The only difference in SA 266 Gr. 2 & SA 266 Gr.

4 is, content of Manganese is a

pproximately double (0.8~1.35) in SA 266 Gr. 4 than SA 266 Gr. 2 (0.4~1.05). The
se materials are widely used for body flanges, tubesheets, backing devices of he
at exchangers and vessels.
Hence the element that makes difference is manganese. Manganese has various adva
ntages as below;
It increases tensile strength, toughness and hardenability. Manganese also tends
to increase the rate of carbon penetration during carburizing and acts as a mil
d deoxidizing agent. Manganese is capable to form Manganese Sulphide (MnS) with
sulphur, which is beneficial to machining. At the same time, it counters the bri
ttleness from sulphur and is beneficial to the surface finish of carbon steel.
The disadvantage is when you use SA 266 Gr. 4, carbon equivalent will be above 0
.42 which is not allowed as per most specifications and specially for HIC or Wet
H2S/sour service most client prefers to maintain Ceq. below 0.40.
Apart from above, from the design point of view it does not make any difference
because ASME has considered same allowable stress values for both the grades.
Hence as per me it is always good to consider SA 266 Gr. 2.