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ML00152 - Dec.2018

Low Alloy Steel Pump Shaft

Micrographic detail of the pearlitic structure in the center of the shaft thickness.

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Micrographic detail of the in the center of the thickness.
M

Material

High Strength Low Alloy
  • AISI 4140
  • UNS G41400
Ds

Description

This was replaced after years in operation and the material characterization was required for acquisition of a new one, since the specification was unknown. The metallurgical characterization showed that although it was manufactured using a typical material, recommended for a shaft, it was not correctly heat treated and the ductility and toughness properties are not good. It was recommended to quench and temper or to normalize and temper the 4140 before machining the new shaft.

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Chemistry (% in weight)

Shaft Analysis

0.42C; 0.24Si; 0.89Mn; 0.026P; 0.028S; 0.87Cr; 0.17Ni; 0.15Mo; 0.16Cu; 0.004V.

Associated Images
The shaft was removed from service without a failure. It was 4' long and the diameters varied from 2 1/2" to 4 1/2". It was analyzed to be specified for purchasing a new one but properties evidenced bad ductility and brittle behavior even at ambient temperature, associated to a microestruture "as hot rolled".
1238
VIEW
ML00152 / Dec.2018
Low Alloy Steel Pump Shaft
M - High Strength Low AlloyP - ShaftAp - Oil and GasCd - Removed From Service
Cm - Aspect Before AnalysisDf - General View
The longitudinal section of the shaft shows a coarse structure. Only very close to the surface the structure is slightly refined.
99
VIEW
ML00152 / Dec.2018
Low Alloy Steel Pump Shaft
M - High Strength Low AlloyP - ShaftAp - Oil and GasCd - Removed From Service
Cm - NItal Etched MacroDf - Longitudinal Section
The longitudinal section of the shaft, in the center of the thickness, shows a coarse structure, and a ferritic/bainitic structure with pearlite islands.
97
VIEW
ML00152 / Dec.2018
Low Alloy Steel Pump Shaft
M - High Strength Low AlloyP - ShaftAp - Oil and GasCd - Removed From Service
Cm - Nital Etched Micrography by OMDf - Longitudinal Section
The coarse structure in the center of the shaft thickness is evidenced by free ferrite islands at the previous austenite grains. The presence of a pearlitic structure evidences the slow cool of the material.
85
VIEW
ML00152 / Dec.2018
Low Alloy Steel Pump Shaft
M - High Strength Low AlloyP - ShaftAp - Oil and GasCd - Removed From Service
Cm - Nital Etched Micrography by OMDf - Coarse Structure
Micrographic detail of the pearlitic structure in the center of the shaft thickness.
82
VIEW
ML00152 / Dec.2018
Low Alloy Steel Pump Shaft
M - High Strength Low AlloyP - ShaftAp - Oil and GasCd - Removed From Service
Cm - Nital Etched Micrography by SEMDf - Pearlite
The longitudinal section of the shaft, at the surface, also shows a coarse structure, and a ferritic/bainitic structure with pearlite islands. There is only a small refining in the previous austenite grain boundaries, indicating that the material was not heat treated.
75
VIEW
ML00152 / Dec.2018
Low Alloy Steel Pump Shaft
M - High Strength Low AlloyP - ShaftAp - Oil and GasCd - Removed From Service
Cm - Nital Etched Micrography by OMDf - Longitudinal Section
The longitudinal section of the shaft, at the surface, presenting only a small refining in the previous austenite grain boundaries than in the center, indicating that the material was slowed colled from forming and not heat treated.
67
VIEW
ML00152 / Dec.2018
Low Alloy Steel Pump Shaft
M - High Strength Low AlloyP - ShaftAp - Oil and GasCd - Removed From Service
Cm - Nital Etched Micrography by OMDf - Coarse Structure
Micrographic detail of the pearlitic structure at the surface of the shaft thickness.
69
VIEW
ML00152 / Dec.2018
Low Alloy Steel Pump Shaft
M - High Strength Low AlloyP - ShaftAp - Oil and GasCd - Removed From Service
Cm - Nital Etched Micrography by OMDf - Pearlite