HIC, SSCC and SOHIC

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HIC, SSCC and SOHIC

HIC, SSCC, and SOHIC are different types of hydrogen-induced damage that can occur in metals, particularly in steel. Here is a table comparing their characteristics:
Causes

Hydrogen absorbed during production, operations, or exposure to corrosive environments containing H2S

Mechanism

Hydrogen atoms migrate to regions of high stress, combine to form molecular hydrogen, and create pressure, leading to cracks

Crack Orientation

Random, stepwise pattern, typically in the direction of the metal’s rolling plane

Microstructure Affected

Typically affects the metal at or near the mid-thickness, following the rolling plane

Prevention

Proper material selection, controlling H2S levels, using low hydrogen welding techniques, and applying coatings or inhibitors

Causes

Exposure to sour environments containing H2S; the presence of sulfides in the steel microstructure

Mechanism

Corrosive hydrogen atoms react with metal sulfides, leading to the formation of cracks under the influence of applied or residual stress

Crack Orientation

Can be intergranular or transgranular, but often propagate in the direction of applied or residual stress

Microstructure Affected

Can affect any part of the metal’s microstructure

Prevention

Material selection, controlling H2S levels, using low hydrogen welding techniques, stress relief heat treatment, and applying coatings or inhibitors

Causes

A combination of hydrogen absorption and stress, often in H2S-containing environments

Mechanism

Hydrogen atoms collect along the planes of residual or applied stress, resulting in the development of cracks oriented parallel to the stress direction

Crack Orientation

Cracks are oriented parallel to the direction of applied or residual stress, often forming multiple crack layers

Microstructure Affected

Primarily affects the mid-thickness of the metal, similar to HIC, but can propagate deeper through the material

Prevention

Material selection, controlling H2S levels, using low hydrogen welding techniques, stress relief heat treatment, and applying coatings or inhibitors

Anil K Vashishta

Anil K Vashishta is a Metallurgical Engineer from the National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, with over 29 years of expertise in materials, corrosion, and metallurgical/mechanical laboratory management. As the Managing Director of Colossal Consultants LLC in the United Arab Emirates—founded in 2019 to serve the GCC and South-Eastern regions—Anil applies his extensive background to support diverse industries, particularly oil and gas.
A Certified NACE Corrosion Specialist and NACE Material Selection Design Specialist, Anil specializes in corrosion assessment and mitigation, material selection, turnkey laboratory setup, and root cause/failure analysis. His comprehensive skills also include in-situ replica metallography, condition assessment, coating evaluations, and cathodic protection. With a deep passion for technical excellence and practical solutions, Anil continues to drive innovation and best practices in the field of materials engineering.

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