Optimization of PWHT of Simulated HAZ Subzones

Appropriate post weld heat treatment (PWHT) is usually obligatory when creep resistant steels are welded for thermal power plant components that operate at elevated temperatures for 30-40 years. The influence of different PWHTs on the microstructure, hardness, and impact toughness of simulated heat affected zone (HAZ) subzones was studied. Thereby, coarse grained HAZ, two different fine grained HAZ areas, and intercritical HAZ were subjected to 20 different PWHTs at temperatures 740–800 ◦C and durations 0.5–8 h. It was found that the most commonly recommended PWHT, of 3 h or less at 760 ◦C, is insufficient with respect to the hardness and impact toughness of coarse grained HAZ. To obtain a Vickers hardness≤ 265 HV and impact toughness at least equal to the impact toughness of the base metal (192 J) in the coarse grained HAZ, it took 8 h at 740 ◦C, 4 h at 760 ◦C, more than 1 h at 780 ◦C, and 0.5 h and 800 ◦C. Even after 8 h at 800 ◦C, mechanical properties were still within the target range. The most recommendable post weld heat treatments at 780 ◦C for 1.2–2 h or at 760 ◦C for 3–4 h were identified. All specimens subjected to these treatments exhibited appropriate hardness, impact toughness, and microstructure.