DESCRIPTION
HIGH-STRENGTH STEEL MATERIAL FOR OIL WELLAND OIL COUNTRY
TUBULAR GOODS
TECHNICALFIELD
[0001]
The present invention relates to a high-strength steel material for oil well and oil
country fubular goods, and more particularly, to a high-strength steel material for oil well
excellent in sulfide stress cracking resistance, which is used in oil well and gas well
environments and the like environments containing hydrogen sulfide (HzS) and oil
country tubular goods using the same,
BACKGROLIND ART
[0002]
ln oil wells and gas wells (hereinafter, collectively referred simply as "oil wells")
of crude oil, natural gas, and the like containing HzS, sulfide stress-corrosion cracking
(hereinafter, referred to as "SSC") of steel in wet hydrogen sulfide environments poses a
problem, and therefore oil country tubular goods excellent in SSC resistance are needed.
In recent years, the strengthening of low-alloy sour-resistant oil country tubular goods
used in casing applications has been advanced.
[0003]
The SSC resistance deteriorates sharply with the increase in steel strength.
Therefore, conventionally, steel materials capable of assuring SSC resistance in the
environment of NACE solutionA (NACE T}l/:0l77-2005) containing 1-bar HzS, which is
the general evaluation condition, have been steel materials of ll0 ksi grade (yield
strength: 758 to 862 MPa) or lower. ln many cases, higher-strength steel materials of
125 ksi grade (yield strength: 862to 965 MPa) and 140 ksi grade (yield strength: 965 to
1069 MPa) can only assure SSC resistance under a limited HzS partial pressure (for
example, 0.1 bar or lower). It is thought that, in the future, the corrosion environment
will become more and more hostile due to larger depth of oil well, so that oil country
tubular goods having higher strength and higher corrosion resistance must be developed.
[0004]
The SSC is a kind of hydrogen embrittlement in which hydrogen generated on
the surface of steel material in a corrosion environment diffuses in the steel, and
resultantly the steel material is rupfured by the synergetic effect with the stress applied to
the steel material. ln the steel material having high SSC susceptibility, cracks are
generated easily by a low load stress as compared with the yield strength of steei material.
[000s]
Many studies on the relationship between metal micro-structure and SSC
resistance of low-alloy steel have been conducted so far. Generally, it is said that, in
order to improve SSC resistance, it is most effective to turn the metal micro-structure into
a tempered martensitic structure, and jt is desirable to tum the metal micro-structure into
a fine grain structure.
[0006]
For example, Patent Document I proposes a method which refines the crystal
grains by applying rapid heating means such as induction heating when the steel is heated.
Also, Patent Document 2 proposes a method which refines the crystal grains by quenching
the steel twice. Besides, for example, Patent Document 3 proposes a method which
improve the steel performance by making the structure of steel materiai bainitic. All of
the object steels in many conventional techniques described above each have a metal
micro-strucfure consisting mainly of tempered martensite, ferrite, or bainite.
[0007]
The tempered martensite or ferrite, which is the main structure of the abovedescribed
low-alloy steel, is of a body-centered cubic system (hereinafter, referred to as
a "BCC"). The BCC structure inherentlyhas high hydrogen embrittlement susceptibility.
Therefore, for the steel whose main strucfure is tempered martensite or ferrite, it is very
diffrcult to prevent SSC completely. In particular, as described above, SSC
susceptibility becomes higher with the increase in strength. Therefore, it is said that to
obtain a high-strength steel material excellent in SSC resistance is a problem most
difficult to solve for the low-alloy steei.
[0008]
ln contrast, if a highly corrosion resistant alloy such as stainless steel or high-Ni
alloy having an austenitic structure ofa face-centered cubic system (hereinafter, referred
to as an "FCC"), which inherently has low hydrogen embrittlement susceptibility, is used,
SSC can be prevented. Howeve¡ the austenitic steel generally has a low strength as is
solid solution treated. Also, in order to obtain a stable austenitic structure, usually, a
large arnount of expensive component element such as Ni must be added, so that the
production cost of steel material increases remarkably.
[000e]
Manganese is known as an austenite stabilizing element. Therefore, the use of
austenitic steel containing much Mn as a material for oil country fubular goods in piace
of expensive Ni has been considered. Patent Document 4 discloses a steel that contains
C: l.2o/o or less, Mn: 5 to 45o/o, and the like and is strengthened by cold working. Also,
Patent Document 5 discloses a technique in which a steel containing C: 0.3 to l.6Yo,Mn:
4 to 35o/o, Cr: 0.5 fo 20o/o,Y: 0.2 to 4o/o, Nb: 0.2 To 4%o, and the like is used, and the steel
is strengthened by precipitating carbides in the cooling process after solid solution
treatment. Further, Patent Document 6 discloses a technique in which a steel containing
C: 0.10 to I.2o/o, Mn: 5.0 to 45.0%o, V: 0.5 to2.00/0, and the like is subjected to aging
treatment after solid solution treatment, and the steel is strengthened by precipitating V
carbides.
LIST OF PzuORART DOCUMENTS
PATENT DOCUMENT
[0010]
Patent Document l: JP61-95194
Patent Document 2: JP59-232220A
Patent Document 3: JP63-93822A
Patent Document 4: JPL0-121202A
Patent Document 5: JP60-39150A
Patent Document 6: JP9-249940/'
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BYTHE INVENTION
[0011]
Since the austenitic steel generally has a low strength, in Patent Document 4, a
yield stress a bit larger than I00 kgf/mmz is attained by performing cold working of 40%
working ratio. However, the result of study conducted by the present inventors revealed
that, in the steel of Patent Document 4, o' martensite is formed by strain induced
transformation due to the increase in degree of cold working, and the SSC resistance is
sometimes deteriorated. Also, there will be a problem of lacking an ability of a rolling
mill with the increase in degree of cold working, so that there remains room for
improvement.
[0012]
In contrast, Patent Documents 5 and 6 intend to strengthen a steel by a
precipitation of carbides. Precipitation strengthening by aging dispenses with the need
of increasing the performance of cold rolling equipment. Therefore, austenitic steels, in
which a stable austenite structure can be maintained even after precipitation strengthening
by aging, can be promising in view of SSC resistance.
[0013]
The evaluation of the SSC resistance of a steel material for oil well is relatively
frequently carried out with a constant load test (e.g., NACE TM0177-2005 Method A).
However, in recent years, evaluations based on DCB test (e,g,, NACE TM0I71-2005
Method D) have been emphasized.
[0014]
ln parlicular, when an austenitic steel is subjected to transformation into a BCC
structure such as an ctr martensite by strain induced transformation, the deterioration of
SSC resistance remarkably occurs. In an austenitic steel, strain induced transformation
may possibly occur in a stress concentrating zone in the vicinity of a crack front end.
Also from such a viewpoint, SSC resistance evaluation by DCB test, which uses a test
ì):
specimen in which a defect portion is included in advance, is particularly important for
austenitic steels.
[00 I 5]
ln Patent Documents 5 and 6, the SSC resistance evaluation by DCB test has not
been performed, and there are concems about SSC resistance in a stress concentrating
zone such as the vicinity ofa crack front end.
100 r 6l
An object of the present invention is to provide a precipitation-strengthened
high-strength steel material for oil well that exhibits an excellent SSC resistance (a
calculated value of Krssc is large) in DCB test, has a yield strength of 95 ksi (654 MPa)
or higheq and has a general conosion resistance as much as those of low-alloy steels.
MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEMS
[0017]
The present inventors conducted SSC resistance evaluation using DCB test, and
conducted studíes of a method for obtaining a steel material for which the problems with
prior art are overcome, and which has an excellent SSC resistance in DCB test and a high
yield strength. As the result, the present inventors came to obtain the following findings.
[0018]
(A) To improve SSC resistance in DCB test, a steel material is required to contain
a large amount of C and Mn, which are austenite phase stabilizing elements, more
specifically, to contain 0.7o/o or more of C and I2%o or more of Mn.
[001e]
(B) To precipitation-strengthen a steel material, it is effective to utilize V
carbides. For this reason, the steel material is required to contain more than 0.5% of V.
[0020]
(C) In contrast, a V consumes a dissolved C, making an austenite unstable. In
addition, in order to stabilize an austenite, it is desired to avoid coexistence with excessive
Cr. For this reason, it is required that the amount of effective C expressed by C - 0. 18V
- 0.06Cr is 0.6% or more.
[0021]
The present invention has been accompiished on the basis of the above-described
findings, and involves the high-strength steel material for oil well and oil country tubular
goods described below.
100221
(1) A high-strength steel material for oil well having a chemical composition
consisting, by mass percent, of
C: 0.70 to l.8o/o,
Si: 0.05 to 1.00%,
Mn: 12.0 to25.0%o,
Al: 0.003 to 0.06%o,
P: 0.03% or less,
S: 0.03% or less,
N: 0.10% or less,
V: more than 0.5% and2.0%o or less,
Cr: 0 to 2.00/0,
Mo: 0 ro 3.0Yo,
Cu: 0 to i.5o%,
Ni: 0 to 1.5%,
Nb: 0 to 0.5%,
Ta: 0 to 0.5o/o,
Ti: 0 to 0.5%
Zr:0 To 0.5Yo,
Ca: 0 to 0.005%,
Mg: 0 to 0.005%,
B: 0 to 0.015%,
the balance: Fe and impurities,
satisfying the following formula (i),
wherein a metal micro-structure is consisting essentially of an austenite single
phase,
V carbides having circle equivalent diameters of 5 to 100 nm exist at a number
density of 20 pieces l¡tmz or higher, and
a yield strength is 654 MPa or higher;
0.6
3C+10.6 ...(ii)
where the symbois of elements in the formula each represent the content of each
element (mass%) contained in the steel material.
As described above, the present invention intend to strengthen the steel by
performing an aging treatment and precipitating carbides. However, if pearlite
transformation occurs during an aging treatment, the corrosion resistance can be
remarkably decreased. Mn and C are elements that have an effect on a temperature for
forming pearlite, and in the case where the formula (ii) in the relation of both elements is
not satisfied, there is a risk that pearlite transformation occurs depending on an aging
treatment condition. Therefore, it is desirable to satisfy the formula (íi).
[00ss]
2. Metal micro-structure
As described above, if a' martensite and ferrite each having a BCC structure are
intermixed in the metal micro-structure, the SSC resistance is deteriorated. Therefore,
in the present invention, the metal micro-structure consists essentially of an austenite
single phase.
[00s6]
In the present invention, as a structure consisting essentially of an austenite
single phase, the intermixing of c¿' martensite and ferrite of less lhan 0.1o/o, by total
volume fraction, besides an FCC strucfure serving as a matrix of steel is allowed. And
also the intermixing of e martensite of an HCP structure is allowed. The volume fraction
of e martensite is preferably I0% or less, more preferably 2%o or less.
[00s7]
Since the c¿' martensite and ferrite exist in the metal micro-structure as fine
crystals, it is diffrcult to measure the volume fraction thereof by means of X-ray
diffraction, microscope observation or the like- Therefore, in the present invention, the
t7
total volume fraction of the structure having a BCC structure is rneasured by using a
fenite meter.
[00s8]
As described above, steel materials of an austenite single phase generally have
iow strengths. For this reason, in the present invention, a steel material is strengthened
by, in particular, the precipitation ofV carbides. V carbides are precipitated inside the
steel material and make a dislocation diffrcult to move, which contributes to the
strengthening. If V carbides have circle-equivalent diameters of less than 5 nrn, they do
not serye as obstructions to the movement of a dislocation. On the other hand, if V
carbides become coarse to have a size of 100 nm in terms of circle-equivalent diameter,
the number of V carbides extremely decreases, and thus the V carbides do not contribute
to the strengthening. Therefore, the sizes of carbides suitable to subject a steel material
to precipitation strengthening are 5 to 100 nm.
[00se]
ln order to obtain a yield strength of 654 MPa or higher in a stable manner, it is
required that the V carbides having circle-equivalent diameters of 5 to 100 nm exist, in a
steel micro-structure, at a number density of 20 pieces /¡tmz or higher. The method for
measuring the number density of V carbides is not subject to any special restriction, but
for example, the measurement can be carried out by the following method. A thin film
having a thickness of 100 nm is prepared from the inside of a steel material (central
portion of wall thickness), the thin film is observed using a transmission electron
microscope (TEM), and the number of V carbides having the circle-equivalent diameter
of 5 to 100 nm, included in a visual field of I pm square, is counted. It is desirable that
the measurement of the number density is carried out in a plurality of visual fields, and
the average value thereof is calculated. If it is desired to achieve a yield strength of 689
MPa or higher, V carbides having circle-equivalent diameters of 5 to 100 nm desirably
exist at a number density of 50 pieces/¡lmz or higher.
[0060]
3. Mechanical properties
At a strength level less than 654 MPa, even typical low-alloy steels can ensure
18
sufücient SSC resistances. However, as described above, since the SSC resistance
drastically decreases with the increase in the strength of a steel, the combination of a high
strength and an excellent SSC resistance is difficult to be achieved by a low-alloy steel.
Thus, in the present invention, a yield strength is limited to 654 MPa or higher. The
steel material according to the present invention can achieve the combination of a high
yield strength of 654 MPa or higher and an excellent SSC resistance in DCB test. To
enhance the above-described advantage, the yield strength of the high-strength steel
material for oil well according to the present invention is preferably 689 MPa or higher,
more preferably, 758 MPa or higher.
[0061]
In the present invention, being excellent in SSC resistance in DCB test means
that a value of Krssc calculated in DCB test specified in NACE TM0I77-2005 is 35
MPa/mo's or moïe.
[0062]
4. Production method
The method for producing the steel material according to the present invention
is not subject to any special restriction as far as the above-described strength can be given
by the method. For example, the method described below can be employed.
[0063]
Concerning melting and casting, a method carried out in the method for
producing general austenitic steel materials can be employed, and either ingot casting or
continuous casting can be used. In the case where seamless steel pipes are produced, a
steel may be cast into a round billet form for pipe making by round continuous casting.
[0064]
After casting, hot working such as forging, piercing, and rolling is performed.
In the production of seamless steel pipes, in the case where a circular billet is cast by the
round continuous casting, processes of forging, blooming, and the like for forming the
circular billet are uTrnecessary. ln the case where the steel material is a seamless steel
19
pipe, after the piercing process, rolling is performed by using a mandrel mill or a plug
mill. Also, in the case where thc steel material is a plate material, the process is such
that, after a slab has been rough-rolled, finish rolling is performed. The desirable
conditions of hot working such as piercing and rolling are as described below.
[006s]
The heating of billet may be performed to a degree such that hot piercing can be
performed on a piercing-rolling mill; however, the desirable temperature range is 1000 to
1250"C. The piercing-rolling and the rolling using a mill such as a mandrel mill or a
plug mill are also not subject to any special restriction. However, from the viewpoint of
hot workability, specifically, to prevent surface defects, it is desirable to set the finishing
temperature at 900"C or higher. The upper limit of finishing temperature is also not
subj ect to any special restriction; however, the finishing temperature is preferably 1 1 00"C
or lower.
[0066]
In the case where a steel plate is produced, the heating temperature of a slab or
the like is enough to be in a temperature range in which hot rolling can be performed, for
example, in the temperature range of 1000 to 1250oC. The pass schedule of hot rolling
is optional, However, considering the hot workability for reducing the occurrence of
surface defects, edge cracks, and the like ofthe product, it is desirable to set the finishing
temperature at 900"C or higher. The finishing temperature is preferably 1100"C or
lower as in the case of seamless steel pipe.
[0067]
The steei material having been hot-worked is heated to a temperature enough for
carbides and the like to be dissolved completely, and thereafter is rapidly cooled. In this
case, the steel material is rapidly cooled after being held in the temperature range of 1000
to 1200'C for 10 min or longer. If the solid solution heat treatment temperature is lower
than 1000"C, V carbides cannot be dissolved completely, so that in some cases, it is
difficult to obtain a yield strength of 654 MPa or higher because of insuffrcient
precipitation strengthening. On the'other hand, if the solid solution heat treatment
20
temperature is higher than 1200'C, in some cases, aheterogeneous phase of ferrite and
the like, where SSC tends to be generated, is precipitated. Also, if the holding time is
shorter than 10 min, the effect of solutionizing is insufficient, so that in some cases,
desired high strength, that is, yield strength of 654 MPa or higher cannot be attained.
[0068]
The upper limit of the holding time depends on the size and shape of steel
material, and cannot be determined unconditionally. Anyway, the time for soaking the
whole of steel material is necessary. From the viewpoint of reducing the production cost,
too long time is undesirable, and it is proper to usually set the time within I h. Also, in
order to prevent carbides, other intermetaliic compounds, and the like from precipitating
during cooling, the steel material is desirably cooled at a cooling rate higher than the oil
cooling rate.
[006e]
The above-described lower limit value of the holding time is holding time in the
case where the steel material is reheated to the temperature range of 1000 to 1200"C after
the steel material having been hot-worked has been cooled once to a temperafure lower
than 1000'C. However, in the case where the finish temperature of hot working
(flrnishing temperature) is made in the range of 1000 to l200oC, if supplemental heating
is performed at that temperature for 5 min or longer, the same effect as that of solid
solution heat treatment performed under the above-described conditions can be achieved,
so that rapid cooling can be performed as it is without reheating. Therefore, the lower
limit value of the holding time in the present invention includes the case where the finish
temperature of hot working (finishing temperature) is made in the range of 1000 to
1240"C, and supplemental heating is performed atThaftemperature for 5 min or longer.
[0070]
The steel material having been solid solution heat treated is subjected to aging
treatment in order to enhance the strength of the steel by precipitating V carbides finely.
The effect of aging treatment (age-hardening) depends on heating temperature and
holding time at the heating temperature. Basically, the higher a heating temperature is,
2l
the shorter a holding time required is. And so heating treatment at low temperature
requires long holding time. Therefore, heating temperature and holding time can be
adjusted appropriately so as to obtain desired strength. As a heating treatment condition,
it is preferable to hold the steel in the temperattre range of 600 to 800eC for 30 min or
longer.
[007r]
if the heating temperature for aging treatment is lower than 600oC, precipitation
of V carbides becomes insufficient, making it difficult to assure yield strength of 654 MPa
or higher. On The other hand, if the heating temperafure is higher than 800oC, V carbides
are easily dissolved and cannot be precipitated. Therefore, the above described yieid
strength cannot be attained.
[0072]
Also, if the holding time for aging treatment is shorter than 30 min, precipitation
of V carbides becomes insuffrcient, making it diffrcult to assure the above described yield
strength. The upper limit of the holding time is not limited, but it is appropriate lobe 7
h or shorter. It wastes energy to keep the heat after the effect of precipitation hardening
is safurated. The steel material having been aging treated may be allowed to cool.
[0073]
Hereunder, the present invention is explained more specificaliy with reference
to examples; however, the present invention is not limited to these examples.
EXAMPLE 1
100741
Twenty-two kinds of steels of A to N and AA to AH having the chemical
compositions given in Table 1 were melted in a 50 kg vacuum fumace to produce ingots.
Each of the ingots was heated at 1180'C for 3 h, and thereafter was forged and cut by
electrical discharge cutting-off Thereafter, the cut ingot was fuither soaked at ll50'C
for I h, and was hot-rolled into a plate material having a thickness of 20 mm. Further,
the plate material was subjected to solid solution heat treatment (water cooling after the
heat treatment) at 1100"C for t h. Subsequently, the age-hardening treatment was
22
performed under the conditions shown in Table 2 to obtain a test material.
[007s]
For steels A to C, a plurality of samples were prepared and subjected to aging
treatment under the various temperature conditions of 600 to 850oC, aside from the
treatrnent under the condition shown in Table 2, in order to investigate the relationship
between heating temperature for aging treatment and yield strength. The holding time
for aging treatment was 3 h for steel A, 10 h for steel B and 20 h for steel C regardless of
heating temperature.
100761
Steels AI and AJ having the chemical compositions given in Table i were
conventional low-alloy steels, which were prepared for comparison. Two kinds of the
steels were melted in a 50 kg vacuum fumace to produce ingots. Each of the ingots was
heated at I 180oC for 3 h, and thereafter was forged and cut by electrical discharge cuttingoff.
Thereafter, the cut ingot was fuither soaked at 1150oC for I h, and was hot-rolled
into a plate material having a thickness of 20 mm. Further, the plate material was
subjected to quenching treatment in which the plate material was held at 950"C for 15
min and then cooled rapidly. Subsequently, the plate material was subjected to
tempering treatment in which the plate material was held at705oC to obtain a test material.
100771
[Table 1]
¿J
A
B
c
c
L.4l
D
LM
Si
u. /)
0.29
F
0.91
0.3t
0.89
G
Mn
0.33
16. l3
0.93
H
0.r6
17.95
1.22
I
0.r3
AI
20.æ
J
r.t7
0.14
0.018
I8.lt
l.I8
0.033
0.u
L
17.86
P
l.0t
0.0D
0.25
lÀ.)
0.0r2
17.98
M
0.97
0.019
0.n
0.01I
N
22.07
1.03
S
0.40
0.025
0.014
0.004
Alt
21.98
t.26
0.020
0.39
0.01I
0.004
AB
2t.u
t.25
0.37
0.013
N
0.01|
AC
0.005
0.59 i
14.r0
0.u2t
0.5t
0.018
0.009
0.005
AD
r3.86
0.018
0.75
0.50
0.0I7
0.010
0.006
AE
t3.77
0.016
0.9r
0.25
0.03t
Chemical compoaition (in mass%, balanco: Fe and impuitics
0.010
t.78
AT'
0.006
0.015
0.88
8.10
0.025
0:u
0.0t2
t.02
0.004
AG
0.76
0.013
Cr
0.033
o.27
0.01I
AH
0.54
0.007
v2
0.74
0.u22
0.42.
0.34
0.0r0
U2
0.79
0_006
AI
0.n
0.0t4
0.33
0.021
0.011
0.8r
AJ
t4
Mo
0.008
0.0t6
1.02
Table I
8.æ |
0.019
0.33
0.013
0.8r
0.007
28.10
0.0t9
0.29
+ indbates tlut conditiom do not satisfr tlrose dcfined by the prescnt invention.
0.98
0.022
0.35
0.0r4
0.008
t. l9
0.31
t4.o2
0.064
0.021
0.35
Cu
0.01 I
0.006
13.88
0.040
.20
0.018
0.31
0.0t2
0.006
0.023
14.08
.23
0.026
0.30
0.012
0.006
0.94
15.89
0.021
.03
Ni
0.025
0.013
0.005
.m
0.0t 5
0.51 '
0.û2r
0.012
0.005
0.98
0.033
0.48
0.018
Nb
0.0t4
0.006
t.92
0.029
0.52
0.033
o.44
0.0t2
0.004
t.96
0.031
0.026
0.013
Ta
0.006
0.58
0.01I
0.010
0.007
)
1.88
0.46
0.0t2
0.48
0.010
0.81
0_m4
0.011
Ti
0.80
0.00t
0.013
0.40
0.00t
0.0r4
Zr
0.29
o.7t
0.005
0.89
0.79
0.004
Ca
0.77
4.18,
0.27
0.1 I
0.121
0. l9
0.m2
t.m
3.95 '
0,002
D
l.2t
0,003
0.72
0.21
C-0.18V-0.06Cr
0.99
1.95 *
1.æ
0.002
0.84
1.98 t
0.002
0-65
3C+10.6
0.71
14.83
0.'t4
0.03
0.78
3.$)
0.03
0.001
l.0t
85
0.95
JJ
0.96
27
0.82
3.39
o.76
4.26
0.85
4.tl
0.91
14.14
0.90
3.63
0.49 *
.5t
0.41
3.69
0.76
.38
0.74
4.35
0.69
2.37
0.36 *
2.85
0.63
3.33
0.88
3.24
o.2t +
o.2,+
2.n
12.91
t3.6
1t.47
l 1.53
[0078]
[Table 2]
Table 2
Test
No.
Steel
Aging teaûrent condition The number
densrty of
V carbides
(pieces/¡rm2)
Yield
strength
QúPa)
KIr.c
(MPa'mo 5;
scc
resist¿¡ce
Heating
temperatwe
cc)
Holding
time
(h)
Co¡rosron
rate
G/m'th)
700 3 >50 910 47.2 1.1 o
Inventive
example
B 650 t0 >50 833 39. I ) o
J L 650 20 >50 708 36.9 .4 ô
4 D 650 l0 >50 791 36.8 4 o
5 E 650 l0 >50 809 37.1 3 o
6 F 650 l0 >50 798 36.6 4 o
't G '7æ 3 >50 832 Æ.1 2 o
8 H 700 3 >50 821 44.1 2 o
9 I 7æ 3 >50 824 40.8 l.l o
0 J 650 l0 >50 849 37.8 1.3 o
I K 650 r0 >50 833 1b4 t.4 o
2 L 6s0 l0 >50 838 38. I 1.3 o
3 M 800 40 64 39. I ô
t4 N 800 20 7* 610 { 38.2 o
Comparative
example
) 650 t0 >50 67 33.3 3 o
o AB 7æ J >50 810 33.9 2 o
7 AC 650 IO >50 788 32.8 o
8 AD* 6s0 t0 >50 769 36.3 6 o
9 AE 650 10 15 * @7+ 35.7 2 ô
20 AF 6s0 l0 >50 '782 34.8 2
21 AG 650 l0 >50 825 36.8 tl x
22 AH "I 6s0 l0 >50 u2 37.3 Ll
23 AI *I 745 30.3 no o
)A AJfI 733 29.6 0.8 o
t indicates that conditions do not satisfo those delrred by fhe present invention
[007e]
On the obtained test materials of Nos. I to 22, excluding low-alloy steels, first,
the total volume ratio of ferrite and cr' martensite was measured by using a ferrite meter
(model number: FE8e3) manufactured by Helmut Fischer, but could not be detected on
all of the test specimens. The test materials were also analyzed by X-ray diffraction to
measure cr' martensite and e martensite, However, on all of the test specimens, the
existence of these kinds of maftensite could not be detected.
100801
25
Also, a thin film having a thickness of 100 nm was prepared from the test
material, the thin film was observed using a transmission electron microscope (TEM),
and the number of V carbides having the circle-equivalent diameter of 5 to 100 nm,
included in a visual field of I pm square, was counted.
[0081]
Furthermore, from each of the steels, a round-bar tensile test specimen having a
parallel part measuring 6 mm in outside diameter and 40 mm in length was sampled. A
tension test was conducted at normal temperature (25"C), whereby the yield strength YS
(0.2% yield stress) (MPa) was determined.
[0082]
Figure I is a graph showing the relationship between heating temperafures for
aging treatment and yield strengths with respect to the steels A to C. As can be seen
from Figure 1, optimum heating temperatures exist corresponding to the compositions of
the steels and holding times in aging treatment. The steel A has a high V content of
L41% and high yield strengths can be thus ensured within a wide temperature range from
600 to 800"C even by providing an aging treatment in a short time of 3 h. ln contrast,
the steel C has a relatively low V content of 0.75Yo, but it can be seen that, a lowtemperature
condition, which is 650"C or less, allows a yield strength of 654 MPa or more
to be ensured by providing aging treatrnent in a long time of 20 h.
[0083]
Subsequently, using the test materials, SSC resistance in DCB test, SSC
resistance in constant load test, SCC resistance, and corrosion rate were examined.
[0084]
First, to evaluate SSC resistance, the DCB test specified in NACE TMO 177-2005
was conducted. The thickness of a wedge was 3.1 mm, the wedge was inserted into a
test specimen before being immersed in a solution A specified in the test standard
(5%NaCI + 0.5%CHsCOOH aqueous solution, HzS saturated at I bar), at24"C for 336 h,
and thereafter, the value of Klssc was calculated based on a wedge releasing stress and
the length of a crack.
[008s]
26
The SSC resistance in constant load test was evaluated as described below. A
plate-shaped smooth test specimen was sampled, and a stress corresponding to 90% of
yield strength was applied to one surface of the test specimen by four-point bending
method. Thereafter, the test specimen was immersed in a test solution, that is, the same
solution A as described above, and was held at 24"c for 336 h. Subsequently, it was
judged whether or not rupture occurred. As a result, no rupture occurs in all of the test
materials.
[0086]
Concerning the SCC resistance as well, a plate-shaped smooth test specimen was
sampled, and a stress corresponding to 90%o of yield strength was applied to one surface
of the test specimen by four-point bending method. Thereafter, the test specimen was
immersed in a test solution, that is, the same solution A as described above, and was held
in a test environment of 60'C for 336 h. Subsequently, it was judged whether or not
rupture occurred. As the result, a not-ruptured steel material was evaluated so that the
SCC resistance is good (referred to as "o" in Table 2), and a ruptured steel material was
evaluated so that the SCC resistance is poor (refened to as "x" in Table 2). This test
solution is a test environment less liable to produce SSC because the temperafure thereof
is 60'C and thereby the saturated concentration of HzS in the solution is decreased
compared with that at normal temperature. Concerning the test specimen in which
cracking occurred in this test, whether this cracking is SCC or SSC was judged by
observing the propagation mode of crack under an optical microscope. Concerning the
specimen of this test, it was confirmed that, for all of the test specimens in which cracking
occurred in the above-described test environment, SCC had occurred.
[0087]
The reason why the SCC resistance v/as evaluated is as described below As
one kind of environment cracks of oil country tubular goods occurring in the oil well,
inherently, attention must be paid to SCC (stress corrosion cracking). The SCC is a
phenomenon in which cracks are p¡opagated by local corrosion, and is caused by partial
fracture of the protection film on the surface of material, grain-boundary segregation of
alloying element, and the like. Conventionally, low alloy steel oil country tubular goods
27
having a tempered martensitíc microstructure have scarcely been studied from the view
point of the SCC resistance because the corrosion of those advances wholly, and the
excessive adding of alloying element that brings about grain-boundary segregation leads
to the deterioration in SSC resistance. Furthe¡ sufficient findings have not necessarily
been obtained concerning the SCC susceptibility of a steel equivalent or similar to the
steei material of the present invention, which has a component system vastly different
from that of low-alloy steel, and has austenitic structure. Therefore, an influence of
component on the SCC susceptibility and the like must be clarified.
[0088]
Also, to evaluate the general corrosion resistance, the corrosion rate was
determined by the method described below. The above-described test material was
immersed in the solution A at normal temperature for 336 h, the corrosion loss was
determined, and the corrosion loss was"converted into the average corrosion rate. ln the
present invention, the test material that showed the corrosion rate of 1.5 g/(m2'h) or lower
was evaluated so that the general corrosion resistance is good.
[008e]
These results are collectively given in Table 2. From Table 2, iT can be seen
that for Test Nos. I to 13, which are example embodiments of the present invention, a
yield strength of 654 MPa or higher and a value of Krssc calculated in DCB test of 35
MPa/m0's or more can be provided. Also, the SCC resistance is excellent, and the
corrosion rate can be kept at 1.5 gl(mz'h), which is the target value, or lower.
[00e0]
On the other hand, for Test No. 14, which is comparative example, the
precipitation of V carbides was insufficient and a number density was 7 pieces/pm2,
which was lower than the lower limit defined in the present invention because the
condition of aging treatment was inappropriate, specifically, the heating temperature was
too high and the holding time was too long, although the chemical composition satisfied
the definition of the present invention. Consequently the yield strength was 610 MPa
and the target strength cannot be attained.
[00e1]
28
Also, for Test Nos. 15 to 17 in which the effective amount of C or the Mn content
was less than the lower limits defined in the present invention, the test result was such
that a value of Knsc was lower than 35 MPa/mO s and the SSC resistance in DCB test was
poor. It is presumed that the result was due to the formation of q,' maftensite in the
region of a crack front end caused by the decrease of austenite stability because of the
poverty of the effective amount of C or the Mn content. For Test No. 18 in which the
Mn content was more than the defined upper limit, the test result was such that, although
the SSC resistance in DCB test was good, the corrosion rate was high, and the general
corrosion resistance was poor.
[00e2]
Further, for Test No. 19 in which the V content was less than the defined lower
limit, the test result was such that the precipitation of V carbides was insufficient and the
number density was 15 pieces/pm2, which was lower than the lower limit defined in the
present invention. Consequently the effect of precipitation strengthening was
insufficient and the target strength cannot be attained. For Test No. 20 in which the Cr
content was high and thus the effective amount of C was out of the defined range, the test
result was such that a value of Krssc was lower than 35 Mpa/mo.s and also the SCC
resistance \¡/as poor. And, for Test No. 2l in which the Mo content was out of the
defined range and Test No. 22 in which the contents of Cu and Ni were out of the defined
ranges, the test results we¡e such that the SCC resistance were poor.
[00e3]
Figure 2 is a graph showing the relationship between yield strengths and values
of Krssc calculated by DCB test with respect to Test Nos. I to 13 satisfying the definition
of the present invention, and Test Nos. 23 and 24,whíchare conventional low-alloy steels.
It can be seen that the steel material according to the present invention has a high strength
which is equal to or larger than that of the conventional low-alloy steel, and is extremely
excellent in SSC resistance in DCB test.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[00e4]
29
According to the present invention, a steel material is composed essentially of
austenite structure and thus has an excellent SSC resistance in DCB test, and has a high
yield strength of 654 MPa or higher by utilizing precipitation strengthening. Therefore,
the high-strength steel material for oil well according to the present invention can be used
suitably for oil country tubular goods in wet hydrogen sulfide environments.
We claim:
l. A high-strength steel material for oil weil having a chemical composition
consisting, by mass percent, of
C: 0.70 to l.Bo/o,
Si: 0.05 to 1.00%o,
Mn: 12.0 to 25.0yo,
Al: 0.003 to 0.06o/o,
P: 0.03% or less,
S: 0.03% or less,
N: 0.10% or less,
V: more than0.5%o and 2.0yo or less,
Cr: 0 to 2.0yo,
Mo: 0 to 3.0yo,
Cu: 0 to 1.5%,
Ni: 0 to 1.5%,
Nb: 0 to 0.5%,
Ta:0 to 0.5%0,
Ti: 0 to 0.5%,
Zr:0 to 0.5%o,
Ca: 0 to 0.005%,
Mg: 0 to 0.005%,
B: 0 ro O.\t\yo,
the balance: Fe and impurities,
satisffing the following formula (i),
wherein a metal micro-structure is consisting essentially of an austenite single
phase,
V carbides having circle equivalent diameters of 5 to 100 nm exist at a number
density of 20 pieces l¡tm2 or higher, and
a yield srrength is 654 Mpa or higher;
31
0,6