HIC Resistant Steel Plate

HIC Resistant Steel is carbon steel which is tested to demonstrate the plate’s resilience to the long term effects of hydrogen induced cracking, tested according to NACE. It occurs when carbon steel is exposed to hydrogen sulphide (H2S) and is the direct result of electrochemical corrosion reactions between the sour service or wet H2S environment. Hydrogen Induced Crack (HIC) Pressure Vessel Plate offers specific and superior properties for sour gas application. It is been manufactured through the electric arc furnace with dephosphorisation, desulphurisation, ladle refining and vacuum degassing to offer a homogeneous and ultra clean and steel. It is especially suited for pressure equipment where wet H2S corrosion can be a problem.

The most common grades of HIC resistant steel plate is ASTM/ ASME SA516. It is commonly certified to 60, 65 and 70 grades so one plate can fulfill the demands for any of the three grades A516 60/65/70 + HIC. HIC Resistant Sheet is common to the oil and gas Industry, refineries and pipelines of petroleum and natural gas in wet hydrogen sulfide environments can be expected where the use of steel pressure vessels is widespread, the risk of this should be considered when hydrogen sulphide partial pressure becomes greater than 3.5mbar. It is the ideal choice for pressure vessels and boilers as it is tested for resistance against hydrogen induced cracking. It is considered to be the most cost effective and sensible solution, since carbon steel plate standard is more liable to hydrogen sulphide corrosion in sour service and wet H2S environments, and is a far more cost effective alternative to stainless steel.