Review of modern requirements for welding of pipe high-strength low-alloy steels

Abstract

For many years, proven arc welding processes have been used to weld large pipes of oil and gas pipelines, the scope of which extends from manual arc welding with stick electrodes to the use of metal orbital welding machines. Introduction reflects that the creation of new steel compositions for oil and gas pipelines is an urgent task to ensure its high reliability. Research Methods. Low-carbon steels with ferrite-perlite structure are usually used in pipe production, but these steels are unable to meet the increased market demands. New grades of steel with bainitic structure are appearing. Results. The failure of welded joints of pipelines made of high-quality steel is becoming a serious problem for the pipeline industry. Discussion. This paper analyzes the characteristics of weld microstructure and its relationship with impact toughness. The prediction of impact toughness based on the microstructural characteristics of weld-seam metals is complicated due to a large number of parameters involved. The common practice linking this property to the microstructure of the last roll of a multi-pass weld turned out to be unsatisfactory because the amount of needle ferrite, the most desirable component, may not always be the main factor affecting the impact toughness. The present review reports on the most representative study regarding the microstructural factor in the welded seam of pipe steels. It includes a summary of the most important process variables, material properties, normative rule, as well as microstructure characteristics and mechanical properties of the joints. Conclusion. It is intended that this review will help readers with different backgrounds, from non-specialist welders or material scientists to specialists in various industrial applications and researchers.