Semi-Automatic Gas-Less Process for Girth Welding X-80 Line Pipe

Author(s):  
Badri K. Narayanan ◽  
Patrick Soltis ◽  
Marie Quintana

A new process (M2M™) to girth weld API Grade X-80 line pipe with a gas-less technology is presented. This process combines innovations in controlling arc length and energy input with microstructure control of the weld metal deposited to achieve high strength (over matching 550 MPa yield strength) and Charpy V-Notch toughness of over 60 Joules at −20°C. This paper will concentrate on the metallurgical aspects of the weld metal and the systematic steps taken to achieve high strength weld metal without sacrificing toughness. The development of an appropriate slag system to achieve the best possible microstructure for high toughness weld metal is discussed. The indirect effects of the slag system on the weld metal composition, which in turn affects the microstructure and physical properties, are detailed. In order to achieve sound weld metal without gas protection using a semi-automatic process, a basic slag system with minimal acidic components is used to improve the cleanliness of the weld metal without sacrificing weldability. In addition, a complex combination of micro-alloying elements is used to achieve the optimum precipitation sequence of nitrides that is critical for high toughness. The final part of this paper gives details about the robustness of this process to weld high strength pipe. The results show that this is a practical and unique solution for girth welding of X-80 pipe to achieve acceptable toughness and over a 15% overmatch in yield strength of X-80 pipe without sacrificing productivity.

Author(s):  
Susan R. Fiore ◽  
James A. Gianetto ◽  
Mark G. Hudson ◽  
Suhas Vaze ◽  
Shuchi Khurana ◽  
...  

The primary objectives of this program were to provide a better understanding of the factors that control strength and toughness in high strength steel girth welds and to develop optimized welding consumables and welding procedures for high strength pipelines. The initial work on the program involved developing cooling rate models so that optimized weld metal compositions for high-strength pipelines could be developed, ensuring that the ideal balance of strength and ductility, together with tolerance to process variations and resistance to hydrogen cracking is achieved. The model, which was developed under a companion program, uses a two-dimensional finite element approach. Complete details can be found in Reference [1]. The model predicts the cooling rates during various weld passes in narrow groove welding of X80 and X100 pipes. Using this model, along with experimental datasets, a neural network model was developed which has been used to predict weld metal properties for various weld metal compositions. Based on the predictions, eight target compositions were selected and were manufactured by one of the team partners. The results of mechanical property testing showed that it was possible to develop weld metal compositions which exceeded the target yield strength of 820 MPa and also provided excellent toughness (>50J at −60°C). It was also found that the weld metal yield strength measured close to the ID of the pipe was significantly higher than that which was measured closer to the OD of the pipe. Complete mechanical property results, including results for round-bar and strip tensiles, CVN impact toughness, microhardness and more, are presented.


Alloy Digest ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 61 (3) ◽  

Abstract Dillimax 500 is a high-strength quenched and tempered, fine-grained structural steel with a minimum yield strength of 500 MPa (72 ksi). Plate is delivered in three qualities: basic, high toughness, and extra tough. This datasheet provides information on composition, physical properties, and tensile properties as well as fracture toughness. It also includes information on surface qualities as well as forming, heat treating, and joining. Filing Code: SA-645. Producer or source: Dillinger Hütte GTS.


Alloy Digest ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 65 (1) ◽  

Abstract SPARTAN II (HSLA-100) is one of the family of Spartan high strength (>690 MPa, or >100 ksi, minimum yield strength), high toughness, improved weldability steels, which are alternatives to traditional quenched and tempered alloy steels. The Spartan family of steels are low carbon, copper precipitation hardened steels. Spartan II has improved yield strength compared to Spartan I. This datasheet provides information on composition, physical properties, microstructure, tensile properties. It also includes information on forming and joining. Filing Code: SA-738. Producer or source: ArcelorMittal USA.


Author(s):  
Jill Braun ◽  
Stuart Clouston

On May 21, 2009, the Pipeline & Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) issued an Advisory Bulletin (PHMSA-2009-0148) entitled, “Potential for Low and Variable Yield, Tensile Strength and Chemical Compositions in High Strength Line Pipe” [1] recommending that pipeline operators investigate whether recently constructed pipelines contain pipe joints not meeting the minimum specification requirements (74FR2390). Based on PHMSA’s technical reviews, high resolution deformation tool inspection combined with comprehensive infield verification has been recommended in accordance with the “Interim Guidelines for Confirming Pipe Strength in Pipe Susceptible to Low Yield Strength,” issued by PHMSA in September 2009[2]. Kern River Gas Transmission Company (Kern River) underwent a detailed program of engineering and assessment in order to proactively demonstrate compliance with the interim guidelines. This paper discusses the process, inspection results and infield verifications performed by the pipeline operator. In particular, detailed consideration to the methodology of detection and assessment of potential pipeline expansions is presented with discussion on the special considerations needed for low level anomaly identification, reporting and verification of expansions as defined in the PHMSA guidelines. High resolution caliper analysis approaches developed for this particular application are discussed and appropriate techniques are recommended that consider the effects of possible asymmetry of expansions and impact of other deformations such as ovality. Field verification practices and findings are reviewed in detail with particular focus on the challenges facing the pipeline operator in resolving both tool and in-field measurement errors that can significantly impact the number of identifiable candidate expansions for verification. In conclusion, an overview of the assessment criteria and field activity to comply with the PHMSA interim guidelines are presented along with the lessons learned from the analysis, verification and remediation steps that may assist other pipeline operators as they address these newly established regulatory requirements.


Author(s):  
J. A. Gianetto ◽  
J. T. Bowker ◽  
R. Bouchard ◽  
D. V. Dorling ◽  
D. Horsley

The primary objective of this study was to develop a better understanding of all-weld-metal tensile testing using both round and strip tensile specimens in order to establish the variation of weld metal strength with respect to test specimen through-thickness position as well as the location around the circumference of a given girth weld. Results from a series of high strength pipeline girth welds have shown that there can be considerable differences in measured engineering 0.2% offset and 0.5% extension yield strengths using round and strip tensile specimens. To determine whether or not the specimen type influenced the observed stress-strain behaviour a series of tests were conducted on high strength X70, X80 and X100 line pipe steels and two double joint welds produced in X70 linepipe using a double-submerged-arc welding process. These results confirmed that the same form of stress-strain curve is obtained with both round and strip tensile specimens, although with the narrowest strip specimen slightly higher strengths were observed for the X70 and X100 linepipe steels. For the double joint welds the discontinuous stress-strain curves were observed for both the round and modified strip specimens. Tests conducted on the rolled X100 mechanized girth welds established that the round bar tensile specimens exhibited higher strength than the strip specimens. In addition, the trends for the split-strip specimens, which consistently exhibit lower strength for the specimen towards the OD and higher for the mid-thickness positioned specimen has also been confirmed. This further substantiates the through-thickness strength variation that has been observed in other X100 narrow gap welds. A second objective of this study was to provide an evaluation of the weld metal toughness and to characterize the weld metal microstructure for the series of mechanized girth welds examined.


2016 ◽  
Vol 48 (1) ◽  
pp. 198-207
Author(s):  
Xuanwei Lei ◽  
Jihua Huang ◽  
Shuhai Chen ◽  
Xingke Zhao

Author(s):  
Takahiro Kamo ◽  
Takeshi Urabe ◽  
Kazushi Ohnishi ◽  
Hirofumi Nakamura ◽  
Shuji Okaguchi ◽  
...  

Offshore structure steel with high strength of YS550MPa has been investigated. As for offshore structure steel, high toughness in welded joints is required in addition to that in base metal. TMCP type steel of up to YS420MPa grade is used widely, and up to YS500MPa grade is reported in some papers. However, steel of higher strength grade with good toughness and weldability will be beneficial to structures in strict conditions. To reach the YS550MPa requirement, hardening effect by Cu precipitation was utilized. Steel plates were designed with micro-alloyed low C-Mn-Cu-Ni-Cr-Mo system. The combination of the copper precipitation and TMCP technology can increase strength without deteriorating toughness and weldability. Heat treatment for Cu precipitation was carried out to optimize the balance of strength and toughness of the base metal. The developed steel also shows good HAZ CTOD toughness up to 76.2mm thickness in several welding conditions including after PWHT. The newly developed steel has the possibility to increase the flexibility to design large-sized structures.


Author(s):  
S. A. Golosienko ◽  
N. A. Minyakin ◽  
V. V. Ryabov ◽  
T. G. Semicheva ◽  
E. I. Khlusova

The work covers the effect of niobium, as well as niobium and vanadium together, on mechanical properties of high-strength chromium-nickel-molybdenum steel after thermal improvement (heat treatment). The mechanical properties of steels are determined after applying various tempering temperatures (from 580 to 660°C), durations of tempering (from 1 to 16 hours), and also after quenching from rolling heat and furnace heat with subsequent tempering. It is shown that after quenching and tempering in the temperature range 580– 660°C, simultaneous microalloying by niobium and vanadium, compared to microalloying by niobium alone, increases the yield strength but in significantly decreases toughness and ductility. Quenching from rolling heat increases strength while maintaining high toughness and the increase in strength is most noticeable for steel microalloyed only by niobium.


Author(s):  
Chris Timms ◽  
Duane DeGeer ◽  
Martin McLamb

The increased demand for high strength linepipe for onshore and offshore pipeline systems has been well documented over the past few years. The economic benefits have been demonstrated, and solutions have been developed to address the technical issues facing high strength linepipe use. However, there are still a few unanswered questions, one of which is addressed in this paper: what is the effect of thermal treatment during the pipeline coating process on the material behaviour of high strength linepipe? This paper presents the results of a thermal coupon study investigating the effects of low temperature heat treatment on the tensile and compressive stress strain curves of samples taken from X100 linepipe. Thirty axial test coupons and thirty circumferential test coupons were machined from a 52 inch diameter, 21 mm wall thickness UOE X100 linepipe. Some of the coupons were maintained in the as-received condition (no heat treatment) while others were heat-treated in a manner that simulates a coating plant induction heat treatment process. All coupons were subsequently tested in tension or compression, either at room temperature or at −18°C. This study has provided a number of interesting results. In regards to material strength, the heat treatment increased the tensile and compressive yield strengths in the longitudinal and circumferential coupons. Axial tensile, axial compressive and circumferential tensile yield strength increases ranged from 5 to 10%. Circumferential compressive yield strength increases ranged from 14 to 24%. A Y/T ratio increase of approximately 7% was observed for all heat-treated tensile coupons. The coupon tests conducted at −18°C were only slightly different than their room temperature counterparts; with an average yield strength increase of 4% in all directions and orientations and a slight reduction in Y/T ratio.


Author(s):  
N. M. Vadhwana ◽  
W. Chen

The application of high strength pipeline steels for oil and gas transmission is believed to provide greater gas flow capacity due to increased design pressure, and reduced line pipe cost due to material tonnage savings. However, the use of high strength pipeline steels is concerned with high risk of brittle failures such as hydrogen induced cracking, fractures due to low ductility. In this study, three grades of modern pipeline steel (X65, X80, X100) were examined to determine their susceptibility to hydrogen permeation and hydrogen trapping under the influence of various mechanical loading conditions. The steel samples were placed in a solution of sulfuric acid poisoned with arsenic trioxide to create an environment where hydrogen can enter the steel. Initially, round bar samples were charged for various times at a low current density to establish that 24 hours was a sufficient charging time for the three steels. Tensile samples were loaded and held at stress levels corresponding to the respective yield strength and the amount of hydrogen entering the steel was then measured. The stress, normalized to the yield strength, and hydrogen contents, normalized to as received contents, were used to rank the three steel grades and to find the steel that was the most susceptible to hydrogen entry. For the samples charged prior to loading, two times as much diffusible hydrogen was found in the X100 as compared to the other steels, but the trapped hydrogen content was equivalent. Four loading conditions were used for each grade of steel: 1) 2% strain; 2) 2% strain and hold at load for 24 hours; 3) 2% strain then 100 cycles at R = 0.1; and 4) 2% strain, 100 cycles at R = 0.1 then hold at load for 24 hours. For the loaded samples, the amount of hydrogen, both diffusible and trapped increased with load severity, with the highest amounts found in the highest grades of steel. The most pronounced increase was not found in the X100, but in the X-80 steel. Micro structural features, such as banded structure, seemed to have a more prominent role on the hydrogen content of the X100 than in the other steels as it seemed less affected by the loading condition than by charging time.


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