Flange forgings of petrochemical ring are important parts in petrochemical industry, and their working environment usually includes high temperature, high pressure, corrosion and other harsh conditions. Under these conditions, hydrogen embrittlement is an important issue that needs attention. Hydrogen embrittlement refers to the change of mechanical properties and microstructure of materials after being invaded by hydrogen atoms, resulting in increased brittleness and even fracture of materials. Therefore, the assessment of hydrogen embrittlement risk of petrochemical ring flange forgings is of great significance for predicting and preventing its failure. This paper will discuss the hydrogen embrittlement risk assessment of petrochemical ring flange forgings.
The generation of hydrogen embrittlement is related to many factors, including material properties, working environment, manufacturing process and so on. In the petrochemical industry, petrochemical ring flange forgings are often subjected to high temperature, high pressure and corrosive media, which are conducive to the intrusion of hydrogen atoms. When hydrogen atoms accumulate to a certain extent in the material, it will lead to a decrease in the mechanical properties of the material and an increase in brittleness.
Hydrogen embrittlement risk assessment methods
Laboratory testing: Through laboratory testing methods, such as electrochemical hydrogen charging, tensile testing, etc., can evaluate the hydrogen brittleness of the petrochemical ring flange forgings. These methods can simulate the actual working conditions and observe the changes in the material after being invaded by hydrogen atoms.
Numerical simulation: Using finite element analysis and other numerical simulation methods, the hydrogen embrittlement behavior of petrochemical ring flange forgings can be simulated and analyzed. This method can predict the mechanical properties of materials invaded by hydrogen atoms and provide a basis for risk assessment.
Expert assessment: The hydrogen embrittlement risk of petrochemicals ring flange forgings can be comprehensively assessed through expert assessment methods, combined with laboratory testing and numerical simulation results. This method can consider a variety of factors and give a more accurate evaluation result.
Measures to reduce the risk of hydrogen embrittlement
Selecting the right materials: Selecting materials with excellent hydrogen embrittlement resistance is an important measure to reduce the risk of hydrogen embrittlement. Commonly used materials include high strength alloy steel, stainless steel and so on. The mechanical properties of these materials changed little after being invaded by hydrogen atoms, and they had better resistance to hydrogen brittleness.
Optimization of manufacturing process: By optimizing manufacturing processes such as casting, forging, and heat treatment, defects and stress concentration areas within the material can be reduced, thereby reducing the intrusion and accumulation of hydrogen atoms. At the same time, a reasonable manufacturing process can also improve the density and corrosion resistance of the material, and further reduce the risk of hydrogen embrittlement.
Control working environment: Try to avoid the use of petrochemical ring flange forgings in the environment of high temperature, high pressure and corrosive media. If it cannot be avoided, the intrusion and accumulation of hydrogen atoms can be reduced by controlling parameters such as temperature, pressure and concentration of corrosive media in the working environment.
This paper discusses the hydrogen embrittlement risk assessment of flange forgings of petrochemical ring. By means of laboratory testing, numerical simulation and expert evaluation, the hydrogen embrittlement energy of petrochemicals ring flange forgings can be evaluated and predicted. At the same time, measures such as selecting suitable materials, optimizing manufacturing process and controlling working environment can reduce the risk of hydrogen embrittlement and improve the reliability and service life of products. This is of great significance to ensure the safety of the petrochemical industry.
