Process and Physical Metallurgical Developments for High-Performance Niobium Containing Pressure Vessel Plate Steels

摘要

The end user in-service demands are becoming increasingly challenging in customer specifications for heavy plates specified in pressure vessels for petrochemical, chemical and cryogenic reactors. New generation value-added low-carbon niobium-microalloyed pressure vessel high-strength steel materials have been developed for improved performance to fulfill this demand. Through the application of Nb-bearing plate steels, grain refinement results in a more homogeneous microstructure. Improved toughness at low temperature, excellent fatigue resistance and fracture toughness and excellent weldability result. These enhancements provide the engineering community with the opportunity to further improve their pressure vessel design and performance.