Hydrogen Embrittlement of Steels in High Pressure H2 Gas and Acidified H2S-saturated Aqueous Brine Solution

Abstract Microbiological methanation is planned in an underground natural gas reservoir. For this purpose, hydrogen stored, which can lead to embrittlement of steels. To simulate these field conditions, autoclave tests were performed clarify the amount absorbed and test whether content leads failure Constant load immersion with subsequent analyses performed. Tests under constant have shown that no cracks occur due pressures up 100 bar temperatures at 25 °C 80 °C. In carbon steels absorb a maximum 0.54 ppm hydrogen, well below limit. Austenitic stainless much more but also higher resistance embrittlement. H 2 S saturated solutions, uptake ten times compared gas, has caused fractures several (high strength steels, Super 13Cr, Duplex steel 2205).