Many key equipment in the petrochemical industry, such as reactors, cracking furnaces, steam cracking units, etc., need to operate stably at high temperatures for long periods of time. Many of the key forgings in these devices are facing severe high-temperature environment tests. The high temperature performance of petrochemical forgings is directly related to the safety, stability and long cycle operation of equipment. This paper will discuss the high temperature performance of petrochemical forgings and its influencing factors to provide reference for related enterprises and research institutions.
High temperature performance requirements for petrochemical forgings
High temperature strength: In high temperature environments, forgings need to maintain sufficient strength to withstand the working pressure and mechanical load of the equipment.
High temperature creep resistance: Creep refers to the slow and continuous deformation of a material under high temperature and constant stress. Creep is one of the main reasons for forgings failure in petrochemical equipment running for a long time. Therefore, forgings need to have excellent creep resistance at high temperature.
High temperature fatigue resistance: In a high temperature environment, forgings also need to withstand the combined action of alternating stress and thermal stress, so they need to have good high temperature fatigue resistance.
High temperature oxidation resistance: In a high temperature environment, the surface of the forging is prone to oxidation reactions, resulting in a decline in material properties. Therefore, forgings need to have good high-temperature oxidation resistance.
High temperature structure stability: In a high temperature environment, the structure of the forging is prone to change, such as grain growth, phase change, etc., resulting in a decline in performance. Therefore, forgings need to have high temperature microstructure stability.
Factors affecting high temperature performance of petrochemical forgings
Material composition: The chemical composition of a material is one of the key factors affecting its high temperature performance. The high temperature strength, creep resistance, fatigue resistance and oxidation resistance of the material can be improved by adjusting the type and content of alloying elements.
Forging process: Forging process has an important impact on the structure and properties of forgings. The high temperature performance of forgings can be improved by optimizing parameters such as forging temperature, deformation rate and deformation amount.
Heat treatment process: Heat treatment process is one of the important means to improve the high temperature performance of forging. The microstructure of forgings can be adjusted and the high temperature strength and creep resistance can be improved by heat treatment processes such as normalizing, quenching and tempering.
Grain size: Grain size has an important effect on the high temperature performance of the forging. Fine grain can improve the strength and creep resistance of materials, so refining grain is one of the effective means to improve the high temperature performance of forgings.
Environmental factors: Forgings in petrochemical equipment face complex working environments, such as high temperature, high pressure, corrosive media, etc. These environmental factors will affect the high temperature performance of forgings, such as accelerating oxidation reaction and promoting creep.
Measures to improve high temperature performance of petrochemical forgings
Optimization of material composition: According to the requirements of use and the working conditions of the equipment, the appropriate type and content of alloying elements are selected to improve the high temperature strength and creep resistance of the forging.
Improve the forging process: optimize the parameters of forging temperature, deformation rate and deformation amount to obtain fine grain structure and uniform mechanical properties.
Enhanced heat treatment process: The use of advanced heat treatment process, such as controlling the cooling rate, the use of multi-step heat treatment, etc., to fine grains, adjust the structure and improve the high temperature performance.
Improve grain refining technology: The use of advanced grain refining technology, such as mechanical alloying, electromagnetic stirring, etc., in order to obtain finer grain size and higher high temperature performance.
Strengthen environmental protection measures: During the operation of the equipment, strengthen the monitoring and control of the environment, reduce the damage of corrosive media to the forging, and extend its service life.
The high temperature performance of petrochemical forgings is the key to ensure the safe, stable and long period operation of equipment. By optimizing the material composition, improving the forging process, strengthening the heat treatment process, improving the grain refinement technology and strengthening the environmental protection measures, the high temperature performance of the forgings can be effectively improved to meet the needs of the petrochemical industry. In the future, with the continuous development of new material technology and manufacturing process, the high temperature performance of petrochemical forgings will usher in more innovations and breakthroughs to provide a strong guarantee for the development of the petrochemical industry.
