Is the risk of hydrogen stress cracking high for carbon steel alloys in the natural gas transmission network?

Introduction

Considering the expected hydrogen concentration at the operating conditions of the natural gas transmission network, along with specific concerns, the risk of hydrogen stress cracking for carbon steel alloys is evaluated.

Answer

The risk of hydrogen stress cracking for carbon steel alloys in the natural gas transmission network is generally low. Based on the expected hydrogen concentration at the operating conditions of the network, the likelihood of hydrogen stress cracking is deemed to be low for these alloys. This is applicable for both blended hydrogen gas in natural gas as well as pure hydrogen gas in operating pressures up to 100bar. Extensive measures and considerations need to be taken to ensure the safe and reliable operation of the network with regards to this type of damage mechanism.