Type IV cracking in a P91 header

P91 header with flat plate end-cap

Component:

  • Header, fabricated from P91, with welded-on, flat-plate end-caps

Problem:

  • Explosive failure of an end-cap weld

Approach:

  • Failure analysis, fracture mechanics assessment and design review

Results:

  • Failure shown to result from Type IV cracking, initiating at a radius in the end-plate side of the weld preparation
  • NDE of other headers revealed a 1/3 wall crack in another end-cap weld
  • Sectioning of another weld, that was NDE clear, revealed extensive Type IV cavitation damage
  • Fracture mechanics assessment indicated crack growth from initiation to failure in less than 10,000 hours, confirmed by oxide crack-dating. Thus adequate life could not be demonstrated
  • Design changes identified that would separate the weld HAZ from the stress concentration
End-caps showing progressive levels of cavitation and cracking
Predicted and observed creep-crack growth rates in the end-cap weld

Benefits:

  • Root cause of failure identified
  • Design changes to alleviate problem proposed

Further research by the utility indicated a need for tighter controls on composition and heat treatment

Published:

Brear, J.M, Middleton, C.J., Munson, R and Viswanathan, R,
“Successful management of Type IV cracking in advanced 9% and 12% chromium steels”,
EPRI FRAC Conf ‘9Cr Materials, Fabrication and Joining Technologies’ Myrtle Beach, SC, July 2001

Brear, J.M.,
“A practical route for the life assessment of boiler pressure parts”
SMiRT 13 Post Conf Seminar ‘Intelligent Software Systems in Inspection and Life Management of Power and Process Plants’, Paris, 25-27 August 1997

Plant Integrity