Testing of heavy wall longitudinal submerged arch welded (LSAW) large-diameter pipes of grade X65
to X80 for resistance to HIC (Hydrogen Induced Cracking) has been performed at test conditions
representing less severe duty compared to NACE TM0284-2003 standard test conditions. The fitness of
the material for intended applications (Fitness-For-Service) should be assured for in-field environmental
conditions when the extent of HIC cracking is below specified limits. Test gases consisting of defined
amounts of H2S in CO2 or N2 representing partial pressures from 0.003 to 1 bar H2S have been used in
NACE TM0284 solution A and EFC publication no. 16 solution in a pH range from 3.0 to 6.0 for HIC
testing. Pre-mixed commercially available as well as in-situ mixed test gases were utilized for the tests.
Both methods of test gas generation showed comparable results. Also the effects of pH (constant and
drifting) and test duration (96 h vs. 720 h) were investigated. The test specimens were evaluated by
ultrasonic technique and by metallographic investigation according to NACE TM0284. The test results
have been compared to SSC severity regions according to NACE MR0175 / ISO 15156-2 to define
severely sour, mildly sour and non-sour test regions for the investigated steels.
Keywords: Sour service, Hydrogen Induced Cracking, Fit-For-Service, Large-diameter pipes