Characterization of weld fusion zone for TIG welded P91and P92 steels

The welding of nuclear grade P91 and P92 steel plate of thickness 5.2 mm were performed using the autogenous tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding process. The welded joint of P91 and P92 steel plate were subjected to the varying post weld heat-treatment (PWHT) including the post weld heat treatment (PWHT) and re-austenitizing based tempering (PWNT). A comparative study was performed related to the microstructure evolution in fusion zone (FZ) of both the welded joint using the scanning electron microscope and optical microscope in a different condition of heat treatment. The hardness test of the FZ for both joints was also conducted in a different condition of heat treatment. P92 steel welded joint have observed the higher tendency of the δ ferrite formation that led to the great variation in hardness of the P92 FZ. The homogeneous microstructure (absence of δ ferrite) and acceptable hardness was observed after the PWNT treatment for both the welded joint.