Analysis of the microstructure and properties of T92 steel after long-term service

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of the investigation was to determine and analyse the changes in the microstructure and mechanical properties of the T92 steel after service in creep conditions of the following parameters: temperature – 575°C, pressure – 28.2 MPa, service time – 41914 hrs. Design/methodology/approach: The tests were performed on the test samples taken from a pipe section of a steam superheater after long-term service. The range of the investigations included: microstructural investigation – the optical and SEM microscopy, the analysis of precipitation – carbide isolates, the investigation of mechanical properties: the Vickers hardness measurement, the impact test and static tensile test. Findings: The performed tests showed a slight degree of exhaustion of the structure of the analysed T92 steel. The relatively small changes in the microstructure of the examined steel were reflected in the still retained high mechanical properties. Research limitations/implications: he analysis of the microstructure of the examined steel using SEM was performed to determine the influence of the service on the processes of changes in the precipitate morphology. Practical implications: The metal science investigation of the sections taken from the elements of the power installations after long-term service is one of the basic elements of building the data base of materials and their joints used in the power industry. The results obtained from the performed research constitute a building block for the degradation characteristics of the microstructure and mechanical properties of martensitic steels of the 9-12%Cr type. Originality/value: The results of investigation and analysis of the metallographic and mechanical properties of martensitic T92 steel after long-term service are presented.