Researchers at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) have pioneered a breakthrough study using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) imaging to analyze hydrogen embrittlement in steels. Their work, which was published last month in Engineering Failure Analysis, utilized the Canadian Light Source (CLS) synchrotron, offering 3D insights into the cracks formed by hydrogen in the metal, an advancement over traditional two-dimensional imaging methods.
As hydrogen gains recognition as a promising, cleaner energy source, its potential for large-scale applications, such as transporting energy via existing natural gas pipelines, has increased. However, hydrogen can introduce significant challenges when it interacts with metals, particularly steel. When hydrogen atoms diffuse into steel, the material becomes brittle, making it more prone to cracking. This phenomenon, known as hydrogen embrittlement, poses a serious risk to the infrastructure that will support a hydrogen-based energy future.
In their study, the research team examined the impact of hydrogen on different pipeline steels and highlighted how the metal’s microstructure plays a vital role in how much hydrogen it absorbs and how it is distributed. Their findings suggest that when hydrogen enters the steel during pipeline operation, it causes more damage compared to when it is introduced during manufacturing or other pre-charging conditions.
Tonye Jack, a researcher from USask, emphasized the significance of understanding how hydrogen interacts with steel in determining its failure behavior. “We need to know the mechanism of failure and how to mitigate it,” Jack said. He further explained that the risk of steel failure from hydrogen embrittlement depends on various factors, including the amount of hydrogen present, the steel’s microstructure, stress conditions, and the operational environment.
This research is crucial as industries are increasingly looking to transport hydrogen gas using high-strength natural gas pipelines. The findings provide valuable insights that could inform the production of safer, more durable pipelines, ultimately helping to mitigate the risks associated with hydrogen embrittlement.
“We tend to look at this as one failure is too many because of their economic importance,” Jack said. “But the bigger concern is environmental, as pipeline failures can have devastating consequences.”
As the global energy sector shifts toward cleaner fuels, understanding how hydrogen interacts with steel and addressing the risks of hydrogen embrittlement will be critical to ensuring the safety and reliability of future hydrogen infrastructure. The research underscores the importance of these findings for the development of robust and secure energy systems as society transitions to more sustainable energy solutions.
