The performance of Cr-Mo steels in the boilers of CEGB power stations

Steels with chromium contents ranging from 1 to 12% have been used in CEGB stations for 20 years in superheaters and reheaters where the chromium provides resistance to oxidation by steam and furnace gases and an improved creep strength, and in boiler tubes where the main purpose is to overcome on-load corrosion. Most of the applications of these steels have occurred in positions where steels of lower chromium content have proved inadequate for unexpectedly severe conditions. The higher chromium steels have always shown improved performance, but this improvement has not always been sufficient to furnish the required service life. (author)