Hydrogen-Induced Cracking (HIC) Guide: Sulfide Stress & Stepwise Cracking

Hydrogen-Induced Cracking (HIC) Guide: Sulfide Stress & Stepwise Cracking

Short answer: Hydrogen-induced cracking (HIC) is the stepwise blistering that forms inside pipeline and pressure-vessel steels when atomic hydrogen from sour (H2S) service collects at manganese sulphide inclusions; it is controlled by clean, low-sulphur steel, hardness caps and low-hydrogen welding.

At a Glance

Hydrogen-Induced Cracking (HIC) Guide: Sulfide Stress & Stepwise Cracking chart
Figure 1 – Hydrogen-Induced Cracking (HIC) Guide: Sulfide Stress & Stepwise Cracking overview.

The Mechanism

Atomic hydrogen diffuses into the steel and recombines at elongated MnS inclusions, generating internal pressure that splits laminations stepwise. It is a close cousin of Metal Hydrogen Embrittlement Guide 그리고 Stress Corrosion Cracking, and a failure mode documented in Metal Failure Analysis Guide.

Where It Strikes

Sour-gas pipelines, refinery vessels and weld HAZs in humid H2S. Context in Steel Pipe Supplier, Galvanic Corrosion Guide 그리고 Metal Corrosion Fatigue Guide; couple control with How To Weld Stainless Steel low-hydrogen practice.

Prevention & Supply

Specify ultra-low-sulphur, calcium-treated steel, cap hardness (e.g. HRC 22), use low-hydrogen welds and PWHT; verify by Metal Ndt Guide (UT mapping) and document per Mill Test Certificate Guide. HXSCO supplies HIC-resistant line pipe and plate.

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자주 묻는 질문

What is hydrogen-induced cracking (HIC)?

Stepwise internal blistering in steel caused by hydrogen collecting at sulphide inclusions in sour service.

What causes HIC in pipelines?

Atomic hydrogen from H2S corrosion enters the steel and recombines at elongated manganese sulphide inclusions.

How do you prevent HIC?

Use ultra-low-sulphur, calcium-treated steel, cap hardness, apply low-hydrogen welding and PWHT.

Is HIC the same as sulfide stress cracking?

Related but different: HIC is stepwise blistering without external stress; SSC needs applied tensile stress.

Do you supply HIC-resistant steel?

HXSCO supplies HIC/SSC-resistant line pipe and plate with NACE documentation on request.

Source HIC-Resistant Steel from HXSCO

HXSCO supplies HIC/SSC-resistant line pipe and plate with NACE documentation. Send your standard and quantity for a quote.

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