An Assessment of Magnetization Effects on Hydrogen Cracking for Thick-Walled Pipelines

Fast Facts
Technology and Commercialization
Research Entity:	Colorado School of Mines Office of Research Services 1500 Illinois Street Golden, Colorado 80401, USA Golden, CO 80401
COTR:	Robert Smith, Robert.W.Smith @ dot.gov, 202-366-3814
Contract #:	DTRS56-03-X-0044
Project #:	125
Contact Info:	Center for Welding, Joining, and Coatings Research (CWJCR) Colorado School of Mines Golden, Colorado 80401
Partners:	U.S. DOI, Minerals Management Service (MMS) U.S. DOC, National Institute of Standards & Technology
Technology Demonstrated?	No
Commercialized (in whole/part)?	TBD
Financial and Status Data
Project Status:	Closed
Start Fiscal Year:	2003 (10/01/2002)
End Fiscal Year:	2007 (10/01/2006)
PHMSA $$ Budgeted:	$248,000.00
$$ Co-Funded:	$148,000.00
Total Project Cost:	$396,000.00

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Main Objective

This two-year research program is proposed to: (1) Experimentally determine the role of high strength magnetization during frequent pigging on the possibility of hydrogen damage in thick-walled, high-strength steels, both in base metal and the heat affected zone of welds [HAZ]; and (2) Determine the hydrogen damage mechanisms through polarization studies.

Public Abstract

BACKGROUND: In the Beaufort Sea, pipelines will be designed conservatively to protect against thermal effects and ice mechanics. This requirement usually dictates that steel pipes be designed with thicker walls using higher steel grades. Operating in the Beaufort Sea also requires a high level of confidence and reliance on In Line Inspection (Magnetic Flux Leakage) tools to assess metal loss corrosion. Due to the thicker pipe wall, the amount of magnetization needed to use MFL tools is significantly more than in areas of the Gulf of Mexico or Pacific Coast. Thus, the uniqueness of this application includes the use of thicker, higher strength, cathodically protected steel pipe and more frequent inspection using larger magnetization strength.

This project was modified to include the development of an hydrogen susceptibility inspection tool. The specifications on how this tool would work were identified while developing a technically defendable testing procedure to determine steel grade susceptibility to hydrogen effects. This testing procedure is currently being used for the existing effort and will produce results to characterize the phenomenon and its significance.

In the process of developing this test procedure and apparatus, the researchers have determined that a simple inspection tool can be fabricated for use in the field. In addition to the current effort, they are proposing the development of sensor technology that can inspect pipelines for susceptibility to hydrogen effects.

Final Report

Final Report - Hydrogen Measurement Probe