Detection of Hydrogen induced Cracks during in-service

inspection of Piping using Ultrasonic Phased Arrays

Assessment of Fitness for service
Santanu Saha: Intertek-Inspec; Sharjah, UAE; ssaha@int-inspec.com
Amaresh Majumder, Intertek-Inspec; Sharjah, UAE; specut@int-inspec.com

ABSTRACT:
Hydrogen induced cracking in Carbon steel in sour service is a common damage
mechanism, particularly in older steel piping, which was generally non-compliant to
NACE 0175. During in-service inspection of such an old pipeline in a gas processing
plant, numerous mid wall indications were observed while performing conventional
Pulse-echo ultrasonic examination. Previously it was assumed as laminations and
stringers in the piping material during manufacturing process; however for
reconfirmation, an automated phased array examination has been performed on the
same location with longitudinal waves and several indications with depths around
mid-wall thickness have been observed and recorded. A portion of the affected pipe
where indications were observed has been cut and removed from the main pipe
after complete shut down and it was observed that several blisters with cracks have
been occurred in the inside surface of the piping which were not visible from the
outer surface. Further assessment revealed those portions of the pipes were
affected by Hydrogen induced blistering and related cracking mechanisms. A Fitness
for Service assessment has been carried in accordance with API 579-1/ ASME API
FFS-1 for the remaining areas of the piping and report submitted for subsequent
action.
Keywords: Hydrogen Induced Cracking; Blisters; Fitness for Service