Element offers Hydrogen Induced Cracking (HIC) tests to accurately assess the susceptibility of your carbon and low alloy steel equipment to hydrogen induced cracking in wet H2S/sour service operating environments such as in the Oil & Gas industry. The tests are normally carried out according to NACE TM0284.
What is Hydrogen Induced Cracking, and what does a HIC Test achieve?
Carbon and low alloy steels which are subjected to sour service environments may be susceptible to Hydrogen Induced Cracking (HIC). In the presence of water and hydrogen sulfide, atomic hydrogen is produced and enters the steel, recombining at discontinuities to form molecular (gases) hydrogen (gases). The pressure of the hydrogen gas causes localized internal cracks, known as Hydrogen induced cracks.
Hydrogen induced cracks either follow a linear or stepwise path within the material, hence the term ‘stepwise cracking’. However, under certain stress and material conditions, the cracks can be arranged in a ladder-like array known as Stress Orientated Hydrogen Induced Cracking (SOHIC). This form of cracking is often seen in the low hardness Heat Affected Zone (HAZ) region of welds.
With the fast turnaround of tests and access to a global network of expertise, our dedicated corrosion labs are able to carry out HIC and SOHIC tests on steels furnished in the form of pipes, plates, fittings, and flanges for use in fabricating pipelines and pressure vessels. These tests involve exposing test specimens to the specified environment, examining for cracks, and reporting specific ratios to assess crack susceptibility.
Benefits of HIC Testing with Element
- Meet industry standards: Our Hydrogen induced cracking testing ensures compliance with industry standards and regulations by accurately assessing material susceptibility and adhering to relevant standards such as NACE TM0284.
- Identify Potential Risks: Hydrogen-induced cracking testing with Element can identify the potential risk of internal cracking in steel, allowing you to take proactive measures to mitigate these risks.
- Make Effective Decisions: We specialize in providing efficient and dependable assessments of crack susceptibility to ensure the safety and integrity of equipment in demanding operating conditions. Additionally, our testing renders valuable data about crack sensitivity ratios, crack length ratios, and crack thickness ratios, which can inform critical manufacturing decisions.
- Assess Material Suitability: We assess how fit for purpose a material is, ensuring that the tested materials meet the required standards and specifications for their intended use.
Fast Turnaround For Rapid Decisions
Our HIC Testing Expert
Our HIC Testing Capabilities
HIC test method– NACE TM0284
Element performs HIC testing per NACE TM0284 by exposing unstressed test specimens to the specified environment saturated with hydrogen sulfide gas at 1 bar pressure for 96 hours for the standard test. Fitness for purpose of testing may also be performed using reduced partial pressures of hydrogen sulfide and for durations of up to 30 days.
Following the exposure period, the specimens are metallographically prepared optically examined, and any cracks are measured and the following ratios reported:
- CSR (Crack Sensitivity Ratio)
- CLR (Crack Length Ratio)
- CTR (Crack Thickness Ratio)
Stress-Oriented Hydrogen-Induced Cracking (SOHIC) test method
Element carries out SOHIC testing to NACE MR0175/ISO 15156 using test methods in BS 8701 (Full Ring Test), NACE TM0177-Method A (tensile) or NACE TM0316 (Four Point Bend).
Why Choose Element?
At Element, we provide Hydrogen Induced Cracking (HIC) tests to accurately assess the susceptibility of your carbon and low alloy steel equipment to hydrogen induced cracking in wet H2S/sour service operating environments, particularly in the Oil & Gas industry.
Our test procedures adhere to NACE TM0284 standards and are executed with fast turnaround times. With access to a global network of expertise, our dedicated corrosion labs are capable of conducting HIC and SOHIC tests on various steel forms, including pipes, plates, fittings, and flanges used in fabricating pipelines and pressure vessels. Contact us today for more information on our Hydrogen Induced Cracking (HIC) Testing or to request a quote.
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