GE Power Product Service

Dissimilar Metal Welds

Information
PSIB 20160803A
Bulletin
Overview
The use of dissimilar metal welds (DMW), particularly welds which join martensitic or ferritic alloy steels to austenitic
stainless alloy steels, is a common practice in the industry and there is a wide variety of applications in piping
assemblies and attachment assemblies. In the recent past there have been a number of DMW related indications
reported by the industry which have been attributed to a variety of factors which include creep fatigue, corrosion
grooving, cold cracks, and creep weak zones. Hence understanding the appropriate welding procedures and materials
to be used is important to achieving a quality DMW.

Background
Specific to high-energy steam piping thermowell applications, several cracks have been witnessed in the weld assembly
region where a DMW of 316 austenitic stainless steel (316SS) to Grade P91 ferritic alloy steel was performed using an
Inconel filler material. These cracks may be, in part, due to improper filler material and/or heat treatment.

Figure 1: Thermowell Assembly

Figure 2: Overview of Thermowell

Copyright © 2016 General Electric Company. This information is proprietary and is the property of GE Power. The content of this document is provided
for general information and awareness. Always refer to your unit’s O&M Manuals and applicable TILs for detailed information relevant to the
operation and maintenance of your equipment. This document shall not be reproduced in whole or in part nor shall its contents be disclosed to any
third party without the written approval of GE Power Services Engineering
 PSIB 20160803A
This weld combination was performed in the field on 316SS thermowell assemblies that were supplied by GE for
installation in Grade 91 piping supplied by others. An example is illustrated in Figures 1 and 2. GE provides welding
process recommendations to use for these welds, but it is the responsibility of the pipe system designer to specify the
appropriate weld filler materials and welding processes.

Advisory
Regardless of the materials used during welding, DMWs need to be performed using appropriate procedures to ensure
the quality of the weld. The procedures applied should be qualified and executed using trained personnel. In addition,
these welds should be inspected on a regular basis.

Please contact your local GE representative for additional information or assistance.

Copyright © 2016 General Electric Company. This information is proprietary and is the property of GE Power. The content of this document is provided
for general information and awareness. Always refer to your unit’s O&M Manuals and applicable TILs for detailed information relevant to the
operation and maintenance of your equipment. This document shall not be reproduced in whole or in part nor shall its contents be disclosed to any
third party without the written approval of GE Power Services Engineering
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