precaution of gauging some
surface defects in the light conditions prevailing.

SURFACE DEFECT AREA

a.

The surface defect area is to be regarded as the area which is circumscribed by

a line drawn round the limit of the surface defect at a distance of 80mm. If the
surface defects are significant, ie outwith the standard indicated in
FIGURE C.1, FIGURE C.2 and FIGURE C.3, then it is this area that is likely
to be affected by grinding and fairing into the surrounding material.

b.

The defect area is expressed as a percentage of the total area of that surface
containing the defect.

DEFECT DEPTHS
a.

In the case of clusters of surface defects, the average depth is to be used for
determining if rectification is warranted.

C.1

ANNEX C.

NES 791
Part 4
Issue 2 (Reformatted)

C.3.4

ANNEX C.

SIGNIFICANCE OF DEFECTS (FIGURE C.1, FIGURE C.2 AND FIGURE C.3)

a.

The maximum permissible depth and area of defect have been related to plate
thickness, considering three broad thickness ranges for the sake of
practicability viz: up to and including 12mm; over 12mm to less than 20mm;
20mm to 50mm, and are given in FIGURE C.1, FIGURE C.2 and FIGURE C.3.
The smallest defect depth considered is 0.15mm, slightly above the maximum
surface roughness amplitude of 0.1mm for blast cleaned surfaces as defined in
BS 4232.

b.

Defects within the allowable range (Area A) are considered so insignificant that
rectification is not required. Defects outside this area are normally rectified to
within the permissible range. However, rectification need not be carried out if
the usefulness of the plate is not impaired by the defects present.

C.2

NES 791
Part 4
Issue 2 (Reformatted)

FIGURE C.1 PLATES <12MM

FIGURE C.2 PLATES >12MM <20MM

FIGURE C.3 PLATES 20MM TO 50MM

C.3

ANNEX C.

NES 791
Part 4
Issue 2 (Reformatted)

ANNEX C.

C.4

NES 791
Part 4
Issue 2 (Reformatted)

ALPHABETICAL INDEX

C
Chemical Composition, 1.1
Colour coding, 5.1

F
Flatness, 1.1

G
Grain size, 1.1

I
Identification, 5.1

L
Lamellar tearing, i

M
Marking, 5.1

P
Properties, 2.1

Q
Quality, 3.1, 4.1

S
Samples, 2.1
Steelmaking process, 1.1
Surface treatment, 3.1

T
Tests, 2.1

U
Ultrasonics, 2.1

INDEX.1

INDEX

NES 791
Part 4
Issue 2 (Reformatted)

W
Weight rolling margins, 1.1

INDEX

INDEX.2

Inside Rear Cover

 Crown Copyright 2000

Copying Only as Agreed with DStan

Defence Standards are Published by and Obtainable from:

Defence Procurement Agency
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Tel 0141 224 2531/2
Fax 0141 224 2503
Internet e-mail enquiries@dstan.mod.uk
File Reference
The DStan file reference relating to work on this standard is D/DStan/69/02/791.
Contract Requirements
When Defence Standards are incorporated into contracts users are responsible for their correct
application and for complying with contractual and statutory requirements. Compliance with
a Defence Standard does not in itself confer immunity from legal obligations.
Revision of Defence Standards
Defence Standards are revised as necessary by up issue or amendment. It is important that
users of Defence Standards should ascertain that they are in possession of the latest issue or
amendment. Information on all Defence Standards is contained in Def Stan 00-00 Standards
for Defence Part 3 , Index of Standards for Defence Procurement Section 4 Index of Defence
Standards and Defence Specifications published annually and supplemented regularly by
Standards in Defence News (SID News). Any person who, when making use of a Defence
Standard encounters an inaccuracy or ambiguity is requested to notify the Directorate of
Standardization (DStan) without delay in order that the matter may be investigated and
appropriate action taken.