Development of weld residual stress distributions for fitness-for-service assessment

In this paper, the available residual stress solutions for pressure vessel and piping components are summarized within the context of fitness for service assessment. Local post-weld heat treatment (PWHT) effects on weld residual stress relief are also discussed. The needs in the development of refined weld residual stress distributions for typical pressure vessel and piping components are then summarized. Finally, a detailed technical approach is presented for considerations in a draft PVRC/MPC long-range plan to meet the needs in fitness-for-service assessment of welds in pressure equipment.