Heat Resistant & Cr-Mo
ER90S-B3 for P22 & T22
ER90S-B3 welding wire is an AWS A5.28 low-alloy Cr-Mo solid welding wire for P22, T22 and other compatible 2.25Cr-1Mo steels used in high-temperature piping, boiler, refinery and power-generation applications. ER90S-B3 is a 2.25Cr-1Mo low-alloy welding wire designed for compatible P22 and T22 steels. It is commonly used for high-temperature piping, boilers, pressure vessels, heat exchangers, refineries, petrochemical equipment and power-generation systems.
ER90S-B3 Welding Wire
ER90S-B3 is an AWS A5.28 low-alloy solid welding wire for compatible 2.25Cr-1Mo steels, including P22 and T22, where controlled Cr-Mo weld-metal chemistry and high-temperature service performance are required.
It is widely associated with P22 welding wire, T22 welding wire, and 2.25Cr-1Mo applications in power generation, refinery, petrochemical and high-temperature process equipment.
ER90S-B3 can be supplied for GMAW/MIG and GTAW/TIG applications, depending on product form and the qualified welding procedure.
ER90S-B3 at a Glance
Item | Details |
|---|---|
AWS Classification | ER90S-B3 |
Specification | AWS A5.28 / ASME SFA-5.28 |
Alloy System | 2.25Cr-1Mo |
Strength Class | ER90 |
Typical Base Materials | P22, T22 and compatible 2.25Cr-1Mo steels |
Welding Processes | GMAW/MIG, GTAW/TIG |
Typical Applications | High-temperature piping, boilers, refinery and power-generation equipment |
Product Form | Solid wire / TIG rod |
Documentation | TDS, MTC/CoA and project documentation as required |
AWS A5.28 covers classification requirements for low-alloy steel electrodes and rods used with gas-shielded welding processes including GMAW and GTAW. The current AWS specification is A5.28/A5.28M:2026.
Why ER90S-B3 Is Selected for P22 and T22
The main selection point is not simply the ER90 strength level.
ER90S-B3 belongs to the 2.25Cr-1Mo consumable system, making it a relevant choice for compatible Cr-Mo steels such as P22 and T22.
For these applications, consumable selection should consider:
Base Material → Weld-Metal Chemistry → Strength → Welding Procedure → PWHT → Service Conditions
This is why a higher-strength welding wire is not automatically a suitable replacement for ER90S-B3.
The 2.25Cr-1Mo Welding System
ER90S-B3 is commonly associated with the following material grades:
- ASTM A335 P22
- ASTM A213 T22
- ASTM A182 F22
- ASTM A387 Grade 22
- ASTM A234 WP22
- Other compatible 2.25Cr-1Mo steels
AWS material-grouping information also identifies T22 and WP22 within the 2.25Cr-1Mo material family.
These materials are commonly encountered in elevated-temperature piping, boiler components, pressure equipment and process systems.
ER90S-B3 Chemical Composition
ER90S-B3 uses a controlled Cr-Mo chemistry centered on approximately 2.25% chromium and 1% molybdenum.
Typical classification requirements include:
Element | ER90S-B3 Requirement, wt.% |
|---|---|
C | 0.07–0.12 |
Mn | 0.40–0.70 |
Si | 0.40–0.70 |
P | ≤0.025 |
S | ≤0.025 |
Cr | 2.30–2.70 |
Ni | ≤0.20 |
Mo | 0.90–1.20 |
Cu | ≤0.35 |
These values describe the classification requirements rather than the exact chemistry of every production batch. Published manufacturer data for ER90S-B3 show the same principal Cr-Mo composition ranges.
For a specific order, the supplied TDS and MTC/CoA should be used to verify actual batch chemistry.
Mechanical Performance
ER90S-B3 is classified in the ER90 strength group.
Typical minimum classification requirements include:
Property | Minimum Requirement |
|---|---|
Yield Strength | 540 MPa / 78 ksi |
Tensile Strength | 620 MPa / 90 ksi |
Elongation | 17% |
Published ER90S-B3 product data also show that actual weld-metal results can exceed these minimum classification values depending on welding process and PWHT condition.
Actual project performance should therefore be verified using the applicable WPS/PQR, product TDS and MTC/CoA rather than relying only on generic values.
P22 Welding with ER90S-B3
For buyers searching specifically for P22 welding wire, ER90S-B3 is a key Cr-Mo filler metal to evaluate.
P22 is a 2.25Cr-1Mo steel used in elevated-temperature equipment. ER90S-B3 is designed around the corresponding Cr-Mo consumable system.
Typical applications include:
- High-temperature piping
- Boiler piping
- Steam systems
- Heat exchangers
- Refinery process equipment
- Power-generation equipment
- Pressure and process components
The actual consumable selection must follow the applicable construction code and qualified welding procedure.
T22 Welding Applications
T22 welding wire is another important search intent for ER90S-B3.
T22 is commonly encountered in boiler and heat-transfer equipment where elevated-temperature performance is required.
ER90S-B3 may be considered for compatible T22 applications involving:
- Boiler tubes
- Superheater components
- Reheater components
- Steam-related systems
- Heat-transfer equipment
- Power-generation components
For critical joints, the approved WPS/PQR determines the applicable filler metal, welding parameters and thermal treatment.
Where ER90S-B3 Fits in Cr-Mo Welding
Instead of choosing a consumable by strength alone, buyers should first identify the Cr-Mo material family.
A simplified selection path is:
P11 / T11 → ER80S-B2
P22 / T22 → ER90S-B3
P5 / T5 → ER80S-B6
P9 / T9 → ER80S-B8
P91 / T91 → ER90S-B91
P92 / T92 → ER90S-B92
These are application-oriented associations, not blanket substitution rules. The qualified welding procedure and applicable code remain controlling.
ER90S-B3 vs Other Cr-Mo Welding Wires
ER90S-B3 vs ER80S-B2
The main difference is the Cr-Mo material system.
| ER90S-B3 | ER80S-B2 |
|---|---|---|
Alloy System | 2.25Cr-1Mo | 1.25Cr-0.5Mo |
Typical Steel | P22 / T22 | P11 / T11 |
Strength Class | ER90 | ER80 |
Typical Role | 2.25Cr-1Mo applications | 1.25Cr-0.5Mo applications |
P22/T22 → B3
P11/T11 → B2
ER90S-B3 vs ER80S-B6
| ER90S-B3 | ER80S-B6 |
|---|---|---|
Alloy System | 2.25Cr-1Mo | 5Cr-0.5Mo |
Typical Steel | P22 / T22 | P5 / T5 |
Strength Class | ER90 | ER80 |
Chromium Level | ~2.25% | ~5% |
Typical Service | High-temperature Cr-Mo systems | Higher-Cr refinery and process applications |
The difference in chromium content means these wires belong to different consumable systems and should not be selected by tensile strength alone.
ER90S-B3 vs ER80S-B8
| ER90S-B3 | ER80S-B8 |
|---|---|---|
Alloy System | 2.25Cr-1Mo | 9Cr-1Mo |
Typical Steel | P22 / T22 | P9 / T9 |
Strength Class | ER90 | ER80 |
Chromium Level | ~2.25% | ~9% |
Typical Role | 2.25Cr-1Mo applications | 9Cr-1Mo applications |
For a P22 joint, moving to a higher-chromium filler simply because it has similar or higher strength is not an appropriate substitution assumption.
ER90S-B3 vs ER90S-B91 and B92
This is an important distinction for buyers working with modern power-generation materials.
| ER90S-B3 | ER90S-B91 | ER90S-B92 |
|---|---|---|---|
Typical Steel | P22 / T22 | P91 / T91 | P92 / T92 |
Main Alloy System | 2.25Cr-1Mo | Modified 9Cr-1Mo-V-Nb | Modified 9Cr-W-Mo-V-Nb |
Strength Class | ER90 | ER90 | ER90 |
Typical Service | High-temperature Cr-Mo | High-temperature / creep-resistant | Advanced high-temperature / creep-resistant |
P22/T22 → B3
P91/T91 → B91
P92/T92 → B92
The base material grade is therefore a much more useful starting point than the ER80/ER90 strength designation alone.
What About ER90S-B9?
ER90S-B9 is associated with the older Grade 91 consumable designation, while ER90S-B91 is the current classification used for Grade 91 applications.
For customers working from older drawings, specifications or purchasing documents, the exact designation should be checked before ordering.
For current Grade 91 projects, use the applicable current AWS classification and qualified WPS/PQR.
Welding Process Options
GMAW / MIG
ER90S-B3 can be supplied as solid wire for GMAW applications.
Important variables include:
- Wire diameter
- Shielding gas
- Current
- Voltage
- Wire-feed speed
- Travel speed
- Heat input
Published manufacturer data list ER90S-B3 products for MIG/GMAW as well as TIG/GTAW applications.
Actual parameters should follow the qualified WPS.
GTAW / TIG
ER90S-B3 is also available as TIG filler rod.
GTAW is commonly considered for:
- Pipe root passes
- Precision welding
- Critical joints
- Controlled deposition
- Repair applications
Shielding gas and purge requirements must follow the qualified procedure and product specification.
P22 Welding Procedure: What Should Be Controlled?
For P22 and T22 welding, thermal-cycle control is an important part of the procedure.
Depending on the material and project requirements, the WPS may control:
Preheat → Interpass Temperature → Heat Input → Welding Sequence → Cooling → PWHT
The exact temperature range and holding time should not be copied from a generic product page.
They depend on factors such as:
- Base-metal grade
- Thickness
- Joint configuration
- Welding process
- Heat input
- Applicable construction code
- WPS/PQR requirements
For critical Cr-Mo fabrication, always follow the approved welding procedure.
Typical Applications
ER90S-B3 is commonly encountered in applications where compatible 2.25Cr-1Mo weld metal is required.
Power Generation
- Boiler piping
- Steam systems
- Superheater and reheater components
- High-temperature piping
- Power-plant equipment
Refinery and Petrochemical
- Process piping
- Heat exchangers
- Pressure equipment
- High-temperature process systems
- Refinery equipment
Industrial Equipment
- Cr-Mo piping
- High-temperature components
- Compatible pressure equipment
- Turbine-related components
Published ER90S-B3 product data identify petrochemical, power-plant, piping, turbine and steam-related applications.
How to Order ER90S-B3
Before requesting a quotation, provide the information below:
1. AWS Classification
ER90S-B3 or the classification specified by the WPS.
2. Base Material
P22, T22, F22 or another Cr-Mo grade.
3. Welding Process
GMAW/MIG or GTAW/TIG.
4. Diameter
Required wire or rod diameter.
5. Application
Boiler, piping, refinery, petrochemical, power generation or other service.
6. Documentation
TDS, MTC/CoA, inspection certificates or project-specific documents.
7. Quantity and Packaging
Spool, TIG rod or another required format.
Diameter and Packaging
ER90S-B3 can be supplied in different diameters and package formats depending on the welding process and product form.
Typical product formats may include:
- GMAW/MIG spools
- GTAW/TIG rods
- Different wire diameters
- Standard industrial packaging
- Project-specific packaging where available
Published manufacturer products include both MIG spool and TIG rod formats.
Available sizes and packaging should be confirmed against the actual supply program.
Technical Documentation
For industrial ER90S-B3 purchasing, available documentation may include:
TDS · MTC/CoA · Chemical Composition · Mechanical Properties · Impact Data Where Applicable · Certificate of Conformity · Packaging Information
For pressure, boiler, refinery or power-generation projects, confirm documentation requirements before ordering.
FAQ
What is ER90S-B3 welding wire?
ER90S-B3 is an AWS A5.28 low-alloy welding wire based on the 2.25Cr-1Mo alloy system and commonly used for compatible P22 and T22 applications.
What is ER90S-B3 used for?
It is commonly associated with P22/T22 welding in high-temperature piping, boilers, refinery equipment, petrochemical systems and power-generation applications.
Is ER90S-B3 suitable for P22 steel?
ER90S-B3 is commonly used with compatible P22 applications. Final selection must follow the qualified WPS/PQR and applicable code.
Is ER90S-B3 suitable for T22 steel?
Yes, ER90S-B3 is associated with compatible T22 applications, subject to the project welding procedure and applicable requirements.
What is the difference between ER90S-B3 and ER80S-B2?
ER90S-B3 is associated with the 2.25Cr-1Mo / P22-T22 system, while ER80S-B2 is associated with the 1.25Cr-0.5Mo / P11-T11 system.
What is the difference between ER90S-B3 and ER80S-B6?
ER90S-B3 is associated with 2.25Cr-1Mo, while ER80S-B6 is associated with the higher-chromium 5Cr-0.5Mo system.
What is the difference between ER90S-B3 and ER80S-B8?
B3 is associated with P22/T22, while B8 is associated with P9/T9 and 9Cr-1Mo steels.
What is the difference between ER90S-B3 and ER90S-B91?
B3 is associated with P22/T22 and 2.25Cr-1Mo steels, while B91 is associated with P91/T91 Grade 91 steels.
Can ER80S-B2 be substituted for ER90S-B3?
Do not assume substitution. The base material, weld-metal chemistry, WPS/PQR and applicable code must support the selected consumable.
Can ER90S-B3 be used for P91?
Do not assume substitution. P91 requires the appropriate Grade 91 consumable system and qualified welding procedure.
Does ER90S-B3 require PWHT?
PWHT requirements depend on the base material, thickness, welding procedure and applicable code. Follow the approved WPS/PQR.
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