Evaluation of DBTT and creep properties of aged main valve casing by using Small Punch specimens

Both the change in DBTT and the degradation of creep properties of the aged CrMoV cast steel which had been actually used as a main steam valve were evaluated from the conventional SP test and the SP creep (SP-C) test using by SP test specimens. The CVN DBTTs of the virgin and aged steels were estimated to be 280 and 369 K by the conventional SP test, respectively. This increase in DBTT after the long-term service exposure was considered to be caused by carbide-induced embrittlement due to coarse carbides. The SP-C test results revealed that the creep rupture strength of the aged steel was inferior to that of the virgin steel. The ratio, F/sigma, between the load of the SP-C test (F) and the stress of the uniaxial test (sigma) was determined to be 2.4 for the same value of the Larson-Miller parameter in the creep rupture data. This linear relationship enables us to convert the results of the SP-C test into those corresponding to a conventional uniaxial creep test. Consequently, the SP testing method is expected to be appropriate tool for the determination of material deterioration and, in turn, the assessment of remaining-life of high-temperature components.