Pipeline embrittlement

Material Challenges Pipeline Steels and Hydrogen Embrittlement.348... 

From the preceding discussion, it is seen that characterization of hydrogen uptake and embrittlement of pipeline steels in high hydrogen pressure environment is at its initial stage. In particular, there is little data on weld and heat-affected zone. Much more work needs to be done in the forthcoming years. 

Pipelines represent the primary option for the most efficient transportation mode in a hydrogen energy environment. Pipeline is the most economical option for transportation however, the embrittlement of steels and diffusion losses represents a technical challenge. Sensor technologies for continued integrity management of such a pipeline network will be critical in the development of the hydrogen economy. 

Sofronis, F, Robertson, I.M., and Johnson, D.D. Hydrogen embrittlement of pipeline steels Cause and remediation, 2006 Annual Progress Report, ni.A.5, DOE Hydrogen Program, 2006. 

Embrittlement of service materials. The low temperatures inside storage tanks and transmission pipelines may cause significant susceptibleness of the structural material in vibrations and shocks. Mild steel and most iron alloys, at LH2 temperatures, lose their ductility being liable to increased risk of mechanical failure [50]. 

Integrity management processes should take into account the embrittlement effects of dry hydrogen gas on carbon steel pipeline materials and welds used to join pipe sections. 

M. Dadfamia, P. Sofronis, I. M. Robertson, B. P. Somerday, G. Muralidharan, and D. Stalheim, Micromechanics of Hydrogen Transport and Embrittlement in Pipeline Steels, paper IMECE 2006-16325, Proceedings of the 2006 ASME IMECE, November 5-10, Chicago, IL (2006). 

Hydrogen embrittlement is another important corrosion problem that is encountered in reformed-gas pipelines. The Nelson curves list the operating limits that should be followed to avoid decarburization and Assuring of steel in hydrogen service.88... 

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