When PWHT is a must in a Pressure Vessel ❓

▶ The purpose of heat treatment is to impart desirable mechanical properties, Heat treatments are
achieved by bringing the material to transformation temperatures (material-based, 1700 F to 1800 F
for steels), holding for a period of time, and cooling down at various rates, there are many types of
heat treatments based on the material and its specific application such as

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1️⃣2️⃣Full Annealing 2️⃣ Normalizing
3️⃣ 4️⃣ 5️⃣
Carburizing 4️⃣ Hardening 5️⃣ Tempering

▶ The primary reason for PWHT is to relieve residual stresses in a welded fabrication. In ferritic
welds, PWHT is also conducted to reduce the hardness of the HAZ. Stresses occur during welding
due to the localized heating and severe temperature changes that occur PWHT is perfumed for

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1️⃣2️⃣For Vessel design for lethal service. 2️⃣ Depend on the type of material, above a particular weld
thickness, e.g. carbon steel material P1 above 38 mm, more detail in Tables UCS-56-1 through UCS-
56-11.

▶ Also, Localize PWHT can be performed for the weld only, the minimum width of this volume is the
widest width of the weld plus 1t or 2 in. (50 mm), whichever is less, on each side or end of the weld.
However, heating the vessel as a whole in an enclosed furnace is preferable and should be used
Whenever practicable, as shown in the video below.

▶ Heating the vessel in more than one heat in a furnace, provided the overlap of the heated sections
of the vessel is at least 5 ft (1.5 m).

🔸 The temperature of the furnace shall not exceed 800°F (425°C) at the time the vessel or part is
placed in it.

🔸 Above 800°F (425°C), the rate of heating shall be not more than 400°F/hr (222°C/h) divided by the
maximum metal thickness of the shell or head material.

🔸 During the holding period, there shall not be a greater difference than 150°F (83°C) between the
highest and lowest temperature throughout the portion of the vessel being heated.

🔸 Above 800°F (425°C), cooling shall be done in a closed furnace or cooling chamber at a rate not
greater Than 500°F/hr (280°C/h) divided by the maximum metal thickness of the shell or head
material in inches

For more Details: 🔘 ASME BPC VIII UW-40 🔘 ASME BPC VIII UCS-57