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Improving the Weld Procedure for Aged HP-Mod Alloy Reformer Tubes

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Abstract

Welding of service-exposed, aged heat-resistant nickel-base alloys is notoriously difficult. There is a high propensity for cracking in the heat-affected zone (HAZ) of the weld which manifests during or immediately after the welding process due to creep induced embrittlement. The cracks due to creep induced embrittlement are typically accelerated by high residual stresses. To minimize this damage mechanism, the original weld procedure was modified from a double-angle V-groove to a U-groove, and a stringer pattern was used instead of weaving at a higher interpass temperature. Welds were prepared and tested using the modified procedure which was beneficial in minimizing the occurrence of fissures and subsequent cracking due to creep induced embrittlement. Comparative hardness testing of the original and modified weld procedures’ revealed a reduced HAZ width with the modified procedure that most likely facilitated the minimization of creep induced embrittlement.

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Adapted from Schmidt + Clemens [31]

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Nutrien Ltd., Point Lisas, Couva, Trinidad and Tobago

    Kiran Rampat

  2. Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus, St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago

    Chris Maharaj

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  1. Kiran Rampat
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  2. Chris Maharaj
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Correspondence to Chris Maharaj.

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Rampat, K., Maharaj, C. Improving the Weld Procedure for Aged HP-Mod Alloy Reformer Tubes. Metallogr. Microstruct. Anal. 7, 493–503 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13632-018-0469-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13632-018-0469-7

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