Paper 17: Performance and Failure of Refractory Metal Pressure Vessels between 900°C and 1300°C

Abstract

Externally heated cold-seal pressure vessels of cobalt- and nickel-based alloys have been in use for many years, and recently vessels of refractory metal alloys have been used for work at higher temperatures. Destructive testing of molybdenum–0·5 per cent titanium vessels has established their working field; they can be used for long periods at temperatures up to 1200°C at 15 000 lb/in², roughly the 100-hour stress-rupture conditions for bars of this alloy. The working fields of vessels of several commonly used alloys are compared, modes of deformation and failure described, and some of the common causes of failure discussed.