Coal gasification processes, as well as many other advanced energy conversion systems, involve the containment of hydrogen-rich environments at various temperatures up to 2000 C (1093 F) and pressures up to 7 MN/m2 (1000 psi). The requirements for hydrogen containment at high temperatures and pressures have existed for a number of years in the ammonia and petroleum hydrorefining industries. In principle, much of this technology is directly applicable to the anticipated requirements of advanced energy conversion systems. The primary design method employed by the petrochemical industry in the selection of a containment material for a specific application has been the use of the Nelson curves(1). The Nelson curves have been constructed from data accumulated over the years from experience with industrial material failure and from satisfactory operating conditions. These curves delineate the safe and unsafe hydrogen pressure-temperature regimes for carbon and alloy steel in a purely empirical manner. Successive revisions of the curves widen the operating limits under which hydrogen attack is observed by lowering the allowable temperature or pressure for safe usage of a given steel.

Subject
Scanning electron microscopy, Hydrogen sulfide, Sulfur, Metal surfaces, Iron sulfides, Hydrogen attack, Fissures, Manganese, Bubbling, Methane, Scale, Risk reduction, Hydrogen
© 1978 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).
1978
Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP)
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