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Title: How to control hydrogen level in (super) duplex stainless steel weldments using the GTAW or GMAW process

Journal Article · · Welding Journal
OSTI ID:320973
 [1];  [2];  [3]
  1. Lincoln Electric Co., Cleveland, OH (United States)
  2. Lincoln Smitweld bv (Netherlands)
  3. AGA Gas bv (Netherlands)

In this investigation, an attempt is made to further the understanding of factors influencing the hydrogen content in duplex stainless steel gas tungsten arc (GTA) and gas metal arc (GMA) welds as well as to what extent it affects hydrogen-induced cracking susceptibility. The results indicated that susceptibility to hydrogen cracking using the GTA or GMA process appears to be limited. In practice, maintaining a moisture level below 10 ppm in the shielding gas is of less importance than the choice of welding parameters. Even a moisture level of 1000 ppm in the shielding gas, in combination with the correct welding parameters, will result in a sufficient low hydrogen content in the weld. Similarly, a moisture level in the shielding gas below 10 ppm does not necessarily result in low hydrogen content in the weld metal. Although very high ferrite levels were combined with high restrain and high hydrogen content, none of the GMA and GTA welds cracked. Susceptibility to hydrogen cracking is concluded to be limited.

OSTI ID:
320973
Journal Information:
Welding Journal, Vol. 78, Issue 1; Other Information: PBD: Jan 1999
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English