HEAT TREATMENT OF PRESSURE VESSELS

WHAT IS HEAT TREATMENT?

MATERIALS TREATED BY APPLICATION OF HEAT - NORMALLY DONE IN SOLID
STATE HEATING BY VARIOUS SOURCES PARAMETERS RATE OF HEATING
SOAKING TEMP. SOAKING TIME COOLING RATE COOLING MEDIA
WHY HT REQUIRED ?
CARRIED OUT IN FABRICATION INDUSTRIES TO ENHANCE PROPERTIES
Strength Toughness Hardness TO BRING THE PROPERIES SUITABLE FOR
FABRICATION STEEL PLANTS FOUNDRY FORGING SHOPS
MATERIALS HEAT TREATED ?
METALS & ALLOYS SINGLE PHASE MULTIPHASE ALLOYS Single
Phase : Copper Nickel Multiphase : Steels METALS (Single phase )
Titanium
HEAT TREATEMENT
CRITERIA COLD WORKED to NORMAL All materials UNEQUILIBRIUM PHASES
to EQUILIBRIUM Stainless Steels ,Maraging Steels STRESSED to UNSTRESED
All Materials v CS C-Mn , C-Mo , Cr-Mo , Cr-Mo-V, Ni -Steels Stainless Steels
Non Ferrous Materials
TYPES OF HEAT TREATMENT NORMALIZING ANNEALING STRESS RELIEVING
SOLUTION ANNEALING HARDENING TEMPERING AGEING
IRON CARBON DIAGRAM
NORMALIZING
The steel is heated to 40 C above the upper critical temperature followed by
cooling in the still air.
To achieve
Uniform structure Change in Mechanical properties, UTS & YS Hardness
Impact properties To refine the grains
ANNEALING
Steel is heated 10 to 50C above the upper critical temperature and held for
the desired length of time followed by very slow cooling within the furnace
To achieve: Softness & better ductility Stresses free material Stress
generated due to mechanical working / previous HT Uniform property through
out the material
SOLUTION ANNEALING

 Austenitic Stainless steels is heated to above 1050C and held for the desired
time followed by cooling to room temperature within few minutes by quenching /
blowing the air.

Solution annealing is done on stainless steel and non ferrous alloys to achieve
following:
To soften the material To remove carbide precipitation formed at grain
boundaries during manufacturing process To improve Corrosion Resistance
AGEING
The Material is heated to a certain temperature, and held for the desired time;
followed by quenching or cooling in air
Ageing is done on materials susceptible for ageing characteristics : Maraging
Steels Normally increases strength Improve Toughness
STRESS
RELIEVING
The steel is heated to a temperature below or close to the lower critical
temperature with a specific rate of heating. It is held at the temperature for a
desired length of time, followed by cooling with a specific rate up to certain
temperature.
There is no change in grain structure.
Stress relieving is done Fabricated Components of CS & LAS:
To reduce Internal Stresses To soften the steel partially To soften HAZ
Ni -Steels Nickel Steels : 1,2,3% Ni SA 203 GrA ,D Temperature : 593 C
Min Normally 600 - 640 C, Time : 60 mts min Time : 1 hr / inch thick
Heating Rate : 200 C per hr per inch thick Cooling Rate : 260 C per hr per
inch thick
Steels enhanced by Heat Treatments Q&T Steels : 9.5% Ni
Steels , SA 517 Gr E Temperature : 538 C Typ Normally < 600 C Time :
Minimum 15 minutes to 2 Hr Time : 1 hr / inch thick Heating Rate : 200 C per
hr per inch thick Cooling Rate : 260 C per hr per inch thick
C-Mn , C-Mo ,
Cr-Mo (< 2% Cr) C - Mn Steels , C - Mo Steels, Cr-Mo Steels SA 515Gr 70 ,
SA204GrA, SA387GR11CL1 Temperature : 593 C Min Normally 600 - 640 C,
650-690 C Time : 15 minutes min Time : 1 hr / inch thick Heating Rate :
200 C per hr per inch thick Cooling Rate : 260 C per hr per inch thick Cr-Mo
Steels Cr - Mo Steels (Cr >2%) SA 335P22 ,SA335P5

Temperature : 676 C Min Normally 680 - 700 C 2.25Cr

704 720 C 5 Cr Time : 15 mts min Time : 1 hr / inch thick Heating Rate : 200
C per hr per inch thick Cooling Rate : 260 C per hr per inch thick
THERMOCOUPLES
PRINCIPLE OF A THERMOCOUPLE

 THERMOCOUPLE MATERIAL
TYPES OF THERMOCOUPLE BEING USED IN HZW
PRINCIPLE OF THERMOCOUPLE
The basic principle of thermoelectric thermometry is that a thermocouple
develops an emf which is a function of the difference in temperature of its
measuring junction & reference junction. If the temperature of reference junction
is known, the temperature of the measuring junction can be determined by
measuring the emf generated in the circuit.
THERMOCOUPLE MATERIAL REQUIREMENT
1. High coefficient of thermal emf. 2. Continuously increasing relation of emf to
temperature over
a long range. 3. Freedom from phase changes or other
phenomenon giving rise to discontinuity in temperature emf relationships. 4.
Resistance to oxidation, corrosion and contamination.
5. Homogeneity and reproducibility to fit an establish temperature & emf
relationship. SPEED OF RESPONSE MAY BE IMPROVED AND RADIATION &
CONDUCTION ERRORS MAY BE REDUCED BY THE USE OF SMALL DIAMETER
THERMOCOUPLES. TYPES OF THERMOCOUPLE BEING USED IN HZW
K type :
Material
: Chromel
+
Alumel
Nickel based
( 10
%Cr ) + ( 2 % Al ) Properties :
Non-Magnetic + Magnetic In this type
of thermocouple, the wires are joined at one end only to form a point-type
temperature sensor. Instrumentation converts the millivolt signal to related
temperature. S TYPE THERMOCOUPLE
S TYPE THERMOCOUPLE ARE THE STANDARD
THERMOCOUPLES.

IT IS USED FOR CALIBRATING K Type

THERMOCOUPLES.

MATERIAL OF CONSTRUCTION
PLATINUM

90% PLATINUM + 10% RHODIUM

OXIDATION RESISTANCE , SO MORE LIFE .

ISSUE METHODOLOGY Users will send their requirement of thermocouple

through Consumable slip ( mentioning HTR No ) to
QA

QA shall issue the same .

QA shall issue identification sticker duly attached

Users shall ensure availability of identification sticker

COMPENSATING CABLE

on unused wire .

COMPENSATING CABLE IS DEFINED AS A PAIR OF WIRES HAVING SUCH EMF

TEMPERATURE CHARACTERISTICS RELATED TO THE THERMOCOUPLE WITH
WHICH THE
WIRES ARE INTENDED TO BE USED, THAT WHEN PROPERLY
CONNECTED TO THERMOCOUPLE THE EFFECTIVE REFERENCE JUNCTION IS IN
EFFECT TRANSFERRED TO THE OTHER END OF THE WIRES.
MATERIAL ==> +ve COPPER ( white )
(blue ) for K TYPE .

-ve COPPER NICKEL

P.I.D. PID = PROPORTIONAL INTEGRAL DERIVATIVE PID FUNCTIONS BOTH AS

PROGRAMMER AND
CONTROLLER
PID CONTROLLER CAN BE ZONE
WISE
PROGRAMME IS MADE IN SEGMENTS AS PER
DIFFERENT
STAGES OF HEAT TREATMENT

DIGITAL DISPLAY IS AVAILABLE FOR PROGRAMME

TEMPERATURE AND
FURNACE TEMEPERATURE
TYPICAL OR REPETITIVE HEAT TREATMENT CYCLE
CAN BE STORED IN PID(PROGRAMMER)
RECORDER
TYPES OF RECORDER PAPERLESS -- WITH COLOUR DISPLAY SCREEN ,HARD
DISC AND FLOPPY DRIVE.
NOT USED IN HZW. WITH PAPER -CURRENTLY BEING USED IN HZW.
24 CHANNEL -- CURRENTLY BEING USED IN PFS( CHINO MAKE-- model no.I003
/Graph ET 001).
12 CHANNEL -- CURRENTLY BEING USED IN
MFS1 AND HFS1
( CHINO MAKE -- model no. EH100 /
Graph ET 201).
COMPENSATING CABLES ARE CONNECTED BEHIND THE RECORDER SCREEN IN
CHANNELS.
X-AXIS IS FOR TEMPERATURE (RANGE = 0 TO 1200C) THE SCALE ON X-AXIS
IS NON-LINEAR.
Y-AXIS IS FOR GRAPH SPEED.
VARIOUS SPEED OF GRAPHS ARE 12.5, 25, 50, 100 MM / HOUR GENERALLY
KEEP 25 MM / HOUR.
GRAPH PAPER
GRAPH PAPERS ARE USED FOR PLOTTING THE
FURNACE TEMPERATURE
VIA THERMOCOUPLE. THEY ARE FITTED ON THE RECORDER. GRAPH PAPER
RECOMMENDED ON RECORDER ONLY TO BE USED
GRAPH PAPER FOR MFS1 AND HFS1 FURNACE ==> ET 201 CHINO MAKE,
JAPAN
GRAPH PAPER FOR PFS FURNACE ==> ET 001 CHINO MAKE,
JAPAN THE LENGTH OF ONE BUNDLE OF GRAPH PAPER IS GENERALLY 2000
MM. DOTTING TYPE RECORDER INK (CHINO MAKE, JAPAN) IS USED IN

RECORDER FOR PLOTTING OF GRAPH. USUALLY , 6 COLOURS ARE FILLED FOR

PLOTTING. STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE FOR HFS-1 FURNACE
33
1650 3575
14300. 3575 3575 3575 ( ZONE-1 ) ( ZONE-3 ) ( ZONE-5 ) ( ZONE-7 )
( ZONE-2 ) ( ZONE-4 ) ( ZONE-6 ) ( ZONE-8 )
1640 1650
7900 (BOGIE WIDTH )
BURNER
HFS-I FURNACE SKETCH
34
7900 BOGGIE WIDTH
8700
1050
9500
9000
1195
1. PROJECT NO: 2. SECTION NO : 3. CHARGE NO : 4. H. T. REQ. NO :
BURNER
HFS-I FURNACE SKETCH

STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE FOR HFS-1 FURNACE Receive the job as

per HT request. 2. Receive heat treatment request duly approved by
metallurgy engineer. 3. Ensure that Insp. Clearance is available prior
to loading for job. 4. Load the supporting arrangement as per the attached
annexure -3 5. Ensure the spider arrangement as per attached annexure - 5
6. Fix the thermocouples at locations shown in furnace charge. 7. Check the
entire job as per check list (annex.-I). 9. Move the bogie inside the furnace 10.
Pass the thermocouples through ports and connect it with compensating cables
11. Set the program as per heat treatment request. Secure it and then run it in
fast mode as check. Bring it back to the initial segment and hold. 12. Insert heat
treatment chart in recorder and adjust the speed of the graph. 13. Clear
inspection of job and get the signature ofinspector on graph paper for firing the
furnace. 14. Check LPG level, pressure and temperature in the storage tanks and

note down in logbook. 15. Switch on the power supply 16.

Close the bogie
door 17.
Follow the procedure for startup of furnace in zone- I 18. Start the
blower from the field push button station
provided 19. Give power supply
to the ignition panel 20 When the system healthy contact comes from the
instrument panel, the lamp for the system healthy
signal is on. This
indicates that the combustion air pressure and gas pressure are within the
specified
limits 21. Now the firing on the cycle can start. 22.
Open the
pilot and main gas valves 23.
Press start cycle button on doing so the cycle
starts
and purging start indicator lamp is on. 24.
After 3 minutes ( time
adjusted through timer ) the
purging is completed and ignition start lamp
is ON
At the same time the purging start lamp gets OFF. 25.
After 10
seconds the ignition start lamp gets OFF
By this time the pilot burner
should have been fired
and the pilot flame is established. 26.
Flame
healthy signal LED gets on which is provided
on the flame sensor relay.
This can be viewed through
the glass window provided in the ignition
panel. 27. Due to certain length of pipe between the burner and solenoid valves,
which may contain air, the burner may not light up in the first attempt. In
that case, repeat the above mentioned procedure. 28. Once the main flame
is established, the control is passed on to the temperature controller. 29. For
startup of furnace in other zones, follow the same steps no 16 to 27 mentioned
above. 30. After all zones are started, start recording time and temperature
from recorder every 30 minutes in the logbook. 31. Conduct spot checks for
heat treatment every 4hours and fill the spot check format. 32. Monitor the heat
treatment process and graph till the completion to ensure that it is as per
program and heat treatment request.
33. After heat treatment cycle is completed, shut off all LPG supply valves
and let furnace run with blowers on for 15 minutes. 34. Open the bogie door.
Disconnect thermocouples from compensating cable. 35. Submit the graph and
duly filled spot check formats to inspection for approval of heat treatment. 36.
Retrieve the thermocouples from the ports and the bogie out of the furnace.
37. Allow the job to reach room temperature. 38. Remove the thermocouples
from the job carefully without damaging the junction of thermocouples and
without making impression on parent material of job. 39. Unload the job from
the bogie and move the bogie inside the furnace. 40. Close the furnace. Shut
off the main power supply.
43
125T Bogie hearth furnace -- PFS

STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE FOR PFS FURNACE

1. Receive the job as per HT request. 2. Receive heat treatment request duly
approved by metallurgy engineer. 3. Ensure that Insp. clearance is available
prior to loading for job. 4. Load the job on the bogie as per the heat treatment

furnace request. 5. Ensure the supporting arrangement as per the attached

annexure-I. 6. Ensure the spider arrangement as per annexure- II. 7. Fix the
thermocouples at locations shown in furnace charge. 8. Check the entire job as
per check list attached as annexure-III 9. Move the bogie inside the furnace. 10.
Pass the thermocouples through ports and connect it with compensating cables.
11. Insert heat treatment chart in recorder and adjust the speed of the graph.
12. Clear inspection of job and get the signature of inspector on graph
paper for firing the furnace. 13. Check LPG level, pressure and temperature in
the storage tanks and note down in logbook. 14. Switch on the power supply. 15.
Close the bogie door. 16. Switch on ID blower first and then the air blower and
maintain pressure at about 800mm WG by slowly opening the suction valve.
17. Ensure that pressure of LPG from yard to inlet of pressure regulator is
always less than 20psi (1.5kg/CM2).
18. Open the inlet valve to the regulator and open the outlet valve. 19. If
pressure exceeds 1600 mm WG , isolate the pressure by lifting the handle of
safety shut off valve. 20. Immediately start lighting the pilot burners and adjust
the flame with the air valve . 21. Open the isolating valve for pressure
gauge and adjust the pressure regulator by turning the screw provided in the
stem so that the pressure is maintained at about 1000mm WG. 22. Light up
alternate main burners and adjust the flame lengths uniformly. 23. Lock the
doors by pneumatic locking. 24. After all zones start, record time and
temperature from recorder every 30 minutes in the logbook.
25. Conduct spot
checks for heat treatment every
4 hours and fill the spot check format.
Monitor the heat treatment process and graph per heat treatment request.
26. After the heat treatment cycle is completed, shut off all LPG valves and let
furnace run with blowers on for 15 minutes. 27. Open the bogie door.
Disconnect thermocouples from compensating cables. 28. Submit the graph and
duly filled spot check formats to inspection for approval of heat treatment. 29.
Retrieve the thermocouples from the ports and move the bogie out of the
furnace. 30. Allow the job to reach room temperature. 31. Remove the
thermocouples from job carefully and without marking impression on parent
material of job. 32. Unload the job from bogie and move the bogie insidethe
furnace. 33. Close the furnace. Shut off the power supply.

52
BLOWER
3700 1/D OF BAFFLE
4150 ( REFRACTORY I/S )
4961
1000
250125

1380
4020
TROLLEY STRUCTURE
CERAMIC BLANKET
ROOF
BAFFLE
HEATING ELEMENT
CERMIC FIBER SLABER BLOCK
INSULATING CASTABLE
FIRE BRICK
OUTER SHELL
CERMIC BLANKET
GROUND LEVEL
PIT FURNACE SKETCH
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE FOR PIT FURNACE
1. Receive heat treatment request duly authorized by metallurgy engineer. 2.
Receive the job for heat treatment with inspection clearance. 3. Put the job
either on support or on heat treatment fixture inside the furnace. 4. Ensure that
equal clearance is available on all sides between job and baffle. 5. Ensure that
the furnace is calibrated. 6. Connect thermocouples with compensating cable to
PID. 7. Set the program in the programmer as per heat treatment request. 8.
Take a trial run of program to ensure the accuracy. 9. Calibrate all 5 PIDs prior
to starting the furnace.
10. Insert the graph inside the recorder and take the signature of inspector on
the graph paper. 11. Close the furnace door. 12. Start the furnace by giving
power supply ON 13. Start recording the time and temperature in the logbook
every 30 minutes. 14. Ensure that the cycle is functioning as per program. 15.
After the heat treatment is over, open the furnace cover. 16. If the job calls
for water quenching, lift the job and dip it in quench tank. 17. It the job calls
for air cooling in still air, lift the job and put it outside on supports in open
air. 18. It the job doesnt call for anything above, allow the job to cool down in
furnace. 19. Keep the job outside after removing from furnace. 20. Submit the
heat treatment graph to inspection for approval of heat treatment cycle. 21.
Close the furnace cover after the furnace is cooled down to room temperature.
PROCEDURE FOR EMPTY FURNACE CALIBRATION

Calibration of PIDS ( indicator & controller ) 1. Connect the millivolt source to

the temperature indicator or controller by a compensating cable. Care should
be taken to clean the wires and terminals thoroughly before connections
are made. 2. The millivolt output for various temperature ranging from 00C to
10000C in steps of 500C is fed to the indicator / controller. 3. After the millivolt
value / temperature reading displayed is steady, the reading of
indicator/controller shall be noted.
4. If the error in the indicated readings is more than the specified accuracy ( +/10C ), then correction to be carried out for the indicator / controller and points 1
to 4 shall be repeated till the specified accuracy is obtained is obtained.
Calibration of recorder
1. Connect the millivolt source to the recorder by a compensating cable. Care
should be taken to clean the wires and terminals thoroughly before the
connections are made. 2. The millivolt output for various temperature ranging
from 400 C to 10000C is fed to the recorder and is allowed to plot on a graph. 3.
The graph thus obtained is reviewed for time and temperature values. These
values should meet the accuracy requirements. 4. If there is error in the values
plotted on the graph, then correction to be carried out for the recorder and
points 1 to 4 shall be repeated till the specified accuracy is obtained.
EQUIPMENT REQUIRED

ACCURACY

1.
20 Nos. big K-type thermocouples +/- 0.25% 2.
10 Nos. small K-type
thermocouples +/- 0.25% 3.
Millivolt source (wahl unit )
( 1 micro volt
at 1000 micro volts ) 4.
Heat treatment fixture. 5.
Temperature indicators
(PID) +/- 10C 6.
Recorder
+/- on temperature scale.
+/minutes on time scale.
PIT FURNACE CALIBRATION PROCEDURE
1. Ensure that the PIDs are calibrated as mentioned above. 2. Ensure that the
recorder is calibrated as mentioned above. 3. Ensure that all the thermocouples
used are calibrated. 4. Ensure that the thermocouples are attached to the heat
treatment fixture as shown in sketch-I. 5. Place the heat treatment fixture inside
the furnace with thermocouples in position. 6. Close the furnace lid. Start the
furnace and the recorder. 7. Set the temperature of controller to 4000C. 8. After
reaching the set temperature, it is allowed to stabilize for half an hour. 9.
Measure and record the temperature indicated by each of the 20
thermocouples. The temperature is to be
read through WAHL UNIT. 10.
Three sets of readings are to be taken for each thermocouples at an
interval of 10 minutes. 11. Also record the readings indicated by each of the
thermocouples at an interval of 10 minutes. 7. Set the temperature of controller
to 4000C. 8. After reaching the set temperature, it is allowed to stabilize for half
an hour. 9. Measure and record the temperature indicated by each of the 20
thermocouples. The temperature is to be read through WAHL UNIT. 10. Three
sets of readings are to be taken for each thermocouples at an interval of

10 minutes. 11. Also record the readings indicated by each of the

thermocouples at an interval of 10 minutes.
STANDARD OPERATING PRACTICES FOR LOCAL STRESS RELIEVING
LOCAL STRESS RELIEVING
WHY? Local SR to be done only when furnace SR not feasible
certain components to be PWHT

When only

HOW?

Can be done by Electrical / Gas / diesel / Induction etc..

DETAILS ON ENSURING PWHT TEMP. IN WELDMENT AREA Soaking

band(SB) = Widest weld width x+ t or 2 inches
whichever is less from
edge of weld Heating band width (HB) Induction stress level Through
thickness criteria SB + 4 rt where r = Inside radius, t = thickness
Insulation band width (IB) Axial gradient HB + 4 rt
LOCAL STRESS RELIEVING SET UP
1. Provide multitonne roller on one end of vessel during LSR of circular seam
when job is horizontal. 2. If both ends are open during LSR, provide insulation
from inside. If not possible , prevent airflow so that temperature on inside
surface do not drop down. 3. Spider/prop shall be provided in such a way that
upper portion of spider / prop is not welded with inside surface to allow
contraction/expansion of shell surface. 4. Spider/prop shall be between 200500mm from heating zone. 5. Temporary attachments, provided for holding
insulation, shall be within soak band only. 6. Minimum two thermocouples
shall be provided from inside, when accessible.
GOOD ENGG. PRACTICES FOR FURNACE CHARGES & L S R
SUPPORTING ARRANGEMENTS
1. Minimum distance between wall of furnace and the
job shall be 600mm. 2.
Minimum distance between floor of the furnace and lower most part of the job
shall be 300mm. 3. The distance between the flame of burner and saddle
support shall be 600mm. 4. Minimum 90 degree saddle to be used, however 120
degree saddle is desirable. 5. Saddle shall be arranged in such away that open
end of the vessel is maximum 450mm from saddle support.
6. Saddle shall be located as close to spiders
(temporarily arranged to
control deformation) as possible. 7. Spiders shall be provided as per annexure5 8 Saddle supports shall be selected as per annexure.-3 9. Spiders or vertical
prop shall be provided at open ends, center and below man way/nozzles above
24 10. Avoid gap between saddle support and job surface 11. Locking/clamping
of job, restricting the movement (axial/lateral) during heat treatment shall be
avoided. 12. All long nozzles projecting outside job surface shall be supported
13. Checklist shall be prepared and attached with HT
request before

furnace is fired as per Ann-1 14. Spot check report shall be filled by supervisor
as per Annexure-2 during job is being heat treated. 15. Moonplate support and
welding inside surface prior to release for Heat treatment as per
Annexure-4
16. General idea about thermocouple locations and its
attachments is as per Annexure-6
GENERAL
1. Blocking the flame of the burner is not desirable 2. Burner shall have blue
flame and not yellow 3. Flame shall not directly impinge on job 4. All burners
shall be fired at a time 5. Keep all job nozzles open during heat treatment 6.
Above 24 nozzles / manways shall be located towards bottom 7. Deoxidization
agent shall be applied on all machined and gasket faces 8. Gasket / machined
face of loose assemblies shall not be touching any object.
THERMOCOUPLES
1. All the thermocouples shall be
identification hard punched
on it.

tagged with aluminum sheet

(For PIT furnace only)

2. Minimum two thermocouples to

and

be attached for any charge.

3. Minimum 8 thermocouples to be used for a charge in HFS- I furnace if the job

occupies all 8 zones 4. Maximum distance between two thermocouples for a
sample job is as shown in annexure- 6 5. PTC shall have separate thermocouple
THERMOCOUPLES ATTACHMENTS
1. Use only TAU-90 capacitor Discharge Welding
connection
2. Use WPS:999-154 R0 for attachment of
material
3.

machine for thermocouple

thermocouple for cs/alloy steel

Only trained person by welding engineering shall

4. A list of qualified person shall be by Welding

5.

attach thermocouple

Eng.

Clean surface prior to attachment.

6. Two wire of thermocouple shall be attached one

Gap between two wire of a thermocouple shall be
Only calibrated thermocouple shall be used.

after another. 7.
max. 3.0mm 8.

Calibration shall be by QA.

9.
After PWHT, thermocouple area shall be ground
carried out.
SPECIAL NOTE

and DP shall be

IF THE TEMPERATURE OF HEAT TREATMENT EXCEEEDS 650-DEGREE

CENTIGRADE, THE MATERIAL AND SIZE OF SPIDERS AND SUPPORTS TO BE
DECIDED BY PLANNING AND APPROVED BY DESIGN.

REQUIREMENT OF HEAT TREATMENT AS PER ASME-SEC VIII Div.-1

SERVICE CONDITION
(UW-2) MATERIAL
40,UCS- 56,UAT-80,UHA-32,UNF-79) THICKNESS
56,UAT- 80,UHA-32,UNF-79) LOW TEMERATURE
OPERATION
SPEC.

(UCS-68) COLD WORKING

(UG-85, UW(UG-85, UW-40,UCS(UG-79) CUSTOMER

CODE EXTRACT FOR HEAT TREATMENT

( 1 ) The soak band shall contain the weld, heat affected zone and a portion of
base metal adjacent to the weld being heat treated. The minimum width of this
volume is the widest width of weld plus 1T or 2 inches, whichever is less, on
each side or end of the weld. The term T is the nominal thickness. ( 2 )
The
operation of postweld heat treatment shall be performed either by heating the
vessel as a whole in an enclosed furnace or heating the vessel in more than one
heat in a furnace, provided the overlap of the heated sections of the vessel is at
least 5 feet ( 1.5m). When this procedure is used, the portion outside of the
furnace shall be shielded so that the temperature gradient is not harmful. The
cross section where the vessel projects from the furnace shall not intersect a
nozzle or other structural discontinuity. ( 3 ) When the vessel is required to be
postweld heat treated, and it is not practicable to postweld heat treat the
completed vessel as a whole or in two or more heats; any circumferential joints
not provisionally heat treated may be thereafter locally postweld heat treated
by heating such joints by any appropriate means that will assure the required
uniformity. ( 4 ) While carrying out local postweld heat treatment, the soak band
shall extend around the full circumference. The portion outside the soak band
shall be protected so that the temperature gradient is not harmful. ( 5 ) Heating
a circumferential band containing nozzles or other welded attachments in such a
manner that the entire band shall be brought up uniformly to the required
temperature and held for the specified time.
( 6 ) Where more than one pressure vessel or more pressure vessel part are
postweld heat treated in one furnace charge, thermocouples shall be placed on
vessels at the bottom, center, and top of the charge or in other zones of possible
temperature variation so that the temperature indicated shall be true
temperature for all vessels or parts in those zones. ( 7 ) Postweld heat
treatment, When required, shall be done before the hydrostatic test and after
any welded repairs. A preliminary hydrostatic test to reveal leaks prior to PWHT
is permissible. ( 8 ) For pressure vessels or parts of pressure vessels being post
weld heat treated in a furnace charge, it is the greatest weld thickness in any
vessel or vessel part which has not previously been postweld heat treated. The
nominal thickness is the total depth of the weld exclusive of any permitted weld
reinforcement. For groove weld, the nominal thickness is the depth of the
groove. For fillet welds, the nominal thickness is the
throat dimension.
If a fillet weld is used in conjunction of groove weld, the nominal thickness is the
depth of the groove or the throat dimension, Whichever is greater. For stud
welds, the nominal thickness shall be the diameter of the stud. ( 9 ) For P1

material ( carbon steel), minimum holding temperature during postweld heat

treatment shall be 1100 Deg. F ( 593 Deg.c).
10 ) Postweld heat treatment is mandatory in Following conditions : For
welded joints over 1. 5 nominal thickness.
For welded joints over 1.25 nom. Thickness through 1.5 nom. Thickness,
unless preheat is applied at a min. Temperature of 200F ( 94c ) during
welding. Vessels or parts of vessels constructed of base material with
corrosion resistant integral or weld metal overlay cladding or applied corrosion
resistant lining material shall be postweld heat treated when the base material
is required to be postweld heat treated. In applying this rule, the determining
thickness shall be the total thickness of base material. When the PWHT is a
service requirement.
SERVICE CONDITION LETHAL SERVICE
PWHT IS MANDATORY EXEMPTIONS ARE FEW ( 11 ) Postweld heat treatment
is not mandatory for carbon steel jobs (P1 material ) in Following conditions
(UG2):

If groove welds is not over in size or fillet weld with a throat thickness
of or less used for attaching non pressure parts to pressure parts provided
preheat to a minimum temperature of 200F is applied when the thickness of
pressure Part exceeds 1.25.
If studs are welded to pressure parts
provided preheat to a
minimum temperature of 200F is applied when the thickness of the pressure
parts exceeds 1.25.
for corrosion resistant weld metal overlay clad ding
or for welds attaching corrosion resistant applied lining provided preheat to
a minimum temperature of 200f is maintained during application of the first
layer when the thickness of the pressure part exceeds 1.25. The
temperature of furnace shall not exceed 800F ( 4270C) at the time when the
vessel or part is placed in it.
Above 8000F( 4270C), the rate of heating shall
not be more than 4000F Per hour (2000C/Hour) divided by the maximum metal
thickness of the shell or head plate in inches, but in no case more than 4000F Per
hour( 2220C Per hour ). During the heating period, There shall not be a
greater variation in temperature throughout the portion of the vessel being heat
treated than 2500F( 1390C) within any 15 feet ( 4.6m) interval of length.
During the holding period, there shall not be a greater difference than 1500f
( 830c) between the highest and the lowest temperature the portion of the
vessel being heated
During the heating & holding periods, the
furnace atmosphere shall be so controlled as to avoid excessive oxidation of the
surface of the vessel. The furnace shall be of such design as to prevent direct
heat impingement of the flame on the vessel.

Above 8000F ( 4270C), The rate of cooling shall not be more than 5000F
Per hour (2780C/Hour) divided by the maximum metal thickness of the shell or
head plate in inches, but in no case more than 5000F Per hour ( 2780C Per hour).
when it is impractical to postweld heat treat at the temperature specified in table
mentioned in Sr.. No. 9, It is permissible to carry out the post weld heat

treatments at lower temperatures for longer periods of time as shown in table

below
DECREASE IN TEMP. BELOW MIN. SPECIFIED TEMPERATURE IN F
MINIMUM HOLDING TIME AT DECREASED TEMPERATURE (NOTE 1)
NOTES
50 (10C) 2 HOURS ---- 100(38C) 4 HOURS ---150(68C) 10 HOURS 2 200(94C)