Hydrogen Induced Cracking (HIC) and Hydrogen Blisters

As their names suggest, Hydrogen Induced Cracking (HIC) and Hydrogen Blisters are flaws caused by exposing carbon steel equipment to hydrogen. Hydrogen can find its way into material imperfections and form expanding internal pockets which can lead to HIC or Blister damage.

API 579-1, Part 7 assessments of Hydrogen Induced Cracking and Hydrogen Blisters are both included in INSPECT. Level 1 and 2 flaw assessments can be performed. As is the case with all flaw types in INSPECT, multiple HICs or Blisters can be specified on one component. This increases productivity and ensures factors including supplemental loads, nearby flaws and structural discontinuities are taken into account.

API 579-1, Part 7 assessments of Hydrogen Induced Cracking (HIC) and Hydrogen Blisters are included in INSPECT. Note that multiple flaws can be placed on a single component like a cylinder.
INSPECT Quickly Performs Part 7 Level 1 Damage Assessments of Hydrogen Induced Cracking (HIC) and Hydrogen Blisters

Level 1 Assessments

Part 7 Level 1 screening assessments require only a minimum amount of data entry and so can be quickly performed.  Interactive calculation results, available from within the dialog, help to support faster decision making . In addition, users can easily adjust inputs and see up-to-date results based on “What-if” scenarios.

Level 2 Assessments (HIC)

Part 7 Level 2 assessments can be automatically performed by INSPECT. To save time and shorten the reports, you have the option of only running  Level 1 if the flaw passes Level 1.  As per API 579-1, Part 7 Level 2 assessments follow the Part 5 and 9 rules for HICs and Part 5 for Blisters.

Detailed API 579-1 Part 7 Calculations and Reports

As is the case for all flaw types, INSPECT generates detailed reports that show all supporting API 579-1 and ASME calculations. Supplemental Loads will automatically be considered in the assessment as applicable as well. These engineering reports provide the documentation needed to support your run, repair or replace decisions.

Another convenient feature is INSPECT’s optional API 941 (Nelson Curve) temperature check. It is used to determine if the Part 7 assessment procedure is valid for use at temperatures exceeding 400 degrees F (204 degrees C).

INSPECT generates detailed Part 7 Level 1 and Level 2 reports showing all supporting API 579 and ASME calculations used in the HIC and Hydrogen Blister assessments

API 941 Temperature Checks

A temperature check can be performed per AP 941 to see if Part 7 HIC and Hydrogen Blister assessments can be used at temperatures higher than 400F (204C).

Supplemental Load Calculations

INSPECT Automatically Considers Supplemental Loads on all API 579-1 flaws including HIC and Hydrogen Blisters

Performing API 579-1 Part 7 HIC and Blister Assessments with INSPECT

Increase Your Capabilities With INSPECT

API 579 Part 3 Ensure your operating procedures limit the risk of brittle fracture by automatically running Part 3 assessments. API 579 Part 4 & 5 Perform general and local metal loss assessments and quickly generate detailed reports. API 579 Part 6 INSPECT performs level 1, 2 and 3 pitting assessments and generates detailed API 579 reports with a click of a button. API 579 Part 7 Perform Level 1 and 2 assessments from Hydrogen Induced Cracking (HIC) and Hydrogen Blister damage. API 579 Part 8 Ensure that vessels subject to external pressure are within the allowed roundness tolerance with out-of-roundness assessments. API 579 Part 9 Level 1 and 2 assessments quickly determine which crack-like flaws can be safely left in service and which require more investigation. API 579 Part 10 Perform creep damage assessments by recording equipment operating histories and calculations. API 579 Part 11 Perform fire damage assessments and document conclusions in a consistent series of data entries and reports. API 579 Part 12 Perform Part 12 assessments and generate detailed API 579 reports. Level 1 and 2 dent, gouge and dent-gouge combinations are available. API 579 Part 13 Model laminations and provide rapid results so you can make the necessary mediation decisions with confidence API 579 Part 14 INSPECT’s fatigue assessment scans the vessel for other flaw types and allows the user to adjust the “remaining strength factor” (RSF) as required by API 579. API 510 Address in-service activities such as inspection, remaining life determination and repair. API 570 3D inspection data management and calculations simplify compliance with the requirements of the API-570 Code. API 653 Track tank thickness inspection measurements and provide calculation reports. Gage Integration Set up and retrieve inspection grids from thickness gages fast and easy. OSHA 1910 Meet the Mechanical Integrity requirements of OSHA1910.119 (j) and EPA Title 40 part 68.73. Undocumented Vessels Pressure Vessel Inspection Code requires owners to maintain permanent, progressive records as listed in API 510 Section 7.8 The INSPECT IDMS Show condition monitoring locations (CML’s) and API 579-1 flaws directly on pressure equipment models. Auto-Refrigeration MAT curves are employed to determine which process conditions put equipment at risk of failure by brittle fracture. Old ASME® Codes Supported Increase vessel life automatically by using the higher allowable stresses per NBIC Section 3.4. Pressure Relieving Devices Easily model pressure relieving devices (PRDs) on your fixed equipment. Excel Integration Export and import thickness inspection grids to and from Microsoft Excel. API 579-1 Part 3 MAT Curves API 510 API 570 API 653 Storage Tank Evaulations Thickness Gage Integration in INSPECT OSHA standards in COMPRESS Undocumented Vessels in INSPECT Inspection Data Monitoring System IDMS API 579 Part 9 Codes menu Combined Pitting and Local Metal Loss Flaws are Considered API 579-1 Part 12 dialog INSPECT performs API 579 FFS assessments and shows flaws on the 3D model Minimum Safe Operating Temperature (MSOT) curve in INSPECT API 579-1 Part 10 Creep Damage API 579-1 Part 11 Fire Damage Assessments API 579-1 Part 8 Out of Roundness Easily model pressure relieving devices (PRDs) with INSPECT Excel Integration with INSPECT API 579-1 Part 7 Hydrogen Cracking and Blister Damage API 579-1 Part 13 Lamination Diagram API 579 Part 14 Fatigue - Pressure Fluctuation Cycle