Abstract
The present work concerns an assessment of the influence of boron addition in spheroidal graphite iron (SG iron) melt on the manufacturing process and final properties of DI pipes. To elicit the effect of boron addition on the final properties of DI pipe, initially laboratory scale trials were conducted. The exercise includes studying the evolution of microstructure and mechanical properties of DI pipes with different level of boron addition. The results indicate that the presence of B in the melt does not have any perceptible deleterious effect on the performance of DI pipes in general, until the limit goes beyond 200 ppm. Later on, pilot trials were conducted in a plant facility. This trial comprises addition of boron at different levels in SG iron melts and studying effect on the overall manufacturing process of DI pipe production and corresponding microstructure and mechanical properties of the final product (i.e. DI pipes). The result of the plant-level trial is found in agreement with the laboratory scale trial, confirming the fact that presence of boron up to 200 ppm level in SG iron melt used for DI pipe manufacturing does not induce any deleterious effect on manufacturing process as well as product properties. Also, it reveals that the boron-added (up to 200 ppm) DI pipes show better machinability with a favourable combination of strength, ductility and hardness compared to the boron-free DI pipes.
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