AU2012365129A1 - Low alloy steel - Google Patents

Abstract

A low alloy steel subjected to thermal treatment after welding, the low alloy steel containing, in mass%, 0.01 to 0.15% C, 3% or less Si, 3% or less Mn, 0.08% or less Al, and one or more element selected from among Ti, V and Nb in a range satisfying equation (1), the remainder being Fe and impurities, wherein the impurities contain 0.01% or less N, 0.05% or less P, 0.03% or less S, and 0.03% or less O. Said low alloy steel exhibits excellent resistance to embrittlement caused by hydrogen such as stress corrosion cracking in a wet hydrogen sulfide environment in a HAZ. Equation (1): 0.1×[C(%)]≤[Ti(%)]+[V(%)]+0.5×[Nb(%)]≤0.2. (Each element symbol in the equation represents the content (mass%) of each element.)

Description

DESCRIPTION TITLE OF THE INVENTION LOW ALLOY STEEL TECHNICAL FIELD [00011 The present invention relates to a low alloy steel. More particularly it relates to a low alloy steel in which a weld heat affected zone that has been subjected to postweld heat treatment has excellent resistance to embritlement attributable to hydrogen, such as stress corrosion cracking in wet hydrogen sulfide environments. BACKGROUND ART [00021 in the development of submarine oilfields, a steel pipe called a riser, flowline, or trunkline is used for trafnsnisslon of crude oil or natural gas between an oil well or gas well located at the bottom of the sea and a platform on the sea or between the platfii and a refinery station on the land. On the other hand, wvith the worldwide exhaustion of fossil fuels, oil fields containing much hydrogen sulfide having coiosiveness have been developed actively. A steel pipe for transmitting crude oil or natural gas exploited from oil fields containing such a corrosive gas is sometimes broken by embttlement attributaible to hydrogen forced front a corrosion reaction called hydrogen induced cracking (hereinafter, referred to as "HIC") and sulfide stress cracking (hereinafter., referred to as "SS"). Many steels developed from the viewpoint of improving the ITIC resistance and SSC resistance have traditionally been proposed. -1- [0003] For example, Patent Document I (P5-255746A) proposes a steel provided with excellent HIC resistance by defining the heat history and heat treatment conditions at the prod action tine without substantially containing Ni, Cu and Ca. Also, Patent Document 2 (JP-33639A) proposes a steel provided with HIC resistance and SSC resistance by essentiall adding Cr, Ni and Cu. Further, Patent Document 3 (JP2002-60894A) proposes a steel in which the HIC resistance and SSC resistance are enhanced by defining the specific ranges of amounts of C, Ti, N, V and 0, [00041 When a structure is assembled by using any of these steels, for example, when. a steel pipe consisting of any of these steels is laid, welding work is generally performed, Unfortunately, for example, as described in non-Patent Document 1 it is widely known that the SSC susceptibilty is increased by the increase in hardness. When a steel undergoes heating due to welding, a hardened portion is produced in a so-called weld heat affected zone (hereinafter, referred to as a "HAZ") As a result, however much the HIC resistance and SSC resistance of the steel itself are enhanced, practically sulicient performance of a welded structure cannot be achieved in many cases, [00051 Therefore, in recent years, as described in Patent Document 4 (JP2010 24504A), there has also been proposed a high-strength steel in which., by reducing the amounts of C and Mn and by containing 05% or more of Mo, the hardening of weld heat affected zone is restrained, and both of HIC resistance and SSc resistance of base metal and IAZ are achieved. [0006] As a method for reducing the hardness of weld heat affected zone. postweld heat treatment (hereinafter, referred to as "PWHT') is widely used 2

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for a Cr-Mo steel or martensitic stainless steel used for pressure vessels and the like in large amounts. For example, Patent Document 5 (JP2007 321228A) proposes a low alloy steel containing 0.5% or more of Cr assuming that PWHT of one hour per one-inch wall thickness. LIST OF PRIOR ART DOCUMENT(S) [0007] [Patent Document 1] JPS-255746A [Patent Document 2] JP6-336639A [Patent Document 31 JP2002-60894A [Patent Document 41 JP2Oi.0-24504A [Patent Document 51 JP2007-32 1228A [0008] [Non -Patent Document 1] Masan ori Kowaka, Corrosion damage and anticorrosion engineering of metal, August 25., 1983, issued by Agne Corporation, p.198 DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION [0009] According to the invention described in Patent Document 4. it is described that the hardening of weld heat affected zone is restrained, and both of HIC resistance and SSC resistance of base metal and ILAZ can be achieved. However, since Mo is an expensive element there has been desired a method or improving hydrogen embrittlement resistance of HAZ without requiring much cost [00 10] - 3 As described in Patent Document 5, PWHT brings about a certain effect. However, since importance is attached to efficiency in laying lie pipes so that welding work is performed, for example, on a ship on the sea, it is generally desirable that PWH.T be eliminated, or, even if being performed, the PWHT be perfbrmed for a very short period of time. An objective of the present invention is to provide a low alloy steel in which a UAZ subjected to PWHT, especially short-time PWHT. has excellent hydrogen embrittlement resistance in wet hydrogen sulfide envirortnments or the like. MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEMS [00121 To enhance the hydrogen embrittlement resistance of HAZ of a steel subjected to PWHT, the present inventors first examined hydrogen embrittlement of as-welded .HAZ to clarify necessary conditions. As a result, it is considered that the hydrogen embrittlement of HAZ is produced by the mechanism described below. [0013] In the case where a steel is exposed to a corrosive environment containing hydrogen sulfide. hydrogen intrudes into the steel on account of corrosion reaction. This hydrogen can move freely in the crystal lattice of the steel This hydrogen iss hydrogen The intruding diffusible hydrogen accumiulates in a dislocation or a vacancy, which is one kind of defects in the crystal lattice, and further, at the lattice strain of interface between a carbide such as cementite and a matrix to enabrittle the steel. In particular. the HAZ is heated to a high temperature by the heat history of welding, being cooled rapidly, and becomes an as-quenched 4 martensite or bainite structure. Therefore, in the HAZ., the dislocations and vacancies in which hydrogen is trapped exist densely as compared with a thermally refined base metal and cementite also disperses. For this reason, it is considered that the HAZ is highly susceptible to hydrogen embrittlement as compared with the base metal. [0014] In the case where PWHT is performed, the density of dislocations or vacancies is reduced, and softening advances, and on the other hand, cementite precipitates. Therefore, especially in the case where sufficient softening does not occur due to short-time PWHT it is considered that the reduction effect of hydrogen embrittlement susceptibility is not high because of a trade- off with the precipitation of cementite. [0015] Accordingly, in order to enhance the hydrogen embrittlement resistance of HAZ to which PWHT has been applied, the present inventors attempted to optimize the alloying elements. As a result, it was fund that, in order to enhance the hydrogen embrittlement susceptibility of HAZ to which PWHT has been applied, it is effective to contain one or more kinds of any of Ti, V and Nb The reason for this is considered to be as follows [00161 Each of the elements of Ti, V and Nb has a high affinity for carbn as compared with iron, and therefore forms fine MX-type carbides in the process of PWHT, The MX-type carbides have a high consistency with a parent phase as compared with cementite, so that the lattice strain of interface with the matrix is small, and the amount of occlusion of diffusible hydrogen in the carbides is large. Therefore, it is considered that, when hydrogen intrudes die to corrosion reaction, the accumulation site of diffusible hydrogen is dispersed, whereby remarkable hydrogen accumulation and formation of enbrittlement starting g polnt due to this acaumulationare restrained, and embrittlement is resultantly alleviated. [001.7] It was verified that a proper amount of Ti. V and Nb must be contained as the amount of C increases, that is., as the hardenability of HAZ at the cooling time of welding is higher, as the density of dislocations or vacancies is higher, and as the driving force of precipitation of cementite at the application time of PWHT is higher. Specifically, it was verified that one or more kinds selected from Ti, V and Nb must be contained in the range satisfying Formula 0.1 x [C(%)] [Ti(%)] + [V(%)] + 0,5 x [Nb(%)] . 0.2 (1) where, the symbol of element in the formula represents the content (mass%) of each element. [001.8] The present invention has been made based on the above-described findings, and the gist thereof is low alloy steels described in the following items [1] to [6] [0019] [1] A low alloy steel subjected to post weld heat treatment, containing, by mass percent, of C: 0 01 to 01%, Si: 3% or less, Mn: 3% or less, and Al: 0,08% or less, one or more kinds of elements selected from Ti, V and Nb: the range satisfying Formula (1), and the balance being Fe and imupurites, wherein in the impurties 6- N: 0O01% or less, P: 0.05% rless, S 0.03% or less, and 0: 0.03% or less 0.1x [C(%] M [i(%)] + [V(%)] + 0.5 x [Nb/)] 0.2 (1 where, the symbol of element in the formula represents the content (mass%) of each element. [00201 [2] The low alluy steel described in item [1], wherein the low alloy steel continus, by mass percent, Cr and/or Mo, 15% or less in total in lieu of a part of Fe. [002 1] [3] The low alloy stool described in item [1] or [21, wherein the low alloy steel contains, by mass percent, Ni and/or Cu. 0.'% or less in total in lieu of a part of Fe. [0022] [4] The low alloy steel described in any one of items [11 to [31, wherein the low alloy steel contains, by mass percent, Ca and/or Mg: 0.05% or less in total. in lieu of a part of Fe. [00231 [51 The low alloy steel described in. any one of items [1] to [41, wherein the low alloy steel contains, by mass percent, B: the range satisfying Formula (2) in lieu of a part of Fe' [B(%)] < 01x [C(%) ,. (2) where, the symbol of element in the formula represents the content (mass%) of e ach element [0024]1 - 7 - [6] The low alloy steel described in any one of items [1] to [5], wherein post weld heat treatment is performed under the condition satisfying Formula 8000 !: T x {20 + log(tJ3600) - 15000 () where, T is tre tment temperatLure (c) of postweld heat treatment, and t is treatment time (see) of postweld heat treatment. ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECT(S) OF THE INVENTION [0025] According to the present invention, there can be provided a low alloy steel in which a HAZ subjected to PWHT, especially short-time PWHT, has excellent hydrogen einbrittlement resistance in wet hydrogena sulfide environments or the like. MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION [0026] Hereunder, the range of chemical composition of the low alloy steel in accordance with the present invention and the reason for restricting the chemical composition are explained. In the following explanation, "%< representing the content of each eletnent means "mass%". [0027] C& 0.01 to 0.15% C (carbon) is an element effective in enhancing the hardenability of steel and increasing the strength thereof In order to achieve these effects, 0.01% or more of C must be contained. However, if the content of C exceeds 0.15%. when PWHT is performed, a large amount of cementite is precipitated. and the hydrogen embrittlenent susceptibility of HAZ is enhanced. Therefore, the C - 8content is set to 0.01 to 0.15%, The lower limit of the C content is preferably 0.03%, The C content is preferably 0,12% or less, [0028] Si; 3% or less Si (silicon) is an element effective for deoxidation, but brings about a decrease in toughness if being contained excessively. Therefore the Si content is set to 3% or less. The Si content is preferably 2% or less, The lower limit of the Si content is not particularly defined: however, even if the Si content is decreased, the deoxidizing effect decreases, the cleanliness of steel is deteriorated, and an excessive decrease in the Si content leads to an increase in production cost, Therefore, the Si content is preferably 0.01% or more. [00291 Mn: 3% or less Like Si, Mn (manganese) is an element effective for deoxidation, and also is an element contributing to the enhancement of hard.enability of steel and to the increase in strength thereof. However if Mn is contained excessively, remarkable hardening of HAZ is caused, and the hydrogen embrittlement susceptibility is enhanced, Therefore, the Mn content is set to 3% or less. The lower limit of the Mn content is not particularly defined; however, in order to achieve the strength increasing effect of Mn, 0,2% or more of Mn is preferably contained. The lower limit thereof is further preferably 0.4%, and the preferable upper limit thereof is 2,8%, [0030] Al: 0,08% or less Al (aluminum) is an element effective for deoxidation, but if being contained excessively, the effect is saturated, and also the toughness is decreased, Therefore, the Al content is set to 0.08% or less. The Al content is preferably 0.06% or less. The lower limit of the Al content is not particularly define however, n excessive decrease in the Al content does not sufficiently achieve the deoxidizing effect, deteriorates the cleanliness of steel, and also increases the production cost. Therefore, 0.001% or more of Al is preferably contained. The Al content in the present invention means the content of acid soluble Al (so-called "sol.A]). One or more kinds selected front Ti (titanium), V (vanadium) and Nb (niobium): in the range satisfying Formula (1): 0.1 x [C(%)] < [Ti(%] + [(% + 0.5 x [NP(%)] s 0 2 - (1) where, the symbol of element in the formula. represents the content (mass%) of each element. These elements form fine M-type carbaides in the process of PWHT, and enhance the hydrogen embrittlement resistance. In order to achieve this effect, "[Ti(%)1 + [V(%)] + 0.5 x [NI(%" must be 0.1 x [C(%)] or more. However, if the content of these elements is excessively high, the carnides are coarsened, and rather the hydrogen embrittlement susceptibility is enhanced and the toughness is decreased. Therefore, "[Ti(%)] + [V(%)] + 0.5 x [Nb(%" must be 0,2% or less. The upper limit thereof is preferably 0.18% further preferably 0.15%. [00321 The low alloy steel in accordance with the present Invention contains the above-described elements, and the balance consists of Fe and impurities. The "impurities" mean components that are mixed on account of various factors including raw materials such as ore or scrap when a steel material is produced on an industrial scale. Of the impurities, concerning the elements described below, the content thereof must be restricted stringently. [0033] IN .061% or less - 10 - N (nitrogen) exists in the steel as an impurity. Nitrogen produces embrittlement when fine carbo-nitrides are formed, and decreases the toughness even when being dissolved. Therefore, the N content must be restricted to 0.01% or less. The N content is preferably 0.008% or less. The lower limit of the N content is not particularly defined however. an excessive decrease in the N content leads to a remarkable increase in production cost. Thereire, the lower liniit of the N content is preferably 0,0001%, 10084] P: 0.05% or less P (phosphorus) exists in the steel as an impurity, Phosphorus segregates at grain boundaries in HAZ, and decreases the toughness, Therefore. the P content is restricted to 0.05% or less. The lower limit of the P content is not particularly defined; however, an excessive decrease in the P content leads to a remarkable increase in production cost. Therefore, the lower limit of the P content is preferably 0,001%. [00,35-1 S: 0.03% or less Like P. S (sulfur) exists in the steel as an impurity, Sulfur ibrms sulfides In a steel material, and since the interface with a matrix acts as an accumulation site of hydrogen, S enhances the hydrogen embritdement susceptibility, and also decreases the HIAZ toughness, Therefore, the S content is restricted to 0.03% or less, more severely than P. The lower limit of the S content is not particularly defined however, an excessive decrease in the S content leads to a remarkable increase in production cost. Therefore, the lower limit of the S content is preferably 0.0001%. [00361 0: 0,03% or Less -11 0 (oxygen) exists in the steel as an impurity If much 0 is contained, large amounts of oxides are formed, and the workability and ductility are deteriorated. Therefore, the 0 content must be set to 0.03% or less. The 0 content is preferably 0.025% or less. The lower limit of the 0 content need not particularly be defined; however, an excessie decrease in the 0 content leads to a remarkable increase in production cost. Therefore, the 0 content is preferably 0.0005% or more. [0037) The low alloy steel in accordance with the present invention May contain the elements described below in lieu of a part of Fe. [0038] Cr and/or Mo 15% or less in total At least one of Cr (chromium) and Mo (molybdenum) may be contained because these elements enhance the hardenability and contribute to the improve emenat in strength, However, if the contents thereof are excessively Thigh, these elements precipitate as carbides to hinder the carbide of Ti and the like and to enhance the hydrogen embrittlement susceptibility. Therefore, if Cr and/or Mo are contained., the contents thereof are set to 15% or less in total. The lower limit of the contents of Cr and/or Mo is preferably 0.02%, further preferably 0,05%. The upper limit thereof is preferably 1.2%. [0039] Ni and/or Cut 0.8% or less in total At least one of Ni (nickel) and Cu (copper) nay be contained because these elements enhance the harden ability and contribute to the improvement in strength. However, even if these elements are contained excessively, not only the effects are saturated, but also the cost is increased. Therefore, if Ni and/or Cu are contained, the contents thereof are set to 0.8% or less in total. 12

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The lower limit of the contents of Ni and/or Cu, if added, is preferably 0.02%, further preferably 0.05%. The upper limit thereof is preferably 0.%. [0040] Ca and/or Mg" 0.05% or lss in total At least one of Ca (calcium) and Mg (magnesiun) may be contained because these elements improve the hot workability of steel However, if the contents thereof are excessively high, these elements combine with oxygen to reinarkably decase the cleanliness, so that the hot workability may rather be deteriorated Therefore, if at least one kind of these elements is contained, the contents thereof are set to 0.05% or less in total. The lower limit of the contents of Ca and/or Mg is preferably 0.0005%, further preferably 0.001%. The upper limit thereof is preferably 0,03%. [0041] B: in the range satisfying Formula (2) [B(%)] < 0. 1x [0(%) ,] (2 where, the symbol of element in the formula represents the content (mass%) of each element. B (boron) may be contained because it segregates at the grain boundaries, so that It restrains the precipitation of ferrite from the grain bouncndaries, thereby enhancing the hardenability indirectly, and contributes to the improvement in strength. However, if B is contained excessively, in the process of PWHT, B ,precipitates as borides or is replaced with C and dissolves in cementite. further increasing the lattice strain with a matrix, and therefore may decrease the hydrogen embrittlement resistance, Therefore, if B is contained, the content of B is preferably in the range satisfying Formuda (2), The lower limit of the B content is preferably 0,0001%, further preferably 0.0005%. [0042] -13- The conditions of PWHT performed for the low alloy steel in accordance with the present invention are not subject to anyspec'al restrict ion. However when PWHT is performed under the condition satisfying Formula (3), the low alloy steel in accordance with the present invention achieves excellent effects: 8000 T x {20 + log(t/3600)) < 15000 (3) where, T is treatment temperature ('C) of postweld heat treatment, and t is treatment time (see) of postweld heat treatment. If "T x {20 + log(t/3600" is less than 8000, there is a possibility that the hydrogen embrittlement resistance of HIAZ of steel material consisting of the low alloy steel in accordance with the present invention cannot be enhanced. On the other hand, if 1"T x {20 + 1og(t/3600)" exceeds 15000, the coarsening of fine MX-type carbides consisting of Ti or the like advances, so that sufficient hydrogen embrittlement resistance can not be obtained, and also the strength of steel including the weld zone is decreased. remarkably. Therefore, the PWHT performed for the low alloy steel in accordance with the present invention is preferably carried out under the condition satisfying Formula (3), [0043] In particular, the PWHT is preferably carried out in the temperature range of 500 to 750*C for 30 to 600 seconds. The reason for this is that fine MX-type carbide are formed stably by short-time PWHT. whereby the hydrogen embrittlement resistance is enhan ced, and. also an extreme increase in cost caused by long-time PWHT in actual work is restrained. In particular, the PWHT time is preferably set to 300 seconds or shorter. [0044] The low alloy steel of the present invention preferably has a yield strength (YS) of 552 MPa or higher. The reason for this is that, for a low alloy steel having a high strength, by PWHT, the strength of steel including the weld zone is decreased remarkably, and the merit of improvement in hydrogen 14 embrittlenient resistance brought about by short-time PWHT can be further obtaied. EXAMPLE(S) [0045] To confirm the effects of the present invention, the. experinents described below were conducted. A test material was prepared by mahnn a 12 mm-thick low alloy steel plate having the chemical composition given in Table 1 into a 12 mm square and a 100 mm length. This test material was subjected to HAZ'simidlated thermal cycle in which the test material was heated to a temperature of 1350 0 C, at which the hardening of HAZ was remarkable, for 3 seconds by high-frequency induction heating, and thereafter was rapidly cooled. By using this test material, the tes described below were conducted, [00461 <Tension test> In confbrmity to JIS Z2241, a round-har tensile test specimen having a parallel part diameter of 6 mm and a parallel part length of 1.0 mm was sampled from the obtained test material, and a tension test was conducted at normal temperature. [0047] <,CC resistance test> A test specimen having a thickness of 2 mm, a width of 10 mm, and a length of 75 mm was sampled from the obtained test material, and the SC resistance was evaluted by a four-point bending test in conformity to EFC16 specified by the. European Federation of Corrosion. In the test, after a stress corresponding to 50% of 0,2% yield stress, which vas derived from the tension test, had been applied to the sampled test pecimen by four-point bending, the .15 test specimen was immersed in a 5% common salt + 0.5% acetic acid aqueous solution 0of normal temperature (24 0 C), in which I atm hydrogen sul-fide gas is saturate d, it 336 hours,-, whereby the presenJIce of occurrence of SSC Was examined. Test No. in which SSG did niot occur was.,, made acceptable. a ind test No. in which SSC occurred was made unacceptable. [0048] These tost results arc given in Table 2. [00494] ___ TABLE I 4! If' Q2Nj 41 J,'~ ---- ---- ' --- -- - --3 ---,. 44.... If' 2 --- ;4 It -- '-32 m ... ........... ''.. . ' o - 1 --- -- "-:1 , --- --- --- ----- C-i '; ------ --- '-- ----- ---- ' 4' 442 W3 to Um '2 ]' 3-o4' '04 _,I t o? '-00'4&~ P303 17 '".0 " : 43'' '43 41< i:'3 - --- --- - '- v -------- ----c ' "'""'\li~li''L31 VdL f 2((-, "'(''j .811N .. ... ..- ----- --- -- --- o-d ] - --- - -- oil1 co TABLE 2 Condition of PWHT Property Evaluation No. of of No. Temperature Time Formula (3) SSC Test T (*C) t (see) X1 Al 500 30 8,960 No SSC X2 Al 600 30 10,752 a No SSC X3 Al 750 30 13,441 _ No SSC X4 Al 500 600 9,611 s No SSC X5 Al 600 300 11,352 No SSC X6 A2 600 30 10,752 No SSC X7 A3 600 30 10,752 No SSC X8 A4 600 30 10,752 No SSC X9 AS 600 30 10,752 2 No SSC X10 A6 600 30 10,752 No SSO X11 A7 600 30 10,752 No SSC X12 A8 600 30 10,752 No SSC Y1 Al not performed x SSC Y2 A7 not performed x $3C Y3 B1* 600 30 10,752 SSC Y4 B2* 600 30 10,752 SSC Y5 B3* 600 30 10,752 SSC Y6 B4* 600 30 10,752 SSC Y7 B5* 600 30 10,752 SSC indicates it is not satisfy the claimed range, @ indicates the cafrdated value of T x { 20 + og(t/3600. [O1 As shown. in Table 2, in test Nos X1 to X12, the occurrence of SSC was not recognized in the four-point bending test. Contrarily, in test Nos. YI and Y2 although the chenaical components met the requirements of the present invention, since PWHT was not perforined, MX-type carbides did not pretipitate, and 50 occurred. In test Nos. Y3 and Y4, since the addition -17 amounts of Ti Nb and V which were constiuent elements of MX-tvpe carbides contained in the steel, were small, and the predetermined relationship with C was not satisfied, sufficient amounts of MX-type carbide did not precipitate, and SSC occurred. In test No. Y5, since the addition amounts of

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i, Nb and V were inversely too large, MX-type carbides precipitate coarsely, and SSC occurred. In test No. Y6, although B was added, the addition amount thereof was excessive, so that SSC occurred. Further, in test No. YT, since Cr and Mo were contained excessively, the carbides thereof were precipitated by PWFIT, and IX-type carbides were not formed stably, so that SSC occurred. INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY [0052] According to the present invention, there can be provided a low alloy steel in which a I-AZ subjected to PWHT, especially short- time PWHT, has excellent hydrogen embrittement resistance in wet hydrogen sulfide environments or the like, This low alloy steel is best suitable as a starting material of a steel pipe fur the transmission of crude oil or natural gas. 18 -

Claims (3)

1. A low alloy steel subjected to post weld heat treatment, containing, by mass percent, of C: 0.01 to 0.15%, Si: 3% or less, Mn: 3% or less, and Al: 0.08% or less, one or more kinds of elements selected from Ti, V and Nb: the range satisfying Formula (1), and the balance being Fe and impurities, wherein in the impurities, N: 0.01% or less, P: 0.05% or less, S: 0.03% or less, and 0: 0.03% or less: 0.1 x [C(%N)] [Ti(%)] + [V(%)] + 0.5 x [Nb(%N)] 0.2 ... (1) where, the symbol of element in the formula represents the content (mass%) of each element.

2. A low alloy steel subjected to post weld heat treatment, containing, by mass percent, of C: 0.01 to 0.15%, Si: 3 % or less, Mn: 3 % or less, and Al: 0.08% or less, one or more kinds of elements selected from Ti, V and Nb: the range satisfying Formula (1), and the balance being Fe and impurities, wherein in the impurities, N: 0.01% or less, P: 0.05% or less, S: 0.03% or less, and 0: 0.03% or less: The low alloy steel according to claim 1, wherein the low alloy steel contains, by mass percent, - 19 - (A) Cr and/or Mo: 1.5% or less in total (B) .Ni and/or Cu: 0.8% or less in total (C) Ca and/or Mg: 0.05% or less in total (D) B: the range satisfying Formula (2): 0.1 x [C(% 0 )] [Ti(%)] + [V(%)] + 0.5 x [Nb(%o)] 0.2 ... (1) [B(%)] < 0.1 x [C(%)] ... (2) where, the symbol of element in the formula represents the content (mass%) of each element.

3. The low alloy steel according to claim 1 or 2, wherein post weld heat treatment is performed under the condition satisfying Formula (3): 8000 T x {20 + log(t/3600)} 15000 ... (3) where, T is treatment temperature (C) of post weld heat treatment, and t is treatment time (sec) of post weld heat treatment. - 20 -