SMAW · Low-alloy steel
E9018-B3
The next step up in the chrome-moly family, carrying roughly twice the chromium of the lower class for higher temperature and higher pressure piping.
What the designation means
- E
- Electrode for shielded metal arc welding.
- 90
- 90,000 psi minimum tensile strength of the deposited weld metal.
- 1
- All welding positions.
- 8
- Low-hydrogen potassium covering with iron powder, run on direct current electrode positive or alternating current.
- -B3
- A chromium-molybdenum deposit in the nominal 2.25 percent chromium, 1 percent molybdenum class.
At a glance
| Process | SMAW |
|---|---|
| Family | Low-alloy steel |
| Positions | All positions |
| Polarity | DCEP, or AC |
| Shielding | Self-shielded by the covering |
| Minimum tensile strength | 90 ksi |
Typical uses
- Welds on 2.25 chromium 1 molybdenum high temperature piping
- Power generation headers and hot reheat lines
- Hydroprocessing equipment in refineries
How it runs
- Low-hydrogen arc that runs slightly hotter and stiffer than the carbon steel rods
- Higher hardenability, so preheat and interpass temperature control are mandatory in practice
- Dense slag requiring thorough interpass cleaning
- Deposit normally requires post weld heat treatment to reach specified toughness
Storage and handling
Hermetic packaging until opened, then a heated rod oven. Rebake according to the manufacturer schedule if the rods see atmospheric exposure.
Compare with
SMAWE8018-B2A chrome-moly low-hydrogen rod for the lower alloy grades of high temperature piping, where chromium and molybdenum together resist creep and oxidation.GTAWER90S-B3The higher alloy chrome-moly torch rod, used on the piping grades that run hotter than the lower chromium class can handle, typically with preheat and heat treatment.SMAWE7018-A1The entry point into the creep-resisting low-alloy family, adding molybdenum to a familiar low-hydrogen rod so the joint keeps its strength in hot service.