Hydrogen Induced Cracking of a Dissimilar Weld in a Hydrogen Manufacturing Plant

A hydrogen manufacturing plant experienced circumferential cracking at the dissimilar weld on the outlet header. The outlet header was a cold wall design and the dissimilar weld was between HP40 modified and carbon ½ Mo steels. The resultant failure investigation found the cause to be hydrogen induced cracking of the dissimilar weld at the fusion boundary zone. The hydrogen was generated from the CO₂ corrosion which occurred due to operating the tubes below the dew point and the hydrogen was trapped in the steel by the CO chemisorption onto the steel. The following paper outlines the failure investigation and the fitness for service conducted to maintain the running of the plant.