Analysis of Slide Gate Mounting Bolt Failure in Steel Ladle Due to Fatigue

The mounting bolt failed during slide gate operation of a steel ladle was investigated. Metallurgical analysis confirms the bolt as IS 1367 10.9 grade high-tensile 42CrMo₄ steel. On comparative study with a good un-fractured sample, a striation of fine banded ferrite in pearlite matrix was revealed in failed bolt under optical microscopy. The bolts failed due to fatigue and crack initiated from the surface of machined bolt threads. Comparatively lower hardness, low UTS associated with lower %Cr and %Mo content found to aggravate premature failure of bolts during ladle operation. Microstructure of un-fractured sample found with tempered bainite phase. The fatigue failure of bolts occurred due to repetitive nature of shear force development during steel pouring through slide gate system. Preventive measures to reduce fatigue failure of the mounting bolts are proposed.