An Investigation of Microstructure Characteristic and Sulfide Stress Cracking Behavior of 110 ksi Cr-Mo Grade Casing Steel

Abstract

The sulfide stress cracking (SSC) behavior of three micro-alloying 110 ksi grade Cr-Mo casing steels were evaluated according to the A-Method tensile test specified in the NACE TM0177 standard (NACE A-method). The fractures of SSC specimens and the micro-structures of the casing steels were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with electron backscattering diffraction (EBSD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) in the BF and STEM mode. The results show that on the premise of 110 ksi, the yield strength of Co-Mo steel was satisfactory, finer spherical carbides increased the number of irreversible traps; widened polygonised martensitic laths, lowered dislocation density, and lowered the proportion of high-angle grain boundaries and the Σ3 boundaries decreased hydrogen permeability and diffusivity. The SSC resistance of Co-Mo steel with above micro structure characteristics was enhanced.