Mechanical Strength Evaluation of A53B Carbon Steel Subjected to High Temperature Hydrogen Attack

In this study mechanical strength of A53B carbon steel was analyzed using several types of test specimens directly machined from oil recycling pipe experienced a failure due to hydrogen attack in chemical plants. High temperature hydrogen attack (HTHA) is the damage process of grain boundary facets due to a chemical reaction of carbides with hydrogen, thus forming cavities with high pressure methane gas. Driven by the methane gas pressure, the cavities grow on grain boundaries forming intergranular micro cracks. Microscopic optical examination, tensile test, Charpy impact test, hardness measurement, and small punch (SP) test were performed. Carbon content of the hydrogen attacked specimens was dramatically reduced compared with that of standard specification of A53B. Traces of decarburization and micro-cracks were observed by optical and scanning electron microscopy. Charpy impact energy in hydrogen attacked part of the pipe exhibited very low values due to the decarburization and micro fissure formation by HTHA, on the other hand, data tested from the sound part of the pipe showed high and scattered impact energy. Maximum reaction forces and ductility in SP test were decreased at hydrogen attacked part of the pipe compared with sound part of the pipe. Finite element analyses for SP test were performed to estimate tensile properties for untested part of the pipe in tensile test. And fracture toughness was calculated using an equivalent strain concept with SP test and finite element analysis results.