A review of 28 years of work of the Japan welding engineering society's committee of chemical plant welding (CCPW)

Abstract

Progress in chemical process plant and developments in material and welding technology in Japan during the last 30 years are described. The Committee of Chemical Plant Welding (CCPW) of the Japan Welding Engineering Society has played a significant role in solving various problems relating to developments in material and welding technology since its formation in 1958. During this period, the Japanese petroleum/petrochemical industry has achieved remarkable progress and chemical complexes have greatly increased their capacity. This has brought with it high-temperature, high-pressure and highly corrosive environments which have required development of material and welding technology as follows: 1. (1) Application of low-alloy and high-alloy materials, such as Cr-Mo steel, stainless steel, nonferrous metal, etc. 2. (2) Welding procedures characterized by high quality and/or high production, such as mechanical, automatic and/or robotic welding. 3. (3) Matching or dissimilar welding materials for the new base material and welding procedures, such as low-hydrogen Ni-free types of welding materials for high-strength steel, high Ni alloy and matching 9% Ni welding materials for 9% Ni steel, Type 430Nb/410Nb, for ferritic stainless steel clad, etc. Along with these developments, however, many failure problems have occurred. The committee has provided discussion opportunities among welding specialists who in due course have solved these problems, resulting in further developments.