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Steel E90C-B3 PWHT-LONG

Heat-treated state

UNS W53030

Choose when the fabrication PWHT cycle is long or repeated (heavy-wall reactors); strength drops toward the low end but toughness and hardness are best.

High cost $$$$

Values for the PWHT-LONG condition

Other E90C-B3 tempers and conditions

E90C-B3 is listed in 3 conditions; see the grade overview at E90C-B3.

Compare all 3 conditionsHide
Condition · open for datasheetBest forYield MPaTensile MPaElong. %HardnessConductivity
PWHT-LONGThis page
extended subcritical stress relief, 705 °C / 8 h (heavy-wall vessel simulation)
Choose when the fabrication PWHT cycle is long or repeated (heavy-wall reactors); strength drops toward the low end but toughness and hardness are best.5406402511 HRC8 % IACS
PWHTDefault
Post-weld heat treated
Standard as-supplied qualification condition and the normal service condition for 2.25Cr-1Mo piping and vessel welds.59069022205 HB—
As-welded deposit
Only for temporary/non-code work or root passes before PWHT — hard, low-toughness bainitic-martensitic deposit prone to hydrogen cracking.7608801533 HRC—

What is E90C-B3 PWHT-LONG?

E90C-B3 PWHT-LONG is E90C-B3 heat treated to PWHT-LONG — choose when the fabrication PWHT cycle is long or repeated (heavy-wall reactors); strength drops toward the low end but toughness and hardness are best. E90C-B3 PWHT-LONG has a yield strength of 540 MPa (78.3 ksi) and a tensile strength of 640 MPa (92.8 ksi) — stronger than 70% of steel grades. Elongation at break is 25% and the elastic modulus is 210 GPa (30.5 Msi). E90C-B3 PWHT-LONG has a density of 7.85 g/cm³ (0.284 lb/in³), heavier than 56% of steel grades. It melts at 1,450°C (2,642 °F). PWHT is the default condition FabDigit quotes; PWHT-LONG is available on request or by drawing note.

Advantages

  • Tough — resists crack growth — 150 MPa·√m (136.5 ksi·√in), better than 96% of steel grades
  • High service temperature — 565°C (1,049 °F), better than 96% of steel grades
  • Ductile — tolerates forming and impact — 25%, better than 77% of steel grades

E90C-B3 PWHT-LONG properties

Typical room-temperature values for E90C-B3 PWHT-LONG; 23 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are E90C-B3 reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among steel grades.

Physical3

E90C-B3 PWHT-LONG has a density of 7.85 g/cm³ (0.284 lb/in³), heavier than 56% of steel grades. It melts at 1,450°C (2,642 °F).

Density7.85 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³
Melting Point (Solidus)1,450°C2,642 °F
Liquidus Temperature1,510°C2,750 °F

Mechanical16

E90C-B3 PWHT-LONG has a yield strength of 540 MPa (78.3 ksi) and a tensile strength of 640 MPa (92.8 ksi) — stronger than 70% of steel grades. Elongation at break is 25% and the elastic modulus is 210 GPa (30.5 Msi).

Elastic (Young's) Modulus210 GPa30.5 Msi
Shear Modulus81 GPa11.7 Msi
Bulk Modulus160 GPa23.2 Msi
Poisson's Ratio0.29
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)640 MPa92.8 ksi
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)540 MPa78.3 ksi
Elongation at Break25%
Reduction in Area66%
Compressive Strength540 MPa78.3 ksi
Shear Strength400 MPa58 ksi
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)290 MPa42.1 ksi
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)150 MPa·√m137 ksi·√in
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)95 J70.1 ft·lbf
Hardness, Brinell185 HB
Hardness, Rockwell B90 HRB
Hardness, Vickers195 HV

Thermal6

E90C-B3 PWHT-LONG is rated for continuous service to 565°C (1,049 °F). It conducts heat at 38 W/m·K (22 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 69% of steel grades. Thermal expansion is 12.4 µm/m·K (6.89 µin/in·°F).

Thermal Conductivity38 W/m·K22 BTU/hr·ft·°F
Specific Heat Capacity460 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)12.4 µm/m·K6.9 µin/in·°F
Latent Heat of Fusion270 J/g116 BTU/lb
Max Service Temperature (continuous)565°C1,049 °F
Min Service Temperature-30°C-22 °F

Electrical3

E90C-B3 PWHT-LONG conducts electricity at 8 % IACS, better than 55% of steel grades.

Electrical Conductivity8 % IACS
Electrical Resistivity2.2×10⁻⁷ Ω·m8.66 µΩ·in
Magnetic Responseferromagnetic

Chemical & Environmental3

Corrosion resistance is poor (18/100), better than 83% of steel grades.

Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)-0.6 V
Corrosion ResistancePoor18/100
Chemical Resistance SummaryResists high-temperature hydrogen attack (Nelson curve, to ~ 550 °C at moderate pH₂) and steam-side oxidation better than C-Mn steel; rusts freely in wet ambient service and offers no resistance to chlorides or acids — requires coating/insulation.

Sustainability4

Producing a kilogram of E90C-B3 PWHT-LONG takes about 32 MJ of energy and emits 2.4 kg of CO₂ — more than 70% of steel grades. Typical recycled content is 25%.

Embodied Energy (primary production)32 MJ/kg13,758 BTU/lb
Embodied Carbon (primary production)2.4 kg CO₂/kg
Embodied Water55 L/kg6.6 gal/lb
Typical Recycled Content25%

Manufacturability6

E90C-B3 PWHT-LONG's machinability is fair (52/100, better than 52% of steel grades); weldability good (55/100); formability fair (42/100).

MachinabilityFair52/100
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)62%
WeldabilityGood55/100
Formability (cold)Fair42/100
PolishabilityGood55/100
Anodizing Responsen/a — ferrous alloy; use paint, aluminising or thermal-spray coatings instead

Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.

Working with E90C-B3 PWHT-LONG

Is E90C-B3 easy to machine?

Machine or grind weld caps after PWHT (≈200 HB); as-welded deposit at 300–350 HB needs carbide tooling and low feeds.

Can E90C-B3 be welded?

Gas-shielded (75-80 % Ar/CO₂ or 100 % CO₂ per classification) spray or pulsed transfer; preheat/interpass 200–250 °C, keep hydrogen low, and PWHT 690–720 °C — never leave the joint in the as-welded state for code service.

Can E90C-B3 be formed, bent or molded?

Not a wrought product form; the consumable itself is drawn wire — control feedability and avoid crushed/kinked liners with cored wire.

What surface finishes work on E90C-B3?

Wire-brush/grind and blast to remove oxide before painting or aluminising; cannot be anodized and offers no atmospheric corrosion protection uncoated.

E90C-B3 chemical composition (wt %)

Limits by weight percent from the governing specification, written the way the spec states them — a single maximum for impurities, a range for alloying elements, and the base element as balance. Nominal is the typical mid-range value.

ElementSpec limit (wt %)Nominal
Cstandard-carbon B3 (vs. L-grade ≤0.05)0.05 – 0.120.09
Mnweld-metal analysis for composite electrodes0.4 – 1.250.7
Si0.25 – 0.80.5
Cr2.3 – 2.72.4
Mo0.9 – 1.21
Nirestricted for temper-embrittlement control≤ 0.20.05
Cuincludes copper coating≤ 0.350.1
Plow P for X-factor control≤ 0.030.01
S≤ 0.030.01
Febalance—

E90C-B3 PWHT-LONG — frequently asked

What is E90C-B3 PWHT-LONG used for?

E90C-B3 PWHT-LONG is typically used for 2.25Cr-1Mo reactor vessels, power plant piping, hydrocracker equipment and refinery process vessels. In short: creep-resistant Cr-Mo deposit; 565 °C service capability; PWHT mandatory for code work.

What is the yield strength of E90C-B3 PWHT-LONG?

E90C-B3 PWHT-LONG has a typical yield strength of 540 MPa (78.3 ksi) and a tensile strength of 640 MPa (92.8 ksi) — stronger than 70% of steel grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 3 listed tempers.

Is E90C-B3 PWHT-LONG easy to machine?

Reasonably — machinability is rated fair (52/100, better than 52% of steel grades). Machine or grind weld caps after PWHT (≈200 HB); as-welded deposit at 300–350 HB needs carbide tooling and low feeds.

Can E90C-B3 PWHT-LONG be welded?

Yes — weldability is rated good (55/100). Gas-shielded (75-80 % Ar/CO₂ or 100 % CO₂ per classification) spray or pulsed transfer; preheat/interpass 200–250 °C, keep hydrogen low, and PWHT 690–720 °C — never leave the joint in the as-welded state for code service.

What surface finishes work on E90C-B3 PWHT-LONG?

Wire-brush/grind and blast to remove oxide before painting or aluminising; cannot be anodized and offers no atmospheric corrosion protection uncoated.

Can E90C-B3 PWHT-LONG be formed, bent or molded?

Not a wrought product form; the consumable itself is drawn wire — control feedability and avoid crushed/kinked liners with cored wire.

What is the maximum service temperature of E90C-B3 PWHT-LONG?

E90C-B3 PWHT-LONG is rated for continuous use to about 565°C (1,049 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.

What is the difference between E90C-B3 PWHT and E90C-B3-AW?

PWHT is the default condition — standard as-supplied qualification condition and the normal service condition for 2.25Cr-1Mo piping and vessel welds. AW: only for temporary/non-code work or root passes before PWHT — hard, low-toughness bainitic-martensitic deposit prone to hydrogen cracking. Yield strength is 590 MPa in PWHT versus 760 MPa in AW.

Sources

  1. AWS A5.28/A5.28M — Low-Alloy Steel Electrodes and Rods for Gas Shielded Arc Welding — American Welding Society (2020)
  2. ASME BPVC Section II, Part C (SFA-5.28) and Part D (2.25Cr-1Mo physical properties) — ASME (2023)
  3. ASM Handbook Vol.6 — Welding, Brazing and Soldering (Cr-Mo steel weldments) — ASM International (1993)
  4. ASM Handbook Vol.1 — Properties and Selection: Irons, Steels (2.25Cr-1Mo) — ASM International (1990)
  5. Metal-cored 2.25Cr-1Mo wire datasheets (Lincoln Electric, Böhler Welding, Kobelco) — various (2023)
  6. API RP 941 — Steels for Hydrogen Service at Elevated Temperatures — API (2016)

Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.