Effect of Post-Weld Heat Treatment on the Mechanical Properties and Microstructure of P-No. 1 Carbon Steels

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the suitability of requirement for post-weld heat treatment(PWHT) temperature when different P-No. materials are welded, which is defined by ASME Sec. III Code. For SA-516 Gr. 60 and SA-106 Gr. B carbon steels that are typical P-No. 1 material, simulated heat treatment were conducted for 8 h at 610°C, 650°C, 690°C, and 730°C, last two temperature falls in the temperature of PWHT for P-No. 5A low-alloy steels. Tensile and Charpy impact tests were performed for the heat-treated specimens, and then microstructure was analyzed by optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive spectrometry. The Charpy impact properties deteriorated significantly mainly due to a large amount of cementite precipitation when the temperature of simulated heat treatment was 730°C. Therefore, when dissimilar metal welding is carried out for P-No. 1 carbon steel and different P-No. low alloy steel, the PWHT temperature should be carefully selected to avoid significant deterioration of impact properties for P-No. 1 carbon steel. Key words: P-No. 1 carbon steel, Post-weld heat treatment, Impact toughness