An innovative laboratory characterization: hydrogen interaction with X60 pipeline steel

Corrosion is evaluated to be one of the most important cause for pipeline failures. Given the serious consequences of these events in terms of human safety, environmental preservation and cost saving, it is evident that on-field corrosion control could have a fundamental role. The aim of the present work was to meet this need with preliminary feasibility study to develop a test procedure, characterized at the same time by non-invasive approach and scientific rigor, to evaluate the possibility of on-line monitoring and assess the integrity of a pipeline during its operation. The experimental campaign was performed on a HSLA Steel X60, characterized by a ferritic microstructure with fine grains and ultimate tensile strength equal to 520MPa. The hydrogen interaction with steel was investigated by means of an advanced equipment based on an innovative high sensitivity hydrogen gas sensor. The following types of investigations were carried out [1]:- Various permeation tests were performed with reference to EN ISO 17081:2014 increasing test temperature from 10°C to 60°C.- Afterwards a series of Hydrogen Induced Cracking nucleation tests was performed with reference to ASTM STP 692:0.- Finally, permeation concept was applied in an innovative way to Hydrogen Induced Cracking nucleation phenomena.