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Hydrogen in Material Selection
Hydrogen in Material Selection
Important Points
Is the alloy available inthe size and thickness required? Is it the most economical choice?
Should it be specified as seamless or welded? Is it suitable for the maximum anticipated
operating temperature or will long-term exposure to these temperatures cause its
mechanical properties to deteriorate? Will it require special welding or heat treatment
requirements?
Desirable to employ least different piping materials as it reduces costs and avoids
confusion.
Hydrocarbons are not corrosive at the temperatures at which they are normally processed
but the impurities in them such as chloride salts, organic acids, water and sulfur
compounds or by- products such as NaOH and H2SO4 formed from breakdown of these
impurities are.
Important Points
Hydrogen may be a tracer gas for leak testing because the molecule is so small that it
will find all practical sources of leak. This is also the reason why hydrogen will escape
more easily than other gases. The diffusion coefficient is 4 times that for methane.
Typical carbon steel piping specifications and practices for hydrogen service
o Seamless pipe (ASTM A 53 Grade B , SA 106Gr B or less commonly SA 333 Gr6);
The basic specification for petroleum refinery service will require that valves have
cast steel bodies with stainless steel trim, usually 12% chromium stainless
steel.Standard A 53 Grade B pipe is widely available and low in cost, can be bent hot
and cold, and cut and welded using simple methods and minimal precautions.
Hydrogen Problems:
“High Pressure” H2 service is above 100 psia of hydrogen partial pressure.
Hydrogen at high temperature and high pressure can permeate steel, and when the
conditions are severe enough, react with metal carbides in the microstructure.
ASS
Not susceptible to 885 embrittlement
Have excellent ductility and toughness @ long-term service.
Are susceptible to stresscorrosion cracking when exposed to chloride environments.
For stainless steels with a low level of nickel, there is a risk of metal structure
transformation which increases the hydrogen susceptibility.