309 filler weld for 304 SS
309 filler weld for 304 SS
(OP)
Dear all,
I have tube to tubesheet joint in our HE (tube and tubesheet is 304). Our WPS stated that the filler weld shall be 308.
But now our welder made a mistake by using 309 filler weld.
What should I do ???
I read from filler cataloque the different between 308 and 309 is carbon, chrome and nickel content. 309 has more content for them.
Is there any metallurgical point of view ?
I have tube to tubesheet joint in our HE (tube and tubesheet is 304). Our WPS stated that the filler weld shall be 308.
But now our welder made a mistake by using 309 filler weld.
What should I do ???
I read from filler cataloque the different between 308 and 309 is carbon, chrome and nickel content. 309 has more content for them.
Is there any metallurgical point of view ?





RE: 309 filler weld for 304 SS
The error is to a higher alloy 309 SS, normally the high Cr & Ni will help. The dilution of the 309 SS on weld The 304 SS components is very high so the effect the carbon is minimized.
In fact 309 SS was the material of choice in welding 304 SS prior to the development of 308 welding wire.
What is the process material?
Have you seen any corrosion to the 304 SS in this service?
What is the size of the tubes?
RE: 309 filler weld for 304 SS
If the tube material is 304 ss, I would perform a Liquid Penetrant inspection of the seal weld to assure the weld deposit is free of solidification cracks. If so, I would leave it in service indicating acceptable disposition of a nonconformance on your repair record. Typically, the 309 is used for dissimilar metal welds joining 3XX to carbon or low alloy steels.
RE: 309 filler weld for 304 SS
Metallurgy should be fine.
You will have a lot of work showing how your material control system failed though.
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Corrosion never sleeps, but it can be managed.
http://www.trenttube.com/Trent/tech_form.htm
RE: 309 filler weld for 304 SS
RE: 309 filler weld for 304 SS
As far as the potential carbon problem, most manufacturers of 309 don't go near the top of the carbon range allowed in the AWS specification, so it is generally similar to 308. You would want to check your particular heat of 309 on this matter.