Material Selection and Impact Testing for CRN Registration

Reviewed by Dhruv Barot, P.Eng. · Last updated: March 1, 2026

Material selection is one of the most critical aspects of CRN submissions. Canadian winters drive low MDMT requirements that often mandate materials not required in milder climates. Kopfkino's material specialists provide expert material selection and impact testing coordination for CRN applications.

MDMT and Its Importance in Canada

• Outdoor equipment in Alberta: design for ambient as low as -46°C
• Northern BC: down to -40°C in inland areas
• Ontario and Quebec: typically -29°C to -35°C for outdoor equipment
• Each province has climate data used to establish minimum ambient temperature

ASME Material Qualification and Impact Testing

• Charpy V-notch testing at or below the MDMT
• Minimum absorbed energy requirements per ASME UG-84
• Post-weld heat treatment (PWHT) affects impact test requirements
• Low-temperature alloy steels for very low MDMT applications

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use standard carbon steel (A516-70) for a vessel installed in Alberta?

A516-70 can be used with proper impact testing at the required MDMT. Depending on wall thickness and MDMT, heat treatment and supplemental testing may be needed.

"The single most expensive CRN mistake we see is treating registration as an afterthought. Design for CRN from day one: pick your provinces early, align the calculations with CSA B51 before the drawings are finalized, and most submissions clear review in a single comment round."