Metallurgical investigation of a failed pressure ring sample used in an electric arc furnace

► Microstructural study of a prematurely failed pressure ring sample carried out.
► Wide variation in the microstructures observed in two sides of the crack.
► SEM–EDS analysis confirmed compositional variations in two sides.
► Improper casting conditions had led to structural inhomogeneity.
► Differential thermal expansion on heating resulted in crack initiation and failure.