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STD-INSP-0125 IGC Phases Practice - A - (ASTM A923) DUPLEX

This document provides a standard operating procedure for detecting intermetallic phases in duplex austenitic/ferritic stainless steels using a sodium hydroxide etch test. The procedure involves polishing and electrochemically etching test specimens, then examining the etched microstructure under a microscope to classify the presence of intermetallic phases. Specimens are classified as unaffected, possibly affected, or affected based on the appearance of interphase boundaries and revelation of intermetallic phases during etching. Observations are recorded for acceptance of material according to applicable specifications.

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199 views2 pages

STD-INSP-0125 IGC Phases Practice - A - (ASTM A923) DUPLEX

This document provides a standard operating procedure for detecting intermetallic phases in duplex austenitic/ferritic stainless steels using a sodium hydroxide etch test. The procedure involves polishing and electrochemically etching test specimens, then examining the etched microstructure under a microscope to classify the presence of intermetallic phases. Specimens are classified as unaffected, possibly affected, or affected based on the appearance of interphase boundaries and revelation of intermetallic phases during etching. Observations are recorded for acceptance of material according to applicable specifications.

Uploaded by

Akshay Kalra
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Document No: STD-INSP-0125

Issue 02
Issue Date
TEST METHOD
Revision 00
Detection of Inter Metallic Phases Revision Date -
Method – A (Duplex Austenitic/Ferritic Stainless Steels) Page 1 of 2

1.0 Purpose:
To establish and maintain the documented Procedure to ensure that the testing is carried out as per the
applicable specifications / standards.

2.0 Scope:
This Standard Operating Procedure by sodium hydroxide etch test is used for acceptance of material but
not for rejection of material.

3.0 Terminology:
 Practice A: Sodium hydroxide Etch test for Classification of Etch Structures of Duplex Austenitic /
Ferritic Stainless Steel.

4.0 Reference Standards :


As per ASTM A923 and customer Specification
5.0 Environmental Condition:
Temperature : 23 ± 5 ̊C
Humidity : N.A

6.0 Instrument :
 Electro etching set up
 Metallurgy Microstructure for examination
7.0 Test Specimen Preparation :
 Cutting: For cast products, examination shall be made on a separately cast test coupon which was
heat treated in the same furnace load as the casting it represents. The specimen shall be taken at
approximately 1/4T.

 For mill products, the specimen should allow for a survey across the full thickness of the section or,
in the case of a heavy section, a survey from one surface through the mid-thickness of the section.
The specimen shall include the mid-thickness.

 Polishing: On all type of materials cross sectional area must be polished for etching. Specimens
containing welds must contain base metal, weld metal and heat affected zone. Scales should be
removed by grinding to 80 or 120 grit finish and then successively polished by fine emery papers
No. 1/0, 2/0 and finer. An area on 1cm 2 or more is to be polished for etching. In cases where
minimum area is less than 1cm2 the total cross sectional area has to be polished.

 Etching Solution: Prepared by adding 40g of reagent grade sodium hydroxide (NaOH) to 100ml
distilled water.
Prepared & Reviewed by Approved & Issued by

Quality Manager Technical Manager


Document No: STD-INSP-0125
Issue 02
Issue Date
TEST METHOD
Revision 00
Detection of Inter Metallic Phases Revision Date -
Method – A (Duplex Austenitic/Ferritic Stainless Steels) Page 2 of 2

 Etching Conditions: The polished specimen should be etched at 1 to 3 V dc for 5 to 60 Second.

 Then rinsed thoroughly in hot water and in acetone or alcohol, followed by air drying

8.0 Test Method :


 Etching should be carried out under ventilated hood as a poisonous gas evolves at the electrodes
which are irritating to the mucous membrane.

8.1 Classification of Etch Structures :


 The etched surface is examined on a metallurgical microscope at 400X to 500X.

 The etched cross-sectional areas should be examined thoroughly by complete traverse of the full
sample and across all zones such as weld metal, weld-affected zones, and base metal on specimens
containing welds.

 The etch structures are classified as follows :

1. Unaffected structure (Fig. 1 & Fig. 2 in ASTM A923) - The ferrite has been etched without
revelation of inter-metallic phase. The inter-phase boundaries are smooth .

2. Possibly Affected Structure (Fig. 3, Fig. 4 in ASTM A923) - The ferrite has been etched with
isolated indications of possible inter-metallic phase. The inter-phase boundaries may show a fine
waviness.

3. Affected Structure (Fig. 5, Fig. 6 in ASTM A923) - The indications of an inter-metallic phase are
readily revealed before or simultaneously with the staining of the ferrite during etching.

Note: Figures given in ASTM A923 are for reference only.

9.0 Recording of observations:


 Record all the data in Form No.

10.0 Estimation of uncertainly:


 applicable

Prepared & Reviewed by Approved & Issued by

Quality Manager Technical Manager

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