On the Effect of Various Heat Treatments on Microstructure of AISI 4130 Steel Used in Sour Service Pipes

Abstract Nowadays welding is the most common way to connect metal parts and structures. One of the challenges connected to welding it that heat output from the welding alters the microstructure of the metal creating the heat affected zone (HAZ) near the weld. In steel welds HAZ is often harder and more brittle than the base material due to formation of martensite. This might cause hydrogen induced cracking and speed up the fatigue of the weld. To mitigate the martensite formation in the HAZ different heat treatments, like preheat, interpass and PWHT are often applied. However, for 4130 steel, preheat and interpass temperatures are not expected to restrict martensite formation due to materia…