A hybrid, austenitic stainless steel has been developed for heater tubes, forgings, bends, fittings and welding consumables, which has higher strength than TP 316 and TP 347 in API 530 up to 1200°F (650°C). This allows for thinner wall tubes that provide optimum heat transfer and stress reduction and results in significant savings in material, fabrication and operational costs. 16Cr11Ni2.5MoCb has the attributes of many of the higher alloyed materials and in terms of life expectancy, creep rupture strength is an order of magnitude higher than TP 347. The 2.5% minimum molybdenum makes the material ideally suited for high naphthenic acid applications. In the as-welded condition the material offers high immunity to sensitization thus eliminating the need for stabilization annealing both before and after welding. The high resistance to polythionic acid eliminates the need for a soda ash wash during shutdowns, which provides added reliability, and reduces operation downtime during turnarounds. 16Cr11Ni2.5MoCb is predicted to have
higher creep rupture strength than comparable austenitic alloys and can be readily formed and fabricated in a similar way to TP 347.
Key Words: High Temperature Creep Rupture, High Temperature Ductility, TP 347, Naphthenic Acid, Polythionic Acid, Reheat Cracking