The latest designs of Pressure Vessels (PV), coupled with recently introduced ASME section VIII Division 3 revised code requirements, have brought about new challenges in both alloy suitability and manufacture for these safety critical components. Sheffield Forgemasters International has produced and reconditioned numerous PV forgings during the last fifty years and current demand on section sizes conveys a real challenge when trying to meet specified mechanical properties. This paper describes the technological concerns encountered when manufacturing these components and discusses the limits of what can be achieved with current practice and alloy compositions. Particular attention is given to current code testing requirements and the difficulties in obtaining an acceptable balance of strength and toughness in the mid wall of thick section large forgings.
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