Overlay welding of FeCrAl alloys

Sammanfattning: In this master thesis different overlay welding methods suitable for boiler application has been investigated. The purpose of this project is to define advantages and disadvantages for each overlay welding methods and suggest some evaluation criteria on some commercial and experimental alloys aimed for overlay welding material. Many components in a boiler are made of low alloy steel and the atmosphere in the furnace region can be very complex; therefore many different types of corrosion can occur. Weld overlay is a process where one or multiple layers of corrosion resistant material are applied to a base material. The two overlay welding methods investigated in this study were Tungsten Inert Gas welding and Metal Inert/Active Gas welding. Tests were performed with FeCrAl alloys (Kanthal A, Kanthal D and some experimental alloys). FeCrAl alloys in general are ferritic iron-based steels with a typical concentration of 20-23 wt. % chromium and ~5 wt.% aluminum. Different overlay welding evaluation was made; visual examination, dye penetrant inspection, macro/micro examination, side bend test and short term corrosion test (~50hours). Conclusion of this thesis is that MIG welding is a more productive method than TIG, but more defects such cracks and lack of fusion can be produced for MIG welding. These defects can be “fixed” if welding parameters is optimized. If repairing a certain place TIG welding is a better option. A conclusion about number of layers; one layer with MIG welding is almost as thick as three layers with TIG welding with welding wire Ø 1mm. Three welding evaluation that is really important is visual examination, dye penetrant testing and corrosion test in order to choose which overlay welding method is suitable in boiler application.