Weldability assessment and high-temperature properties of advanced creep resisting austenitic steel X6CrNiNbN25-20 (DMV310N/HR3C)

Abstract

The modern Ultra Super Critical Power Plants (USC PP) applying the 600 °C technology require advanced stainless steels in superheater/reheater systems in order to cope with the increased steam parameters. Different grades of stainless steels have been developed by increasing Cr-contents, alloying with stabilizing and precipitating elements as well as thermomechanical heat treatments resulting in high creep rupture strengths and improved oxidation/corrosion resistance. In the context of a collaborative research project, X6CrNiNbN25-20 (DMV310N/HR3C) has been investigated. The main focus of the research project was on characterization and weldability assessment. As a result, the base metal under investigation was compared with governing code cases and specifications. Base metal chemical composition, microstructures, mechanical properties, reheat cracking sensitivity, and hot ductility as well as creep rupture strengths have been investigated. A weldability assessment, including thermal simulation and welding procedure qualifications, has been performed to establish parameter windows for similar and dissimilar welding. Dissimilar welding between grade 92 and austenitic steel tubes has been performed. The project also took the opportunity to investigate the behavior of a recently developed gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) P87 consumable for dissimilar welding. Cross-weld creep rupture tests have been conducted for both similar and dissimilar welding, while aging tests addressed microstructural stability.