Material characterization of the main steam gate valve made of X20CrMoV 12.1 steel after long term service

Abstract

Martensitic steel X20CrMo12.1 has been extensively used within the last few decades as a material for tubing systems and pipelines in thermal power plants (TPP). Long term behavior of this steel is very well known and understood and because of that was found to be reliable material for prolonged service at elevated temperatures. It is well known that during operation TPP components are subject to microstructural changes that inevitably reflect decrease in their mechanical properties that lead to the loss of structural integrity and serviceability of component. This paper deals with the comprehensive investigation carried out on the main steam gate valve parent material of welded joint, as a part of main steam pipeline, after 170.000 h of service (545 degrees C and 19MPa). The obtained results showed that the microstructural degradation caused by long term operation had little effects on the hardness and strength of material, while the changes in impact toughness were observed. Comprehensive microstructural analysis included the examination of the microstructure on the surface and trough the wall thickness.