Copper Bearing Steel

[numberfive]

Experts,

We have been asked to perform welded repairs on a deaerator vessel built in 1948. The vessel shell and head material is listed as "Copper Bearing Steel", no ASTM or ASME specification is given.

Aren't copper bearing steels typically used in outdoor weathering applications? (ie: corten or A588)

Has anyone ever seen this used in a pressure vessel application?

I would like to perform the repairs using our P1 to P1 combination tig, stick, & flux-core WPS using ER70S-2, E7018, & E71T-1M. I understand that sometimes the HSLA weathering steels are welded with a higher grade filler metal but in this application I don't see the need for it.

All nozzles are listed as A106 Gr. A.

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

numberfive

 

[metengr]

Yes, typically the copper-bearing steels are alloyed with 0.20% to 0.50% by mass copper to increase atmospheric corrosion resistance. The copper-bearing steels are weldable, similar to P-No 1 base materials so I would agree with your approach.

 

[numberfive]

metengr, thank you for your insight

 

[MJCronin]

When do tanks and vessels actually wear out and it becomes necessary to replace them ?

Many, many buildings and bridges built after 1948 have already been torn down and scrapped...

How much longer will it be until this old dog finally goes to "Deaerator Heaven".... ??

MJCronin
Sr. Process Engineer
Venture Engineering & Construction

http://www.VentureEngr.com

 

[weldstan]

The material was doubtless A-242, which existed back then.

 

[numberfive]

The vessel is in surprisingly good condition. I don't think that it has seen a lot of hard use - seems like lots of down time over the years.

I also discovered A-242 in some additional research - that's probably what was used for construction.