Effect of PWHT on the mechanical properties of P5 steel welded joints

Abstract

Presented work analyses the impact of heat treatment parameters on the mechanical properties and operational reliability of P5 (5%Cr0.5%Mo) steel welded joints. The key objects of research are heat-treated chrome-molybdenum steel welded joints and piping elements operated at high temperature for an extensive period of time, where degradation of mechanical properties has been observed. The main objective is to investigate the causes of degradation of alloy steel mechanical properties during fabrication and operation of the equipment, and to develop a methodology for identification of optimum heat treatment parameters for chrome-molybdenum steel welded joints. A few key issues are addressed herein: identification of dependence of chrome-molybdenum (5%Cr-0.5%Mo) steel welded joint mechanical properties on heat treatment parameters, identification of the optimum value of temperature/time parameter, and identification of causes of mechanical property changes and degradation of the steel.