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Title: Electron beam welding of 8-inch thick 2-1/4 Cr-1 Mo. Final report

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/6695948· OSTI ID:6695948

Electron beam welding procedures were developed and used to make sound welds in 8-inch thick 2-1/4 Cr-1 Mo in the horizontal position. A two-pass technique, one pass from each side, was developed for welding the 8-inch thickness. Techniques for eliminating various weld defects were developed. It was learned that the beam oscillation conditions strongly influenced welding performance. Procedures were developed for hard and soft vacuum operation, but hard vacuum was preferred. Procedures for starting and stopping the welding sequence were developed, along with a repair technique involving re-welding over a plug filled hole. The joint fit-up requirements were determined: a joint mismatch of 3/4 in. was welded, and a joint gap opening of 0.100 in. was welded without alteration of the welding procedure. It was shown that it is not necessary to demagnetize the material for successful welding, but that a special magnetic shield may be needed to protect the electron beam from stray magnetic fields. A demonstration weld failed to meet the NDE requirements of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code due to poor base metal quality which adversely affected weld performance. The mechanical properties (hardness, strength, ductility, and impact), and the microstructure of electron beam welded 8-inch thick SA387 Grade 22 Class 2 were determined and appeared to be adequate.

Research Organization:
Babcock and Wilcox Co., Alliance, OH (USA). Research and Development Div.
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE Office of Fossil Energy (FE)
DOE Contract Number:
AC05-77OR10244
OSTI ID:
6695948
Report Number(s):
DOE/OR/10244-10
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English