BRC-CORP 37-74.F %
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%@ Section 21. GRAPHITIZAT
Definition of the Problem
Graphitization of carbon and carbon-nolybdenum steels is a
Process in which iron carbides decompose into free iron (ferrite) and
carbon (graphite). This decomposition is both tenperature and time
dependent and occurs generally at temperatures between approximately
450°C (842°F) and 620°C (1148°F).
The graphite nodules often tend to form preferentially along
the low temperature edge of weld heat affected zones. When graphite
segregation is associated with a high degree of graphitization, the
graphite particles can form essentially continuous surfaces ("eyebrow
gtaphitization) in heat affected zones and render the weldment susceptible
to cracking. When the graphite nodules are distributed uniformly. as in
plate or tube material, avay from weld zones, the cracking potential is
low. However, uniformly graphitized steel typically possesses somewhat.
lower strength than does the sane steel when new.
Graphitization susceptibility has been found to be great
steels which have been aluminum killed.
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Discussion of the Problem
Although the severe "eyehrou" form of graphitization is encountered
only rarely, it has occurred in steam power equipnent (Figure 21-1).
Less severe graphitization has been found in a number of refinery applications,
such as carbon steel catalytic cracking unit reactors, heater tubes, and
transfer piping. Figure 21-2 shows a partially graphitized weldment,
in which graphite is distributed randomly in a parent metal, and is also
concentrated (but not continuous) in the low temperature portion of the
neat affectea zone.
‘The microstructure of a typical graphitized carbon steel is
shown in Figure 21-3.
Methods of Checking for the Proble
Determining with accuracy whether a steel has been graphitized
can be accomplished only by metallographic examination, either on samples
removed from the item or in place.
After it has been established that graphitization has occurred,
it is important to ascertain its extent. Metallographically, this can
be secompliched by semparing the microctructusee with @ series vf plivevmletu=
graphs prepared by Battelle Memorial Institute which represents the
following arbitrarily chosen graphitization severity categories: Severe,
Moderate-Severe, Moderate, Slight-Moderate, Slight, and Very Slight.
Although these classifications lack precision in defining extent of
graphitization, they do provide the metallurgist with a qualitative
basis for describing the degree of graphitization observed.
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BRC-CORP 37-74.F
If considerable graphite is observed in a weld heat affected
zone, it is usually desirable to determine if a sample taken transverse
to the weld can withsrand an ambient tamperature bend tece. Severely
graphitized heat affected zones may not bend without cracking.
Methods of Eliminating the Problem
In addition to preventing graphitization by avoiding the
temperature range in which it occurs, a small concentration (about 12)
vf chromium added to carvon or carbon-molybdenum steels is effective in
inhibiting graphitization. Avoidance of aluminum as a deoxidizer in
steel manufacture is recognized as an effective means of reducing
edonificantly, but not neccooartly elininating, eunceytibility Lo
graphitization.
Pitfalle
Because graphitization tendency appears to be related closely
to steel composition, one cannot sample a large item of operating equipment.
fabricated from many’heats of steel, in one location only, and expect to
learn if graphitization has occurred anywhere in the equipment and, if
sv, how severe 1t 1s. One should examine a variety of sample sites,
involving @ uuuber Uf Wests Of steel, Co determine it graphitization is
a problem in a specific application.
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:BRCCORP 37-74. 101
S OOOO OOCOOHOOCHEOOOOOD
Figure 21-1,
Eyebrow Type of Graphitization Adjacent to » Wald in Carbon Stee!
Magnification: 4X.
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Figure 212
Pertally Graphitized
feldment in Carbon Steel
‘Magnification: 2X.
BRCCORP 37-74.°e
BRC-CORP 37-745
Figure 213.
Photomicrograph of Typical Graphitization in Carbon Steel Weldment
‘Magnification: 100K.
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