Hydrogen induced cracking (HIC) - Laboratory testing assessment of low alloy steel linepipe

Abstract : As a first step, a literature survey was undertaken on Hydrogen Induced Cracking (HIC) phenomena. Material and metallurgical parameters were investigated; in addition the various testing methodologies, environments and pass/fail criteria used for HIC fit-for-purpose (FFP) (1) testing were assessed. The literature sources suggested a variety of methodologies that can be used for FFP HIC testing. However, a universally applicable FFP test method was not identified. Therefore, an experimental study was launched to establish a suitable methodology and better define the key parameters involved in HIC phenomena. The use of "sweet service 1 The FFP terminology is used in accordance with the NACE MR0175/ISO 15156, where the following definition is given: "suitability for use under the expected service conditions".