Hydrogen induced cracking (HIC) is a failure mechanism in steel pipes and vessels caused by hydrogen penetration and diffusion. HIC can lead to sudden cracking and exposure. Proper inspection and monitoring following established codes like API RP579 and NACE RP0296-96 is important when signs of HIC are detected to assess damage and determine if replacement is necessary. SGS offers HIC inspection techniques using ultrasonic scanning equipment that can detect cracks with high resolution and accuracy to evaluate asset integrity and monitor safety.

1. HYDROGEN INDUCED CRACKING DETECTION
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2. SAfETY EvAlUATION AND HIC MONITORING ON PIPING AND vESSEl
Hydrogen Induced Cracking (HIC) is a THE SGS ExPERTS
failure mechanism resulting in sudden SGS Industrial Services has the
exposures and cracks due to growing knowledge, expertise and experience to
laminations inside the base material perform conventional and advanced
and welds. Hydrogen Induced Cracking NDT inspections around the world using
is a mechanical fracture caused by our unique network. Our services offer
penetration and diffusion of atomic variations from Guided Wave and the
hydrogen into the internal structure of conventional NDT techniques to Risk
steel, which changes into molecular Based Inspection (RBI/AIM), Time of
hydrogen at internal interfaces between Flight Diffraction (TOFD), Corroscan,
non-metallic inclusions and the base Positive Material Identification (PMI),
material. Magnetic Flux Leakage (MFL), ACFM,
Leak Testing, Thermography,
Due to its failure mechanism, it is Electromagnetic Testing (ET), RFEC, IRIS,
extremely important to follow this Digital Radiography, Radiation Detection,
process closely whenever first signs APPlICATIONS RVI and Endoscopy Inspections.
have been detected. n Pipelines, towers, vessels, heat
exchangers in aqueous sulphide
Applicable Codes, e.g. API RP579 and environment of oil industry facilities,
NACE RP0296-96 give good direction for petrochemical plants and oil
the assessment of high temperature/ transportation
high pressurise equipment but expertise n Parts where HIC has occurred and
and experience in HIC inspections is accurate testing is needed
critical to assess correctly the damaged n Possible testing geometries: pipe,
condition of materials and determine curved pipe, spherical surface and
when replacement has become flat plate (diameter > 150 mm)
absolutely critical.
ADvANTAGES
HIC INSPECTION TECHNIqUE n Very high resolution equipment
Our system scans steel plates and pipes. giving clear data presentation
The system transfers acquired ultrasonic n Test speed: 150 mm/sec
data to digital images with a resolution n Scanner accuracy: Maximum We are pleased to provide services to
of 0.5x0.5 mm pixels. After printing ±0.5 mm any location around the world, pertaining
sections, scan plans, and side views, n Possibility to print an image of real as to how SGS can help you in
calculations can be made. Connectivity defect size improving the reliability of your
and distribution of defects and maximum n Quantitative analysis, permanent processes and assets.
damaged zones are reported. By using integrity of data, periodic monitoring
materials and fracture mechanical and side by side analysis
strength calculations, client assets are n Identifies the need to apply further
evaluated for safe use and monitoring. NDT to confirm or increase integrity
CONTACT US
WWW.SGS.COM/NDT OR INDUSTRIAl.GlOBAl@SGS.COM
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