Temper embrittlement calculation

% wt C Mn Si P Cr Mo Sb Sn As
0.12 0.7 0.7 0.02 8.5 0.9 0.0005 0.0004 0.0002
ppm 1200 7000 7000 200 85000 9000 5 4 2

Actual Specification
J value= 285.6 (J<=180) for parent metal & weldment

x value= 20.43 x<20 for weldment

PE 5.43 2.8 to 3 For weldment

Note:1 Temper Embrittlement occurs while entering to this temperature range 400C to 600C (cooling/heating)
1.1.
0C to 600C (cooling/heating)
http://www.twi-global.com/technical-knowledge/faqs/material-faqs/faq-what-is-temper-embrittlement-and-how-can-it-be-co
Temper embrittlement refers to the decrease in notch toughness of alloy steels when heated in, or cooled slowly through, a
embrittlement can also occur as a result of isothermal exposure to this temperature range. The occurrence of temper embri
change in the ductile to brittle transition temperature with a notched bar impact test, before and after heat treatment. In m
material will not show any change as a result of embrittlement, but the transition temperature can be raised by as much as

Temper embrittlement is caused by the presence of specific impurities in the steel, which segregate to prior austenite grain
elements (in order of importance) are antimony, phosphorous, tin and arsenic. The fracture surface of a material embrittled

Plain carbon steels with less than 0.5% Mn are not susceptible to temper embrittlement. However, additions of Ni, Cr and M
embrittlement. Small additions of W and Mo can inhibit temper embrittlement, but this inhibition is reduced with greater ad

The original toughness of a steel which has suffered temper embrittlement can be restored by heating to above 600C, and
method of avoidance is to reduce the embrittling impurities through control of raw materials and steel production.

In order to assess susceptibility to temper embrittlement in Cr-Mo steels, two compositional parameters are commonly emp
(2).

J=(Mn + Si)(P + Sn) x104 (in wt %), has been applied to parent steels and weld metals.

X=(10P + 5Sb + 4Sn + As)/100 (in ppm), is applied to weld metals.

If J is less than or equal to 180, or if X is less than 20, the risk of temper embrittlement is considered to be low. A limit in t
over temper embrittlement exist. A more general expression for embrittlement in weld metals was given by Sugiyama et al

P E = C + Mn + Mo + Cr/3 + Si/4 + 3.5 (10P + 5Sb + 4Sn + As)

The maximum value for this expression to avoid serious embrittlement depends on the welding process, but is given as 2.8

Step cooling can reveal the susceptibility of a steel to temper embrittlement. The Charpy impact energy and transition temp
involving step cooling have been related to give a mathematical expression that when fulfilled ensures that the material wil
embrittlement in service (4).

AF + 2.5(SC - AF) < 38C

where
AF=As formed Charpy 54J temperature
SC=Step cooled Charpy 54J temperature

This expression is used in the construction of pressure vessels that may operate in the embrittling temperature range, or th
startup or shutdown.

One step cooling method with hold times and temperatures is given in ASTM A387, supplementary requirements[5] althoug
acceptable degree of temper embrittlement.

Temper embrittlement has been also related to reheat cracking and low-ductility creep fractures, and a number of types an
precipitation as well as grain boundary embrittling elements.

References
Ishiguo, T; Murakami, Y; Ohnishi, K and Watanabe, J: "2.25%Cr-1%Mo pressure vessel steels with improved creep rupture
of 2.25%Cr-1%Mo steel for thick-wall pressure vessels, ASTM STP 755, 1980, pp. 129-147.

Bruscato, R. M: "Embrittlement factors for estimating temper embrittlement in 2.25Cr:1Mo, 3.5Ni-1.75Cr-0.5Mo-0.1V and 3

Sugiyama, T; Hatori, N; Yamamoto, S; Yoshino, F and Kiuchi, A: "Temper embrittlement of Cr-Mo weld metals"; IIW Doc. X

Erwin, W.E. and Kerr, J.G: "The use of Quenched and Tempered 2Cr-1Mo Steel for Thick Wall Reactor Vessels in Petroleum
Research and Application"; WRC Bulletin 275, February 1982.

ASTM A387:"Standard specification for pressure vessel plates, Alloy steel, Chromium-molybdenum"