Hydrogen related degradation in pipeline steel: A review

Hydrogen embrittlement of low carbon structural steel at macro-, micro- and nano-levels

Hydrogen induced cracking of pipeline and pressure vessel steels: A review

External corrosion of oil and gas pipelines: A review of failure mechanisms and predictive preventions

A focus on different factors affecting hydrogen induced cracking in oil and natural gas pipeline steel

Hydrogen induced cracking (HIC) remains a prominent issue for oil and gas exploration in challenging environments. This assessment discusses HIC in light of hydrogen transport through pipeline steel microstructures and crack initiation and propagation processes. While there has been significant research in hydrogen permeation through steel alloys, additional understanding is necessary in microstructures specific to pipeline steels. Furthermore, a standard model for crack initiation and propagation processes needs to be established; a fracture mechanics based model, which has been used by some researchers, is presented in the present paper to predict crack propagation. Advanced characterisation techniques can help elucidate mechanisms of hydrogen induced crack growth. Ultimately, linking hydrogen transport and cracking processes during HIC will enable optimised alloy and microstructure design.

Critical Assessment 17: Mechanisms of hydrogen induced cracking in pipeline steels

Critical assessment 19: mechanisms of hydrogen induced cracking in pipeline steels

In Situ X-ray Diffraction Investigation of Hydrogen Effects on Deformation-Induced Phase Transformation in Forged and Additively Manufactured 304L Stainless Steels

Challenges Concerning the Characterization of Cementite in Low Carbon Steel Using Electron Backscatter Diffraction

Steels used in “sour service” in the oil and gas industry are subjected to harsh, corrosive internal environments containing high partial pressures of hydrogen sulfide (H2S). During sour service, the presence of H2S allows for enhanced hydrogen ingress into the steel and subsequent internal cracking, a process called hydrogen induced cracking (HIC). The diffusion of hydrogen atoms and subsequent cracking is affected by the microstructural features present in the steel in two ways: local diffusivity and hydrogen “trapping”. The steels utilized for these applications are fine grain thermomechanically processed alloys with complex microstructures that include microconstituents such as polygonal ferrite, quasi-polygonal ferrite, pearlite, martensite/austenite constituents, and carbonitrides precipitates. The current industrial practice is to keep yield strength of sour service pipeline steels low. However, if the role various microstructural features play in crack initiation and propagation events could be elucidated, it is possible that higher strength steels could be developed for use in sour service environments.

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M. K. O'Brien

Papers

Critical Assessment 17: Mechanisms of hydrogen induced cracking in pipeline steels

Critical assessment 19: mechanisms of hydrogen induced cracking in pipeline steels

In Situ X-ray Diffraction Investigation of Hydrogen Effects on Deformation-Induced Phase Transformation in Forged and Additively Manufactured 304L Stainless Steels

Challenges Concerning the Characterization of Cementite in Low Carbon Steel Using Electron Backscatter Diffraction

3D EBSD Analysis of Hydrogen Induced Cracking in Pipeline Steel Using Serial Section Broad Ion Beam Tomography