Weldability assessment and high temperature properties of advanced creep resisting austenitic steel DMV304HCu

The modern (USC PP) applying the 600 degrees C technology require advanced austenitic stainless steels in superheater/reheater systems in order to cope with the increased steam parameters. Different grades of austenitic stainless steels have been developed by increasing Cr contents, alloying with stabilizing and precipitating elements as well as thermomechanical heat treatments resulting in high creep rupture strengths and improved oxidation/corrosion resistance. In the context of a collaborative research project, DMV304HCu (X10CrNiCuNb18-9-3) has been selected. The main focus of the research project was on characterization and weldability assessment. As a result, the base metal under investigation was compared with governing code cases and specifications. Base metal chemical composition, microstructures, mechanical properties, reheat cracking sensitivity, hot ductility as well as creep rupture strengths have been investigated. Aweldability assessment, including thermal simulation and welding procedure qualifications, has been performed to establish parameter windows for similar and dissimilar welding. Dissimilar welding between Grade 92 and austenitic stainless steel tubes has been performed. The project also took the opportunity to investigate the behavior of a recently developed gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) P87 consumable for dissimilar welding. Cross-weld creep rupture testing has been conducted for both similar and dissimilar welding, and aging tests addressed microstructural stability.