Residual stresses of explosively welded bimetal studied by hard X-ray diffraction

Geothermal heat from the Earth`s crust is a source of natural and renewable energy. This energy can be extracted and used for generating electricity and heating of houses in the winter months. However, in order to extract energy from a well, we need to use material that can sustain contact with geothermal steam and is resistant to corrosion of the geothermal fluid and non-condensing gases such as hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and carbon dioxide (CO2), chloride ions (Cl−), and hydrogen fluoride (HF). An interesting alternative to today's materials are bimetals, composed of two different materials where the layer in contact with the aggressive environment is made of a noble material, while the outer layer (typically low-carbon steel) strengthens the composite and additionally provides good weldability. This paper presents the microstructure, phase composition, and distribution of residual stresses of the bimetallic system nickel-chromium-molybdenum alloy (Alloy 625) cladded on the ferritic pressure vessel steel P355NH base material. The bimetal has been prepared by explosion welding and is its use is geared for transport of highly corrosive media and as a material for heat exchangers, condensers, etc.