Investigation on the Weldability of a Zr-Ti Microalloyed Pipeline Steel X120

Abstract

Welding thermal cycle simulation with the heat input of 12~25 kJ/cm and practical welding were undertaken to investigate the weldability of a Zr-Ti microalloyed pipeline steel X120. The microstructure in the simulated coarse-grained heat-affected zone was predominantly bainite. The Vickers hardness and room temperature impact toughness of simulated coarse-grained heat-affected zone is 276~297 (HV10) and 208~225 J, respectively. These results indicated that the X120 steel had good weldability. Practical plate welding with the heat input of 21 kJ/cm also showed that the Zr-Ti microalloyed pipeline steel X120 had high yeild strength (895 MPa) and low temperature (-30°C) impact toughness (183 J, 204 J and 208 J in the fusion line, coarse-grained heat-affected zone and fine-grained heat-affected zone, respectively).