This paper describes the work carried out at the British Gas Engineering Research Station (ERS) to assess the hydrogen induced cracking (HIC) resistance of pipeline steels using laboratory tests of the BP and NACE type. Various grades of linepipe and fittings steels have been studied and the metallurgical parameters controlling HIC resistance have been established. In particular the effects of non-metallic inclusions, sulphur content, alloy segregation and microstructure are described in detail. On the basis of these results it is suggested that pipeline steels for sour gas/oil service should have a low sulphur content (< 0.005%) and effective inclusion shape control by calcium or REM treatment. Reduction of the manganese content to the minimum possible level and the use of quenched and tempered steels would also be of benefit. Small additions of copper, nickel and/or chromium may offer some protection under certain operating conditions.

Subject
Sulfur, Hydrogen induced cracking, Materials, Microstructure, Pipelines, Calcium, Metallography, Manganese, Steel, Sulfides, Hydrophobic interaction chromatography, Quenching and tempering, Inclusions
© 1983 Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP). All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of AMPP. Positions and opinions advanced in this work are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of AMPP. Responsibility for the content of the work lies solely with the author(s).
1983
Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP)
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