The Process of Steam Oxidation Degradation of High Cr Steel after 125 000 Hours at 568 °C under 16.5 MPa

Abstract The aim of this work was to analyze the effect of steam oxidation when TP347HFG grade steel was exposed to industrial conditions for 125 000 hrs at 568 °C under 16.5 MPa pressure. The testing material was acquired from one of the coal power plants operating in Poland. Comprehensive investigations were carried out on the outer surface and cross section of the exposed sample using XRD, SEM/EDS and TEM. The analysis revealed the development of a fine grain oxide scale thickness spanning from 20 to 200 µm, consisting Fe 2 NiO 4 (78 %), Cr 1.3 Fe 0.7 O 3 , Fe 2 O 3 (0.8 %) and Fe 3 Co (0.8 %). Cross-sectional observations showed the formation of grains rich in Nb precipitates type MX carbonitrides surrounded by M 23 C 6 carbides developed as a continuous net at the grain boundaries. The extent of material degradation under the influence of temperature, pressure and exposure time has been meticulously discussed. Graphical Abstract