Hydrogen also contributes to cold cracking.

Three factor acts simultaneously in

hydrogen induced cracking: dissolved hydrogen, tensile stresses, and a low ductility
microstructure such as martensite. The sources of hydrogen are the shield gas, flux, or
surface contamination. The hydrogen is carried as a diatomic molecule to the arc and is
converted to monoatomic hydrogen or ionized state. The monoatomic hydrogen readily
dissolves in the molten weld metal. The exact mechanism by which hydrogen causes cold
cracking has not been fully explained. But many investigators believe that as the weld metal
cools, it becomes supersaturated, and the hydrogen diffuses to highly stressed area such as
the heat- affected zone or the atmosphere. Once in the heat –affected zone, it is theorized
that the hydrogen embrittles the metal. Some low-alloy steels, such as ASTM A 514 or A 517,
will transform to martensite under rapid cooling condition, and at the same time will entrap
some or all of the hydrogen present. However hydrogen has low volubility in the martensitic
structure and tends to migrate to any neighbouring discontinuities. Along with external
forces, the hydrogen enlarges these flaws to a critical size. Regardless of the mechanism by
which hydrogen embrittles the carbon and low alloy steels, however, precautions should be
taken against its entrainment. Joint design and attention to joint fitup can reduce the
chances of cold cracking. To control hydrogen- induced cracking, a post-weld temperature of
300 to 400 “F for up to 10 hours (depending on weld thickness) is recommended. This
technique should be specified with caution because of risk noted below. Cleaning joints to
remove hydrogen- containing materials such as oil and grease, and using of low hydrogen
electrodes are also recommended to limit the source of hydrogen

Reheat cracking. Reheat cracking occurs in steels containing carbide- forming

alloy elements such vanadium or molybdenum. When a post weld heat treatment is used,
these materials often exhibit precipitation of alloy carbides that make the grains of the heat-
affected zone stronger than the grain boundaries. The AWS D1.1 section “Workmanship –
Stress Relief Heat Treatment,” and ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, section
VIII.”Procedure on Post- Weld Heat Treatment” contains recommended practice for heat-
treatment welds for stress relief. The stress relief heat treatment of quenched and tempered
ASTM A 514 and A 517 steels is not usually recommended but may be required to maintain
dimensional stability during machining.

In case of Tala HEP for welding of steel liner, ASTM-A-517 Gr. F steel, Interpass
and post heating of weld joint is also done at prescribed temperatures. The same is checked
with thermocouple. Application of heat manufacturer, for a number of reasons, such as:

1. To avoid cold cracking, minimize shrinkage distortion.

2. To increase toughness of weld joint.
3. To reduce residual stresses.
Weld test are carried out in order to conform the choice of the filler material and
welding process for defined base material (steel plate) and to make sure that the
final features of the welded joint have achieved the required standards. Production
weld test plates of size 900mm X 400mm consisting of two strips, welded edge to
edge in longitudinal direction are prepared. During production, test plates are
prepared at regular specified intervals and are treated in same manner as the shop
or erection welds. Test being conducted are: radiographic examination, tensile,
bending test, impact test, hardness test, chemical analysis, microscopic/
macrographic examination, x groove restraint cracking test, diffusible hydrogen test
etc., in order to monitor the soundness in accordance with the specification and to
ensure that the welding procedure is correct.