ER90S-B3 – wire and rod for 2¼Cr-1Mo steel (F22)
2¼Cr-1Mo filler metal for ASTM A182 F22 and equivalent forgings and tubes, in pressure vessels, reactors and high-temperature steam lines.
Product forms and equivalents
| Process | Classification |
|---|---|
| TIG rod (GTAW) | ER90S-B3 |
| Solid MIG/MAG wire (GMAW) | ER90S-B3 |
| Covered electrode (SMAW) | E9018-B3 – AWS A5.5 |
| Flux-cored wire (FCAW) | E91T1-B3 – AWS A5.29 |
| Submerged arc wire (SAW) | EB3 + flux – AWS A5.23 |
| Designation | Value |
|---|---|
| AWS | ER90S-B3 |
| Specification | AWS A5.28/A5.28M / ASME SFA-5.28 |
| UNS | K30960 |
| Others | EN ISO 21952-A: W/G CrMo2Si*; AWS A5.28M: ER62S-B3 |
Chemical composition (%)
| Element | wt. % |
|---|---|
| C | 0.07 – 0.12 |
| Mn | 0.40 – 0.70 |
| Si | 0.40 – 0.70 |
| Cr | 2.30 – 2.70 |
| Mo | 0.90 – 1.20 |
| Ni | ≤ 0.20 |
| P | ≤ 0.025 |
| S | ≤ 0.025 |
| Cu | ≤ 0.35 |
Properties of the deposited metal
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Tensile strength of deposited metal | ≥ 620 MPa (AWS minimum, after PWHT) |
| Yield strength | ≥ 540 MPa (AWS minimum, after PWHT)* |
| Elongation | ≥ 17 % (AWS minimum, after PWHT)* |
Materials welded with ER90S-B3
Why the composition differs from the base metal
The alloy is the same as F22, but the wire has carbon controlled within a narrow range and higher silicon for deoxidation. This balances hot strength after PWHT with a lower tendency to solidification and reheat cracking.
Welding precautions
- Preheat and interpass of about 200 to 300 °C.
- PWHT typically between 690 and 750 °C.
- For high-pressure hydrogen service, require control of residuals (Bruscato X factor) on the certificate.
- TIG with pure argon; MIG/MAG with argon and 2–5 % O2 or up to 20 % CO2*. Clean, dry wire and bevel to limit hydrogen.
Frequently asked questions
What is ER90S-B3 used for?
2¼Cr-1Mo filler metal for ASTM A182 F22 and equivalent forgings and tubes, in pressure vessels, reactors and high-temperature steam lines.
Why is the composition of ER90S-B3 different from the material it welds?
The alloy is the same as F22, but the wire has carbon controlled within a narrow range and higher silicon for deoxidation. This balances hot strength after PWHT with a lower tendency to solidification and reheat cracking.
Which covered electrode corresponds to ER90S-B3?
E9018-B3 – AWS A5.5.
What precautions apply when welding with ER90S-B3?
Preheat and interpass of about 200 to 300 °C. PWHT typically between 690 and 750 °C. For high-pressure hydrogen service, require control of residuals (Bruscato X factor) on the certificate. TIG with pure argon; MIG/MAG with argon and 2–5 % O2 or up to 20 % CO2*. Clean, dry wire and bevel to limit hydrogen.
