Study on HIC and SSC of the Electric Resistance Welded Linepipe Steel

Abstract

The resistance of the linepipe steel to hydrogen-induced cracking (HIC) and sulfide stress cracking (SSC) is very important for steel to be used in sour oil/gas environments. Welding of steels is necessary to the construction of pipe-line transporting oil/gas. In this study, HIC and SSC resistance of an electric resistance welded (ERW) steel plate which belongs to API X70 grade was evaluated by using NACE TM0284-96A and NACE TM0177-96A methods. HIC and SSC fracturing behavior was investigated by observing fractured surfaces using optical microscopy (OM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). It was discussed in terms of metallurgical parameters such as the distribution of primary microstructure, second phases and inclusions. Results showed that the weld joint of ERW steel is more sensitive than base metal to HIC and SSC. This is due to difference in the contribution of metallurgical parameters to HIC and SSC nucleation and propagation.