Study of the Structural-Phase State of Pipeline Welded Metal

Abstract

The issues of research of structural changes as applied to welded joints of steam pipelines are considered. The results of metallographic analysis of structural changes in the metal of steam pipelines are presented. There was carried out the analysis for a number of samples cut from different sections of the steam line at different operating time under creep and low-cycle fatigue conditions. In the analyzing process of the images of micro sections, the relative content of the structural-phase components and their distribution in the metal were revealed. A comparative analysis of the statistical characteristics of the distribution and the relative content of structural components for different sections of the metal of welded joints with different operating time is carried out. A scientifically substantiated description of structural changes in the metal of various sections of samples of welded joints is given, as well as the possibility of extending the service life of elements of steam pipelines with a degraded structure and the presence of damageability. The most promising, in the opinion of the authors, directions of further research of samples to provide conditions for extending the service life of steam pipelines have been formulated and substantiated.