This recommended practice (RP) summarizes the results of experimental tests and actual data acquired from operating plants to establish practical operating limits for carbon and low alloy steels in hydrogen service at elevated temperatures and pressures. The effects on the resistance of steels to hydrogen at elevated temperature and pressure that result from high stress@ heat treating@ chemical composition@ and cladding are discussed. This RP does not address the resistance of steels to hydrogen at lower temperatures [below about 400??(204??]@ where atomic hydrogen enters the steel as a result of an electrochemical mechanism. This RP applies to equipment in refineries@ petrochemical facilities@ and chemical facilities in which hydrogen or hydrogen-containing fluids are processed at elevated temperature and pressure. The guidelines in this RP can also be applied to hydrogenation plants such as those that manufacture ammonia@ methanol@ edible oils@ and higher alcohols. Hydrogenation processes usually require standards and materials that may not be warranted in other operations of the petroleum industry. At certain combinations of elevated temperature and hydrogen partial pressure@ both chemical and metallurgical changes occur in carbon steel@ which in advanced stages can render it unsuitable for safe operation. Alloy steels containing chromium and molybdenum can be used under such conditions. The steels discussed in this RP resist high temperature hydrogen attack (HTHA) when operated within the guidelines given. However@ they may not be resistant to other corrosives present in a process stream or to other metallurgical damage mechanisms operating in the HTHA range. This RP also does not address the issues surrounding possible damage from rapid cooling of the metal after it has been in high temperature@ high pressure hydrogen service (e.g. possible need for outgassing hydroprocessing reactors). This RP will discuss in detail only the resistance of steels to HTHA. Presented in this document are curves that indicate the operating limits of temperature and hydrogen partial pressure for satisfactory performance of carbon steel and Cr-Mo steels in elevated temperature@ hydrogen service. In addition@ it includes a summary of inspection methods to evaluate equipment for the existence of HTHA.
2016API RP 941-2016 Steels for Hydrogen Service at Elevated Temperatures and Pressures in Petroleum Refineries and Petrochemical Plants (Eighth Edition)
0000 API RP 941:2008
2004API RP 941-2004 Steels for Hydrogen Service at Elevated Temperatures and Pressures in Petroleum Refineries and Petrochemical Plants (Sixth Edition)
1997API RP 941-1997 Steels for Hydrogen Service at Elevated Temperatures and Pressures in Petroleum Refineries and Petrochemical Plants (Fifth Edition; Incorporates Errata: October 13@ 1997 and Supplement 1: April 1998)