本文综述了特别适用于压力容器和某些化工及加工设备的铝合金的性能。ASTM规范B 209-60 T涵盖的14种合金在退火条件下具有9500至42000 psi的规定抗拉强度，已获得ASME压力容器应用规范的批准。 铝的一些特殊优点是耐多种腐蚀介质、无色腐蚀产物和易于制造。焊接和合金方面的新发展使铝的焊接变得极其迅速和廉价。虽然铝在高温下的强度限制了其在约400°F以下的温度下的一般应用，但其低温特性使其在零下温度下的使用非常出色。随着温度的降低，延展性几乎没有变化，也没有与碳钢相关的脆性转变。 铝合金的使用记录非常令人满意。由于多年的实验和经验，领先的生产商已经发布了大量数据，并准备了手册，可以参考这些手册来回答具体问题。

This paper reviews the properties of aluminum alloys that are especially desirable for pressure vessels and certain chemical and processing equipment. Fourteen of the alloys covered by ASTM Specification B 209-60 T, having specified tensile strengths in the annealed condition ranging from 9500 to 42,000 psi, are approved by the ASME Code for pressure vessel applications. Some particular advantages of aluminum are resistance to a wide range of corrosive media, a colorless corrosion product and ease of fabrication. New developments in welding and alloys have made welding of aluminum exceedingly rapid and inexpensive. While the strengths of aluminum at elevated temperatures restrict its general application to temperatures below about 400°F, its low temperature properties make it outstanding for use at sub-zero temperatures. There is little change in ductility as temperature decreases and the brittle transition associated with carbon steel is absent. The service record of aluminum alloys is outstandingly satisfactory. The leading producers have, as a result of many years of experimentation and experience, published much data and prepared handbooks that may be consulted for answers to specific questions.