Long term creep properties and microstructure of SUPER304H, TP347HFG and HR3C for A-USC boilers

SUPER304H (18Cr–9Ni–3Cu–Nb–N; ASME CC2328) and TP347HFG (18Cr–12Ni–Nb; ASME SA213) have been developed for high strength oxidation resistant steel tubes to operate at high steam temperatures and pressures. The longest creep rupture tests performed to date (600°C for 85 426 h for SUPER304H; 700°C for 55 858 h for TP347HFG) showed that the stable strength and microstructure were retained, with very little formation of σ-phase compared with conventional austenitic stainless steels and no other brittle phases. The alloy HR3C (25Cr–20Ni–Nb–N; ASME CC2115) has been developed for the high strength and high corrosion resistant steel tubes used in recent ultrasupercritical (USC) boilers with steam temperatures of ∼600°C. The longest creep test conducted to date (700°C, 69 MPa for 88 362 h) confirmed a stable creep strength and microstructure at 600–800°C. Superheater and reheater tubes of these alloys installed in the Eddystone No.1 USC power plant since 1991 have been removed and investigated. Updated long term creep rupture properties of the steels and microstructural changes during service are reported. Three steel tubes have been successfully applied as standard materials for superheater and reheater tubes in newly built USC boilers.