Hydrogen In Steel

Hydrogen in Steel: Effect of Hydrogen on Iron and Steel During Production, Fabrication, and Use focuses on the effect of hydrogen on iron and steel during production, fabrication, and use. Topics covered range from the solubility of hydrogen in iron and ferrous alloys to the diffusion and permeation of hydrogen through iron and steel. Electrochemical problems related to the ability of iron to absorb hydrogen from aqueous solutions are also considered. Comprised of 19 chapters, this book begins with a detailed treatment of the nature and properties of metal-hydrogen systems, paying particular attention to the behavior of hydrogen in the bulk of the metal phase and the mechanism of reactions between metals and hydrogen or hydrogen-producing compounds. The reader is then introduced to the solubility of hydrogen in iron and ferrous alloys as well as the nature of the final product of the hydrogen-iron interaction. Subsequent chapters deal with dimensional changes and stresses produced in steel by cathodically evolved hydrogen; the effects of hydrogen on the physical, mechanical, and chemical properties of iron and steel; influence of welding on hydrogen; and sulfide corrosion cracking of steel. The effects of pickling on steel are also examined, along with the blistering and embrittlement caused by hydrogen on the base metal during electroplating. This book will be of value to students and practitioners in the field of physical chemistry.

This memorandum introduces the problem of delayed, brittle failures associated with hydrogen in steel, particularly high-strength steel. It is intended to help the steel user determine if he has such a problem. The effects of hydrogen on the mechanical properties of steel are dealt with, and the behavior of material susceptible to delayed, brittle failure is described. Also, the effects of such factors as strength level, magnitude of applied stress, hydrogen content, steel composition, test temperature, and strain rate on hydrogen embrittlement and the susceptibility to hydrogen-induced, delayed, brittle failure are discussed. Possible sources of hydrogen in steel and the types of tests useful in determining the susceptibility to delayed failure are outlined. (Author).

This report deals with the deleterious effects of hydrogen gas on steel at elevated temperatures and/or pressures. Hydrogen attack on steels is manifest as decarburization, intergranular fissuring, or blistering. These conditions result in lowered tensile strength, ductility, and impact strength. The reaction of hydrogen with iron carbide to form methane is probably the most important chemical reaction involved in the attack on steel by hydrogen. Attack of steel at elevated temperatures and pressures is limited or prevented by the following measures: (1) use of steel alloyed with strong carbide-forming elements, (2) use of liners of resistant alloy steels, and (3) substitution of resistant nonferrous alloys.

This report discusses the ways in which H2 enters steels, how it moves through steel, and methods whereby it may be removed from steel. The solubility of H2 is important in understanding other aspects of the behavior of H2 in steel and such aspects of solubility as preferred lattice sites, lattice expansion, measurements of solubility, and estimates of equilibrium H2 pressure in steel are discussed. The permeation of H2 through steel consisting of interactions at both the entry and exit surfaces of the metal as well as diffusion through the bulk metal is discussed. The various possibilities of H2 entry by corrosion processes, electrochemical processes, and other means are considered as well as factors which influence the rate of H2 removal from iron and steel. (Author).

This book is designed to help metallurgical, chemical, mechanical and reliability engineers responsible for the safe operation and maintenance of equipment made of steel.