New B3 SC Chrome-Molybdenum Filler Metals for Demanding Applications

To expand its line of filler metals for chrome-molybdenum weldments in the refinery, petrochemical, power generation and pressure vessel applications, ESAB has introduced its new series of B3 SC electrodes and fluxes for SMAW, GTAW and SAW for 2.25% Cr 1% Mo alloyed steels, SA-387 Grade 22, A335 Grade P22 and similar materials.

The advantages of the new range of B3 SC filler metals can be seen by watching the video here, which demonstrates how Ellimetal -  a global player in pressure vessels, silos and storage tanks, uses ESAB's B3 SC filler metals and automated welding equipment to achieve excellent results in a very challenging application.

The new B3 SC filler metals feature modernized formulations designed for applications that require high toughness also in the post-weld heat treated as well as after step cooling treatment. The weld metal is also designed for increased rupture resistance at high service temperatures. Filler metal chemistry is carefully controlled so that weldments have a maximum X-bar (Bruscato Factor) of 10, resulting from a very low level of impurity elements to reduce susceptibility to temper embrittlement.

“ESAB offers a complete product solution of B3 alloys for all welding processes to meet industry standards, classifications, chemistries and stringent customers´ mechanical and chemical property requirements,” says Markus Gustafsson, R&D Filler Metal Manager ESAB. “Further, our hermetically sealed VacPac™ and BlockPac™ packaging guarantees additional moisture protection for SMAW electrodes and SAW fluxes, thus eliminating the need for redrying on the customer site.

The new filler materials include:

• SMAW electrodes: OK B3 SC (SFA/AWS A5.5 E9018-B3 H4 R, EN ISO E CrMo2 B 32 H5). They are available in diameters from 2.5 to 5 mm.
   
• GTAW rods: OK Tigrod B3 SC (SFA/AWS A5.28 ER90S-B3, EN ISO 21952-A: Z CrMo2Si, EN ISO 21952-B: W 62 2C1M). They are available in diameters from 1.6 to 3.2 mm and cut lengths of 1000 mm.
   
• SAW:
  • Wires: OK Autrod B3 SC (SFA/AWS A5.23 EB3R, EN ISO 24598-A – S S CrMo2).  They are available in diameters from 2 to 4 mm and come in 30 kg wire baskets or 280 kg BigDrums.
     
  • Flux: OK Flux 10.65 (EN ISO 14174 – S A FB 1 65 AC H5, when delivered in BlockPac H4).
     
  • Weld metal: The flux wire combination OK Flux 10.65 + OK Autrod B3 SC is classified to SFA/AWS A5.23 F9P2-EB3R-B3R and EN ISO 24598-A – S S CrMo2 FB

Moisture Resistant Packaging

ESAB’s new B3 SMAW electrodes come in VacPac vacuum-sealed packages, which weigh about 2 kg and feature a laminated, multi-layer aluminium foil that is hermetically-sealed around a strong plastic inner box. Upon opening, fresh and dry electrodes are guaranteed when the vacuum is confirmed. VacPac reduces or eliminates the need to scrap unused electrodes at the end of the day or re-bake them in a rod oven, and the 2 kg packages are also much easier for operators to carry.

To ensure moisture protection for SAW fluxes (such as OK Flux 10.62 and OK Flux 10.65) ESAB recommends its 25 kg BlockPac packaging so that flux can be used directly from the package without re-drying. Like VacPac, BlockPac features a laminated, multi-layer aluminium foil with a welded seal to protect the flux against moisture re-absorption from the atmosphere, provide unlimited shelf life and guarantee fresh and dry flux when the bag is still in the block shape.

The B3 filler metals join ESAB’s existing line of filler metals for chrome-molybdenum applications, including those for B2 alloys (OK 76.16, OK Flux 10.63/OK Autrod 13.10 SC and OK Tigrod 13.16) and B3 alloys (OK 76.26 and OK Tigrod 13.17).

Learn more about the new range by watching the video here.