Hydrogen-based failure in oil and gas pipelines a review

Abstract

Hydrogen-induced degradation is complicated and affects many metallic materials, especially oil and pipeline steels. Hydrogen reduces ductility and load-bearing capability, causing rapid collapse and massive economic losses. Hydrogen degrades steel pipes carrying sour hydrocarbons. H2S in oil and gas reservoirs promotes pipeline corrosion and hydrogen-induced damage. Hydrogen-steel interaction was explained by many methods. This study examines hydrogen solubility and infiltration into oil and gas pipeline steels. Under sour circumstances, corrosion and hydrogen deterioration dominate. Hydrogen damage testing methods are shown. Environmental and metallurgical conditions affect steel susceptibility to hydrogen. Proposed hydrogen deterioration mitigation. Disagreements and unanswered questions are explored. Hydrogen-induced cracking (HIC) and hydrogen embrittlement (HE) are two well-known failure mechanisms in oil and gas pipelines that can cause catastrophic consequences. HIC is initiated by the absorption of atomic hydrogen into the pipeline material, which leads to the formation of hydrogen gas at discontinuities such as cracks, defects, or welds. HE, on the other hand, is caused by the hydrogen entering the metal lattice, leading to the degradation of mechanical properties such as ductility and toughness. This study investigates the factors contributing to the initiation and propagation of HIC and HE in oil and gas pipelines. The research involved a comprehensive review of the literature on HIC and HE, followed by experimental testing of pipeline samples under hydrogen exposure. The experimental setup included the application of hydrogen charging to the samples and monitoring their mechanical properties, microstructural changes, and hydrogen concentration. The susceptibility to HIC and HE is dependent on various factors such as material composition, microstructure, surface condition, and hydrogen concentration. The experimental results revealed that HIC was mainly caused by the accumulation of hydrogen at localized stress concentrations, while HE was attributed to the hydrogen diffusion in the lattice structure. It is recommended that preventative measures be taken to mitigate the risk of hydrogen-based failure in oil and gas pipelines. These measures may include selecting materials with high resistance to HIC and HE, implementing proper welding and surface preparation techniques, and monitoring hydrogen levels in the pipeline environment. This study provides valuable insights into the mechanisms of hydrogen-based failure in oil and gas pipelines and offers practical solutions to mitigate their impact.