The main changes in NACE TM0284 2016 “Evaluation of Pipelines and Pressure Vessel Steels for Resistance to HIC
The latest revision of NACE TM0284 “Evaluation of Pipeline and Pressure Vessel Steels for Resistance to Hydrogen-Induced Cracking” was approved last year. One of the main changes in this new revision is the introduction of a Test Solution C to be used for Fitness-for-Purpose testing.
Since the original release back in February 1984, NACE TM0284 has been the preferred test method for Hydrogen-Induced Cracking (HIC) resistance and it is widely used by the oil and gas industry. NACE TM0284 is referenced in NACE MR0175 / ISO 15156 “Materials for use in H₂S-containing environments in oil and gas production”.
In NACE TM0284 revision 2011 the document was updated to include the testing of steel fittings and flanges used in pipelines and pressure vessels. In NACE TM0284 2016 one of the main changes is the inclusion of Fitness-for-Purpose testing using an alternative test solution denominated “Test Solution C”. This test solution C is to be used with gas mixtures of H₂S and CO₂ to assess HIC resistance at specific mild sour conditions with reduced H₂S content and at specific acidity levels. The Fitness-for-Purpose test in the new NACE TM0284 2016 provides details of the volume of test solution to the total surface area of the test specimen, the purging and introduction of gas mixtures, pH measurement and adjustment as well as the test duration among other procedure details.
Changes in the reporting of results apply to all three testing solutions. NACE TM0284 2016 does not provide details of the acceptance criteria. NACE MR0175 / ISO 15156 and EFC 16 acceptance criteria specific for test solution A and B; this acceptance criteria is widely used in the oil and gas industry. It is highly likely that an amend to NACE MR0175 / ISO 15156 is introduced in the near future to consider Fitness-for-Purpose testing.
