Estudo da temperatura de solubilização de aços inoxidáveis austeníticos ASTM A312 TP321 para operação em indústria petroquímica

Abstract

The austenitic stainless steels are well known for their good corrosion resistance and mechanical properties at high temperatures. These steels can suffer intergranular attack caused by the carbon segregation at the grain boundaries forming chromium rich M23C6 carbides leading to Cr-depletion near grain boundaries regions. The region close to the grain boundaries gets susceptible to corrosion because of the chromium deficiency. This region is then called sensitized. In order to avoid this problem, stabilizing elements like Ti (AISI 321) and Nb (AISI 347) are added to cause TiC or NbC formation then reducing carbon content in solid solution. Even with the use of stabilized steels, for certain temperature conditions the carbide segregation to the grain boundaries area can occur, making it necessary to heat treat the steel prior to its use. This work studied the ASTM A312 TP321 behavior from an as received condition, submitted to 380ºC and 600ºC for different periods of time. It was also investigated a solution annealing temperature that could minimize the sensitization level of this material for operation at 600ºC, both for the material in the as received condition and after one year operation in the petrochemical industry. The samples were heat treated at the temperatures of 900, 950, 1000 e 1050ºC and then submitted to 600ºC for 15 minutes, 3, 10, 50 and 100 hours. After each heat treatment a micro structural characterization was held using both a metallurgical and a scanning electron microscope. The sensitization level of the samples was then investigated with an electrochemical potentiokinetic reactivation method. The exposure of the ASTM A312 TP321 steel samples to 600ºC lead to sensitization, but it did not happen when they were exposed to 380ºC. The solution anneal heat treatment at 900ºC prior to the exposure to 600ºC has achieved improvements in reducing sensitization of this material, indicating be the most beneficial for these operation condition.