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NDT - Hot Hydrogen Attack
The Objective
The presence of hydrogen in industrial plants is a potential source of damage. High partial hydrogen pressure (higher than 30 bar) and high temperature (higher than 300ºC) can negatively influence the material’s characteristics. Such damage occurs largely in fertilizer plants and refineries.
Hot Hydrogen Attack (HHA) is a form of degradation caused by carbides reacting in steel, thereby forming methane (CH4). The probability of HHA damage in industrial plants is dependent on its partial hydrogen pressure and operating temperature. In the worst cases, HHA may lead to a leak before an actual break situation, but when the damage is in the parent material, the results can be catastrophic.
The Solution
SGS has developed a specific procedure and approach to adequately identify and monitor HHA.
The methodology developed by SGS Industrial Services combines advanced signal processing and results imaging utilizing advanced techniques like Time of Flight Diffraction (TOFD), Automated Backscatter and Velocity Ratio Measurements.
To inspect a plant for the possible occurrence of Hot Hydrogen Attack, an accurate inspection plan has to be made with the back scatter technique using Corroscan for the most critical areas, i.e., at highest temperature and/or highest partial hydrogen pressure. In order to discriminate between HHA and small inclusions and to verify any attack, additional measurements are taken with the velocity ratio technique.
The approach in the field would involve complete scanning of all welds with TOFD (if accessible) and manual or automated Pulse Echo.
Advantages
- The inspection is highly reliable and reproducible
- It is possible to detect attack at an early stage
- The progress of attack can be monitored
- Results can be presented clearly
- Examination is non-intrusive, resulting in cost and time savings
- All geometries can be examined
- All data is stored for quick and easy reference at any time in the future.
Application Range
- Industrial plants
- Fertilizer plants
- Refineries
- Material parts where Hot Hydrogen Attack has occurred and accurate testing is needed
Why SGS?
The need for reliable inspection techniques and the inherent accuracy of advanced ultrasonic techniques make the SGS Inspection approach the ideal choice for a reliable inspection of HHA.
SGS operators have more than 20 years of experience in HHA inspections, resulting in consistent performance and enormous cost savings of asset inspections for clients.
Send us your inquiry on Hot Hydrogen Attack now.
Our Services for Hot Hydrogen Attack
SGS continuously develops its services and applications, which are available in more than 30 countries worldwide.
We periodically conduct inspections for our clients in order to prevent dangerous, costly situations.
SGS NDT Training Courses
As the demand for qualified NDT inspectors is growing rapidly all over the world, SGS established the NDT Training and Examination Center in Shanghai, China.
Offering training services is a key part of SGS’ strategy to improve quality and safety across the globe. SGS trains and examines personnel on the highest inspection standards worldwide.
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