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FAQ: What is temper embrittlement, and how can it be controlled?
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Plain carbon steels with less than 0.5% Mn are not susceptible to temper embrittlement. However, additions of Ni,
Cr and Mn will cause greater susceptibility to temper embrittlement. Small additions of W and Mo can inhibit temper
embrittlement, but this inhibition is reduced with greater additions.
The original toughness of a steel which has suffered temper embrittlement can be restored by heating to above
600C, and then cooling rapidly to below 300C. However, the best method of avoidance is to reduce the
embrittling impurities through control of raw materials and steel production.
FAQ: What is
graphitisation?
In order to assess susceptibility to temper embrittlement in Cr-Mo steels, two compositional parameters are
commonly employed, the Watanabe J factor (1) and the Bruscato X factor (2).
J=(Mn + Si)(P + Sn) x104 (in wt %), has been applied to parent steels and weld metals.
If J is less than or equal to 180, or if X is less than 20, the risk of temper embrittlement is considered to be low. A
limit in this form can be specified for procurement, where concerns over temper embrittlement exist. A more
general expression for embrittlement in weld metals was given by Sugiyama et al(3):
This expression is used in the construction of pressure vessels that may operate in the embrittling temperature
range, or that may pass slowly through that temperature range upon startup or shutdown.
One step cooling method with hold times and temperatures is given in ASTM A387, supplementary requirements[5]
although this gives a more stringent requirement for the acceptable degree of temper embrittlement.
Temper embrittlement has been also related to reheat cracking and low-ductility creep fractures, and a number of
types and mechanisms have been proposed, considering carbide precipitation as well as grain boundary embrittling
elements.
References
1. Ishiguo, T; Murakami, Y; Ohnishi, K and Watanabe, J: "2.25%Cr-1%Mo pressure vessel steels with improved
creep rupture strength"; Proceedings of the symposium on Applications of 2.25%Cr-1%Mo steel for thickwall pressure vessels, ASTM STP 755, 1980, pp. 129-147.
2. Bruscato, R. M: "Embrittlement factors for estimating temper embrittlement in 2.25Cr:1Mo, 3.5Ni-1.75Cr0.5Mo-0.1V and 3.5Ni steels"; ASTM conference, Miami, Florida, 1987.
3. Sugiyama, T; Hatori, N; Yamamoto, S; Yoshino, F and Kiuchi, A: "Temper embrittlement of Cr-Mo weld
metals"; IIW Doc. XII-E-6-81, IIW, 1981.
4. Erwin, W.E. and Kerr, J.G: "The use of Quenched and Tempered 2Cr-1Mo Steel for Thick Wall Reactor
Vessels in Petroleum Refinery Processes: An Interpretive review of 25 Years of Research and Application";
WRC Bulletin 275, February 1982.
5. ASTM A387:"Standard specification for pressure vessel plates, Alloy steel, Chromium-molybdenum"
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