Hydrogen Induced Cracking (HIC) usually occurs due to the effects of aqueous hydrogen charging of steel in wet H2S refinery process environments. Detection of steel degradation before it can progress significantly is key for the adequate maintenance of HIC-susceptible assets. Early identification of HIC or blistering can occur either when the damage is about to occur or when it is already present but yet is evolving.

AEHIC aims to provide operators with greater control over plant operation and performance. Prediction of HIC damage growth results in less potential for pipework failure which will avoid catastrophic failures. In addition inspection intervals can be increased due to the availability of real-time data which will also reduce the risk levels.

Consequently proactive vessel monitoring will reduce the unscheduled downtime, avoiding the costs associated with this. AEHIC can detect hydrogen induced cracking evolution in unstressed sour service assets.

AEHIC is an Acoustic Emission (AE) HIC detection and monitoring system which provides means of identifying whether HIC damage growth is present including its evolution.

Download the AEHIC use case for more information