Development and application of a nondestructive ultrasonic test for detecting high-temperature hydrogen attack of steels

Conference · Sun May 01 04:00:00 EDT 1983 · Proc., Am. Pet. Inst., Refin. Dep.; (United States)

OSTI ID:6208760

Cross, N O; Ciuffreda, A R

The possiblility of failure of process pressure vessels and piping systems due to high-temperature hydrogen attack stimulated a laboratory investigation of nondestructive test methods capable of identifying suspect material in refinery and petrochemical plant equipment. Attenuation measurements, using conventional pulse echo ultrasonic flaw detectors, were found capable of detecting the initiation of grain boundary fissuring associated with hydrogen attack. The inspection technique is not complicated and can be applied to most pressure vessels, piping, and other components. Experience by Exxon over a period of 18 years indicates that an inspection procedure involving periodic attenuation measurements on suspect equipment is an effective means of detecting the early stages of high-temperature hydrogen attack. An appendix gives details on making attenuation measurements in the field.

• OSTI ID: 6208760
• Report Number(s): CONF-8305287-
• Conference Information: Journal Name: Proc., Am. Pet. Inst., Refin. Dep.; (United States) Journal Volume: 62
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
020400* -- Petroleum-- Processing
36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
360103 -- Metals & Alloys-- Mechanical Properties
ACOUSTIC TESTING
ALLOYS
ATTENUATION
CHEMICAL PLANTS
CONTAINERS
CRYSTAL STRUCTURE
EMBRITTLEMENT
GRAIN BOUNDARIES
HYDROGEN EMBRITTLEMENT
INDUSTRIAL PLANTS
INSPECTION
IRON ALLOYS
IRON BASE ALLOYS
MATERIALS TESTING
MICROSTRUCTURE
NONDESTRUCTIVE TESTING
PETROCHEMICAL PLANTS
PETROLEUM REFINERIES
PIPES
PRESSURE VESSELS
PULSE TECHNIQUES
STEELS
TESTING
ULTRASONIC TESTING