A Case History of Cracking Failures in Deformed Austenitic Alloy Pipe Operating in the Temperature Range of 1000-1300 Deg F (538-705 Deg C)

Abstract

The results of several cracking failures in fabricated austenitic alloy pipe are reported in detail. These failures were a result of cracking which occurred at the operating temperature in zones which exhibited deformation. The failure analysis included metallography, mechanical and stress rupture tests, electron microscopy and electron microprobe scanning. Although a firm conclusion on the cause of cracking could not be reached, it was obvious that the deformation induced in the pipe during fabrication played a significant role in the failure and in the loss of rupture tensile ductility.