Definition of hydrogen service

[jtseng123]

Dear all,

Normally hydrogen partial pressure greater than 100 psia will be considered as hydrogen service regardless temperature. However, I saw a spec saying temp also to be above 400F then it will be as hydrogen service. That means if hydrogen partial pressure is 2000 psia and the design temp is only 300F, it is not considered as hydrogen service such that many special mechanical requirements are not required. Well, that will save a lot of cost. Do you agree temp shall be involved to define hydrogen service ? (Reference: Neilson curves)

 

[mk3223]

Based on the Nelson curve, the design of the CS material is acceptable at 400F regardless the H2 pressure.

 

[Chumpes]

hi
Hydrogen service may stand for "hydrogen containing environment" which may lead to safety concern whatever the temperature is.
if we talk about "hot hydrogen service" for which HTHA can develop, there is no universal definition : users have dissimilar definitions for hot hydrogen service. In my opinion, hot hydrogen service (with HTHA concerns) should be understood as the (temperature ; H2 partial pressure) ranges for which additionnal requirements are necessary to ensure resistance of the material to HTHA.
We use {ppH2 > 50psi when T > 400F} or {ppH2 > 800psi when T > 350F}, which are the limits beyond which CS should at least be PWHT or LAS selected.
API does not define H2 service and only provides so called Nelson curves.
The new Nelson curve (API RP941) for non-PWHT carbon steel could be understood as the API definition of hydrogen service. You must then acknowledge this definition or not, or define your own limits based on feedbacks and other documentation (for example CSB report on Tesoro Anacortes accident).

regards

 

[BenStewart]

I have very limited experience in hydrogen service equipment (so take the below as anecdotal) but based on what's been mentioned already it may be worthwhile reading Section 5.1.3.1 of API 571 and API 941.

Also, out of interest, I've also included this video link,

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OCfNau54h6I,

which gives a cursory overview of the Tesoro Refinery exchanger failure in 2010.

The Nelson curves in the current edition of API 941 8th (2016) have been updated several times, including since the 7th edition (2008).