Hydrogen sulfide contained in crude oil and natural gas causes hydrogen related problems such as
hydrogen induced cracking (HIC) and sulfide stress cracking (SSC) of pipeline steels. In particular, HIC
is a more serious problem because it occurs without applied stress. To improve HIC resistance,
addition of proper alloying elements, high cleanness and Ca treatment during steel making processes
are required. However, the effects of metallurgical factors on HIC are not well understood to improve
HIC resistance of pipeline steels.
In this study, HIC resistance of two high strength steel plates was evaluated by using NACE TM0284-
02 methods. After the tests, HIC resistance was measured in terms of crack area ratio (CAR) using
ultrasonic detector. Fracture behavior of HIC was investigated by observing fractured surfaces using
optical microscopy (OM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). HIC property was discussed in
terms of metallurgical parameters such as primary microstructure, second phases and inclusions.
Results showed that cracks nucleated in the steels are affected not only by the presence of inclusions
but also by the microstructure surrounding it. In this study, the effect of various metallurgical factors on
nucleation and propagation of HIC was discussed in detail.