Autogenous Tungsten Inert Gas and Gas Tungsten Arc With Filler Welding of Dissimilar P91 and P92 Steels

Abstract

Creep strength ferritic/martensitic modified 9Cr-1Mo-V-Nb (P91) steel also designated as ASTM A335 and P92 steel are used for piping, cladding, ducts, wrappers, and the pressure vessel in Gen IV nuclear reactors. In the present investigation, a comparative study of the effect of autogenous tungsten inert gas welding (A-TIG) with double pass and multipass gas tungsten arc (GTA) welding with filler on microstructure evolution in the weld fusion zone and the mechanical properties of P91 and P92 steel welded joints was carried out. The microstructure evolution was studied in as-welded and postweld heat treatment (PWHT) condition. The study also focused on the evolution of δ-ferrite patches and their influence on the tensile properties of welded joints. PWHT was carried out at 760 °C with durations from 2 to 6 h. To study the effect of δ-ferrite evolution on mechanical properties, Charpy toughness, microhardness, and tensile tests were performed. The acceptable microstructure and mechanical properties were obtained after the 6 h of PWHT for A-TIG arc welding process while for GTA weld with filler wire, it was obtained after the 2 h of PWHT at 760 °C.