Fourcrack - Advanced Coalfired Power Plant Steels - Avoidance Of Premature Weld Failure By Type IV Cracking: Project Summary

Abstract:

<p>The objectives of this project are: <bl> <li>To generate and assess cross-weld creep rupture data on welded joints failing by the Type IV Heat-Affected Zone (HAZ) cracking mechanism in steels for high temperature application in advanced PF plant.</li> <li>To assess the long term risks of welded plant component failure.</li> <li>To optimise steel selection for thick section high alloy ferritic steel components in advanced coal-fired power plant.</li> <li>To provide a sound basis for determining appropriate limiting plant design temperature and stress conditions.</li> </bl></p> <p>Type IV cracking in the weld Heat-Affected Zone (HAZ) is likely to be the critical problem which will limit design conditions for satisfactory operation of advanced PF plant. The FOURCRACK project carried out high temperature creep testing of welds in advanced high alloy steels with a range of specifications, supplemented by specialised testing, optical and electron metallography, weld simulation and data assessment. Further work outside FOURCRACK will extend testing to longer durations. </p> <p>E.ON UK led the project and undertook metallurgical investigation and assessment. Mitsui Babcock carried out weld manufacture and creep rupture testing. RWE npower investigated and characterised a special weak material. In parallel work, Loughborough University carried out electron metallography and weld simulation. Five external organisations also provided test materials and/or weldments.</p> This summary provides information on: <bl> <li>Objectives</li> <li>Summary</li> <li>Background</li> <li>The FOURCRACK Project</li> <li>Conclusions</li> <li>Potential for Future Development</li> <li>Cost</li> <li>Duration</li> <li>Contractor</li> <li>Collaborators</li> </bl>

Author(s):

DTI