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07423 Control of Relaxation Cracking in Austenitic High Temperature Components

Picture for 07423 Control of Relaxation Cracking in Austenitic High Temperature Components
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The research was focused to assess the key factors concerning relaxation cracking and how to control it. It included the effect of chemical composition of the base materials (both Fe and Ni base alloys), heat to heat variation, grain size, cold deformation, welding, operating temperature and heat treatments.

Product Number: 51300-07423-SG
ISBN: 07423 2007 CP
Author: Hans Van Wortel
Publication Date: 2007
Industry: Science of Corrosion
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$20.00
$20.00

The degradation mechanism “relaxation cracking” is acting in austenitic components operating between 550°C (1020°F) and 750°C (1380°F). The brittle failures are always located in cold formed areas or in welded joints and are mostly addressed within 1 year service. More than 10 different names can be found in the literature for this phenomenon. A brittle failure of a heavy wall Alloy 800H reactor vessel after 6 months service was the starting point of a Joint Industrial Programme (JIP) with 30 partners. The research was focused to assess the key factors concerning relaxation cracking and how to control it. It included the effect of chemical composition of the base materials (both Fe and Ni base alloys), heat to heat variation, grain size, cold deformation, welding, operating temperature and heat treatments. More than 40 base materials and 60 welded joints were included. Many austenitic materials showed to be susceptible for relaxation cracking, especially in the welded condition and after cold deformation. Heat treatments are very effective to avoid this degradation mechanism. The JIP ended up with an Equipment Degradation Document and a Recommended Practice. To date relaxation cracking failures can be avoided by a correct selection of base materials, welding consumables and heat treatments. In-field experiences with equipment manufactured based on knowledge gained within the JIP are supporting the outcome of the results, no failures have been encountered anymore. However, failures are still identified at companies who are still not aware of the degradation mechanism relaxation cracking.

 

Keywords: Relaxation cracking, austenitic materials, age hardening, welding, cold bending, heat treatment

The degradation mechanism “relaxation cracking” is acting in austenitic components operating between 550°C (1020°F) and 750°C (1380°F). The brittle failures are always located in cold formed areas or in welded joints and are mostly addressed within 1 year service. More than 10 different names can be found in the literature for this phenomenon. A brittle failure of a heavy wall Alloy 800H reactor vessel after 6 months service was the starting point of a Joint Industrial Programme (JIP) with 30 partners. The research was focused to assess the key factors concerning relaxation cracking and how to control it. It included the effect of chemical composition of the base materials (both Fe and Ni base alloys), heat to heat variation, grain size, cold deformation, welding, operating temperature and heat treatments. More than 40 base materials and 60 welded joints were included. Many austenitic materials showed to be susceptible for relaxation cracking, especially in the welded condition and after cold deformation. Heat treatments are very effective to avoid this degradation mechanism. The JIP ended up with an Equipment Degradation Document and a Recommended Practice. To date relaxation cracking failures can be avoided by a correct selection of base materials, welding consumables and heat treatments. In-field experiences with equipment manufactured based on knowledge gained within the JIP are supporting the outcome of the results, no failures have been encountered anymore. However, failures are still identified at companies who are still not aware of the degradation mechanism relaxation cracking.

 

Keywords: Relaxation cracking, austenitic materials, age hardening, welding, cold bending, heat treatment

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07421 Fabricating Nickel Alloy Products to Avoid Stress Relaxation Cracking

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ISBN: 07421 2007 CP
Author: Lewis E. Shoemaker, Gaylord D. Smith, Brian A. Baker, and Jon Poole
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Various alloys subjected various heat treatments were examined in-service and tested to determine their susceptibility to stress relaxation cracking.
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Product Number: 51300-08454-SG
ISBN: 08454 2008 CP
Author: Christian E. van der Westhuizen
Publication Date: 2008
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This paper discusses reactors in hydrocarbon service that experienced numerous cracking problems over a 8-year period, where cracks were confined to the welded zones.  The material is  TP347 stainless steel, welded with E347-16 consumables.
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51318-11046-The investigation of Incoloy 800H Relaxation Crack Mechanisms

Product Number: 51318-11046-SG
Author: Yunjo Ro / Ihho Park / Gyutae Park / Jaewoong Kim
Publication Date: 2018
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In the present study, detailed microstructure of the crack-tip region of a failed tube was examined using SEM, TEM and EBSD to clarify the relaxation crack mechanism.  Details of the microstructural findings and a proposed mechanism of stress relief cracking will be discussed.

 
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