HIGH TEMPERATURE CRACKING AND PROPERTIES OF STAINLESS STEEL FLUX-CORED WELDS AND EFFECTS OF BISMUTH: )INVESTIGATION ON HIGH TEMPERATURE PROPERTIES OF WELD METALS OF STAINLESS STEEL FLUX-CORED WIRES AN (To Purchase Call 1-800-854-7179 USA/Canada or 303-397
This Bulletin reports on activities of two important organizations concerned with welding and the performance of welded components. The Japan Welding Engineering Society recognized the unusual frequency of reports of cracks in stainless steel components in chemical and petroleum applications. Its committees vigorously pursued the matter to identify and correct the causes. Through cooperative and data sharing activities they identified the role of bismuth and established appropriate guidelines for FCAW applications. They did not stop there. Leading members of the organization reported the work internationally in important engineering forums; at the American Petroleum Institute@ the Pressure Vessel Research Council@ IIW and other appropriate venues. They are to be commended for their prompt and professional endeavors. At the IIW@ Commission IX reviewed the work@ expanded the database and recognized the need to establish bismuth analysis limits. A bismuth analysis round robin was performed. The full picture of IIW's discussions may be gained form Report No. 2 herein. The Welding Research Council is pleased to bring to the attention of the engineering community the need for control of flux composition and the fresh insights into elevated temperature failure modes this work offers. The Guidelines provided by JWES should help prevent future failures and cracking