GRAPHITIZATION

INTRODUCTION

• Change in microstructure after a long term operation (427ᵒC to

593ᵒC)
• Cause in loss of :-
 Strength
 Ductility
 Creep resistance
• Forms graphite nodules due to the unstable carbide phases (carbon
steels and 0.5Mo steels) at the elevated temperature
 CRITICAL FACTORS

Chemistry Stress Temperature

Time of
exposure
 TYPES OF GRAPHITIZATION

CHAINS/LOCAL PLANES OF
CONCENTRATION GRAPHITE
RANDOM GRAPHITIZATION NODULES

 Random distribution of graphite  ↓ load bearing capability

nodules
 ↑ brittle fracture
 Effects :-
 Divided into :-
 ↓ room temperature tensile strength
 Weld heat – affected
 Creep resistance not affected
 Non – weld
 CHAINS/LOCAL PLANES OF
CONCENTRATION GRAPHITE NODULES

WELD HEAT-AFFECTED NON-WELD

• Normally found in heat-affected zone • Occur along planes of localized yielding
adjacent to weld in a narrow band in steel
• Corresponding to ↓ temperature edge • Occurs in a chain-like manner
• If overlap each other (multi-pass welded
butt joints), affected area will be covered
– forming graphite nodule (under ↓
temperature at the edge)
• Other name: eyebrow graphitization
 AFFECTED UNITS / EQUIPMENT

Fluid catalytic
cracker (FCC) – Equipment in the
Hot wall piping
vertical waste FCC
heat boiler

Catalytic Thermal cracking

reforming – piping – carbon steel
& reactor furnace tubes
 PREVENTION

• Use chromium with ↓ alloy steels for long term operation above 427ᵒC

INSPECTION AND MONITORING

• Metallographic technique (removal of full thickness sample)

 Disadvantage: Mid-wall damage