BIL A-105 relation grain size and Cv 27J transition temperature

ExxonMobil Chemical Materials Engineering Laboratory Page 1 of 5

M3738JJH JG A105N - 2017 PROPRIETARY

 Good quality Forged and heat treated WNRF Flange with uniform fine
grain size and impact properties

ExxonMobil Chemical Materials Engineering Laboratory Page 2 of 5

M3738JJH JG A105N - 2017 PROPRIETARY

 A105 FORGING SAMPLE- M3738

The ExxonMobil Chemical Materials Engineering Laboratory received two

samples of a new 24" ASTM A105N flange forging. The blind flange was
manufactured by WG in Germany and, according to the certificate, normalized
at 910C (1670F).

The MDMT-15C (5F), requiring impact testing per PED. Because the flange
manufacturer had only impact tested the flange at 20C (68F) yielding energy
levels from 91 to 60 J an impact test was done by flange stockist at -15C
(5F). The results of the impact test at -15C was 23 / 16 Joule (17/12 ft.lb),
which is too low, and failed the local Pressure Vessel Authorities requirements
of 27Joule average, 20 Joule minimum. The laboratory was requested to
examine why the flange failed the 27Joule (20ft/lb) impact energy requirement
at -15C (5F).

LABORATORY NORMALIZING SHOWS GRAIN REFINING

Figure 1 shows one sample inscribed with the identification number E-

1075A13. One sample 'as received' was mounted, polished, and etched.
Sample two was heat-treated, normalized in the Lab at 910ºC (1670ºF) for
one hour and air-cooled before mounting. A105 specifies for normalizing heat
treatment of A105 heating between 1550F (843C) and 1700F (927C),
followed by cooling in air.

Figure 2 shows a comparison of the grain sizes. Using ASTM E112 Average
Grain Size comparison Plate 1B, the 'as received' sample has an average
grain size designation of 5. The normalized sample has an average grain size
of 8.5, showing the laboratory normalizing heat treatment was effective
producing a fine grain microstructure needed for good toughness, impact
energy levels at low temperatures.

IMPACT TEST NORMALIZED SAMPLE EXCEEDS REQUIREMENTS

Full size Charpy V-notch coupons were machined from the 'as received' and
the heat-treated samples. Impacts were performed at minus 20ºF (minus
29ºC). This temperature was selected because ASME allows the use of A105
down to -20F (-29F).

Results for the 'as received' sample averaged 10 foot-pounds (14 Joule) with
about 7 % shear. Results for the heat-treated sample averaged 63 foot-
pounds (85J) with 38% shear.

ExxonMobil Chemical Materials Engineering Laboratory Page 3 of 5

M3738JJH JG A105N - 2017 PROPRIETARY

FIGURE 1: One of two samples shown "as received" and is inscribed with as
E-1075 A13.

ExxonMobil Chemical Materials Engineering Laboratory Page 4 of 5

M3738JJH JG A105N - 2017 PROPRIETARY

 100X

100X

FIGURE 2: Microstructure of nital etched A105N flange samples before heat

treatment (upper) and following 910ºC (1670F) normalizing heat treatment for
1 hour with air cooling (lower). Average grain size in the 'as received sample
is near 5 using ASTM E112 Plate 1B comparison images. Average grain size
of the properly A105N heat-treated sample is near 8.5.

ExxonMobil Chemical Materials Engineering Laboratory Page 5 of 5

M3738JJH JG A105N - 2017 PROPRIETARY