This document describes the Notched C-Ring Reheat Cracking Test (NCRRCT) as applied to 2-1/4Cr-1Mo-1/4V (22V) weld deposits. Recently, other entities have set out to design a reheat cracking test which satisfies the needs of industry, in regard to reheat cracking behavior of commercial 22V consumables. This Bulletin will compare and contrast three tests to provide the reader with an understanding of the methodologies. It is strongly felt that the NCRRCT out-performs other tests by meeting all attributes of the ?Ideal Weldability Test,? in that it is simple to use, inexpensive since no special equipment is required, shows a direct correlation with actual fabrication, is reproducible, can demonstrate the effects of welding-related variables, is sensitive to small changes in test variables (such as chemistry), and is applicable to all welding processes [1].

The NCRRCT development and history of more than 33-years in the assessment of reheat cracking as applied to Cr-Mo-V and other steels is discussed. The direct relationship of the test to the reheat cracking assessment of 2-1/4Cr-1Mo-1/4V (22V) weld deposits is defined herein for 18 different laboratory and commercial weldments. The testing employed with 22V Submerged Arc Weld (SAW) deposits shows the direct effect of tramp elements on the reheat cracking propensity of the 22V alloy.

The simplicity of the NCRRCT enables it to be used by nearly any engineering laboratory for the evaluation and ranking of 22V weld deposits. Furthermore, as borne out by the prior historical use of the test, it can readily be applied to the determination of both the base metal Heat Affected Zone (HAZ) and weld deposit sensitivity to reheat cracking. Thus, it is recommended that the NCRRCT be adopted for reheat cracking evaluations of 22V SAW welding consumables and other similar alloys.