Effect of hydrogen on steels in hydrogen sulfide-containing and other environments at gas facilities

Abstract

The impact of hydrogen sulfide raw materials on steel equipment and pipelines is known and is associated not only with internal corrosion processes, but also with the hydrogenation of carbon and low-alloy steels used. Penetration of hydrogen into steel can lead to the loss of its strength properties and subsequent destruction of gas pipelines operated under high pressure conditions. The manifestations of cracking characteristic of hydrogen sulfide environments, which are a consequence of the penetration of hydrogen into steel, are the most dangerous from the point of view of the safety and reliability of the operation of facilities for the production and transportation of corrosive gas. The effect of H2S on the decrease in ductility of the main types of structural steels was studied based on the results of simulation tests. The formation of blisters (bloatings) and cracks on the surface of steels due to the effect of hydrogen on steel was recorded. The study of the phase composition and properties of corrosion products was carried out in order to assess their possible influence on the processes of steel hydrogenation. The formation of evenly distributed on the surface and the densest corrosion deposits will hinder both the corrosion processes and the penetration of hydrogen into steel. A decrease in the plastic properties of steel is also observed when exposed to hydrogen, which can be transported both separately and together with methane through the main gas pipelines. The main possible means of protecting steels that are unstable to hydrogenation is the use of corrosion inhibitors. It was established that the most effective corrosion inhibitors with rational technologies of application and dosage can protect steels from penetration of hydrogen into them and their destructive effect.