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Date：2025-04-30 15:45:32
Author: DTI
Hydrogen Induced Cracking (HIC) Testing: A Comprehensive Introduction
I. Definition
Hydrogen Induced Cracking (HIC) refers to the phenomenon where internal cracks form in metal materials due to hydrogen absorption from corrosion in a wet hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) environment. This phenomenon primarily occurs in carbon steel and low - alloy steel, potentially leading to material embrittlement and fracture.
II. Purpose of Testing
Hydrogen Induced Cracking testing is mainly used for:
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Assessing the resistance of pipeline steel, pressure vessel steel, and other materials to HIC in hydrogen sulfide - containing environments.
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Ensuring the safety of oil and gas pipelines and related equipment during actual use.
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Investigating the effects of different materials, manufacturing processes, and heat treatment conditions on HIC sensitivity.
III. Testing Standards
Commonly used standards for HIC testing include:
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International Standards:
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NACE TM0284: Assessment of resistance to hydrogen - induced cracking in pipeline and pressure vessel steels.
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ISO 7539 - 6: Slow - strain - rate testing.
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Chinese Standards:
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GB/T 8650 - 2015: Method for evaluating resistance to hydrogen - induced cracking in pipeline and pressure vessel steels.
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SY/T 0599 - 2018: Requirements for metals resistant to sulfide stress cracking and stress corrosion cracking in natural gas surface facilities.
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IV. Testing Principle
Under stress - free conditions, the specimen is exposed to an aqueous solution containing sulfides. Hydrogen absorption from corrosion causes internal cracking in the material. Cracks typically form along the rolling direction and may interconnect to form step - like cracks.
V. Testing Method
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Test Solutions:
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Solution A: At ambient temperature and pressure, a sodium chloride - acetic acid solution saturated with hydrogen sulfide.
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Solution B: At ambient temperature and pressure, artificial seawater saturated with hydrogen sulfide.
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Specimen Dimensions:
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The recommended dimensions are 100mm × 20mm × actual thickness (30mm).
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Test Duration:
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Typically 8 working days.
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Evaluation Indicators:
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Crack Susceptibility Ratio (CSR)
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Crack Length Ratio (CLR)
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Crack Thickness Ratio (CTR)
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VI. Testing Equipment
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Corrosion Reaction Apparatus:
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Typically made of Plexiglas to prevent corrosion by H₂S.
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Gas Supply and Control:
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Includes hydrogen sulfide gas and nitrogen gas, precisely controlled by a gas flow control cabinet and a corrosion - resistant automatic flowmeter.
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VII. Application Fields
Hydrogen Induced Cracking testing is widely used in the oil, gas, and petrochemical industries, especially in high - sulfur, high - acid crude oil processing and natural gas transmission pipelines. Through this test, the applicability of materials under specific conditions can be determined, and measures can be taken to reduce the risk of HIC.
VIII. Conclusion
Hydrogen Induced Cracking testing is an essential means to ensure the safe use of materials in wet hydrogen sulfide environments. It plays a significant role in safeguarding the reliability of oil and gas pipelines and equipment.
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