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TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION

HYDROGEN INDUCED CRACKING SENSITIVITY TEST


(AMENDMENTS/SUPPLEMENTS TO NACE TM0284)

MESC SPE 74/125

September 2012

MESC SPECIFICATION DOCUMENT

This document is restricted. Neither the whole nor any part of this document may be disclosed to any third party without the prior written consent of Shell Global
Solutions International B.V., The Netherlands. The copyright of this document is vested in this company. All rights reserved. Neither the whole nor any part of this
document may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, reprographic, recording or otherwise)
without the prior written consent of the copyright owner.
MESC SPE 74/125
September 2012
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PREFACE

MESC (Materials and Equipment Standards and Code) SPE documents reflect the views, at the time of publication, of:
Shell Global Solutions International B.V. (Shell GSI)
and/or
Shell International Exploration and Production B.V. (SIEP)
and/or
other Shell Service Companies.
They are based on the experience acquired during their involvement with the design, construction, operation and
maintenance of processing units and facilities, and they are supplemented with the experience of Shell Operating Units.
Where appropriate they are based on, or reference is made to, international, regional, national and industry standards.
The objective is to set the standard for good design and engineering practice applied by Shell companies operating an
oil refinery, gas handling installation, chemical plant, oil and gas production facility, or any other such facility, and
thereby to achieve maximum technical and economic benefit from standardization.
The information set forth in these publications is provided to Shell companies for their consideration and decision to
implement. This is of particular importance where MESC SPEs may not cover every requirement or diversity of condition
at each locality. The system of MESC SPEs is expected to be sufficiently flexible to allow individual Operating Units to
adapt the information set forth in MESC SPEs to their own environment and requirements.
When Contractors or Manufacturers/Suppliers use MESC SPEs they shall be solely responsible for the quality of work
and the attainment of the required design and engineering standards. In particular, for those requirements not
specifically covered, the Principal will expect them to follow those practices, which will achieve the same level of
integrity as reflected in the MESC SPEs. If in doubt, the Contractor or Manufacturer/Supplier shall, without detracting
from his own responsibility, consult the Principal or its technical advisor.
The right to use MESC SPEs is granted by Shell GSI, in most cases under Service Agreements primarily with Shell
companies and other companies receiving technical advice and services from Shell GSI or another Shell Service
Company. Consequently, three categories of users of MESC SPEs can be distinguished:
1) Operating Units having a Service Agreement with Shell GSI or other Shell Service Company. The use of MESC
SPEs by these Operating Units is subject in all respects to the terms and conditions of the relevant Service
Agreement.
2) Other parties who are authorized to use MESC SPEs subject to appropriate contractual arrangements (whether
as part of a Service Agreement or otherwise).
3) Contractors/subcontractors and Manufacturers/Suppliers under a contract with users referred to under 1) or 2)
which requires that tenders for projects, materials supplied or - generally - work performed on behalf of the said
users comply with the relevant standards.
Subject to any particular terms and conditions as may be set forth in specific agreements with users, Shell GSI
disclaims any liability of whatsoever nature for any damage (including injury or death) suffered by any company or
person whomsoever as a result of or in connection with the use, application or implementation of any MESC SPE,
combination of MESC SPEs or any part thereof, even if it is wholly or partly caused by negligence on the part of Shell
GSI or other Shell Service Company. The benefit of this disclaimer shall inure in all respects to Shell GSI and/or any
Shell Service Company, or companies affiliated to these companies, that may issue MESC SPEs or require the use of
MESC SPEs.
Without prejudice to any specific terms in respect of confidentiality under relevant contractual arrangements, MESC
SPEs shall not, without the prior written consent of Shell GSI, be disclosed by users to any company or person
whomsoever and the MESC SPEs shall be used exclusively for the purpose for which they have been provided to the
user. They shall be returned after use, including any copies, which shall only be made by users with the express prior
written consent of Shell GSI. The copyright of MESC SPEs vests in Shell GSI. Users shall arrange for MESC SPEs to
be held in safe custody and Shell GSI may at any time require information satisfactory to them in order to ascertain how
users implement this requirement.
All administrative queries should be directed to the MESC SPE Administrator in Shell GSI.
MESC SPE 74/125
September 2012
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................ 4
1.1 SCOPE........................................................................................................................ 4
1.2 DISTRIBUTION, INTENDED USE AND REGULATORY CONSIDERATIONS ......... 4
1.3 DEFINITIONS ............................................................................................................. 4
1.4 CHANGES SINCE PREVIOUS EDITION ................................................................... 4
1.5 COMMENTS ON THIS MESC SPE ............................................................................ 5
PART II AMENDMENTS/SUPPLEMENTS TO NACE TM0284 ............................................... 6
PART III REFERENCES ......................................................................................................... 10
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PART I INTRODUCTION

1.1 SCOPE
This MESC SPE specifies requirements for hydrogen induced cracking (HIC) sensitivity
testing and is based on NACE TM0284-2011.
This MESC SPE shall apply in addition to the applicable MESC Buying Description,
purchase order or requisition sheet.
This MESC SPE is written as amendments and supplements to NACE TM0284-2011,
which are covered in Part II of this MESC SPE. The clause numbering of NACE TM0284
has been retained and any amendments are identified as ‘Add’, ‘Modify to read’ or ‘Delete’.
Any clauses of NACE TM0284 that are not amended or supplemented by this MESC SPE
shall apply as written.

1.2 DISTRIBUTION, INTENDED USE AND REGULATORY CONSIDERATIONS


Unless otherwise authorised by Shell GSI, the distribution of this MESC SPE is confined to
Shell companies and, where necessary, to Contractors and Manufacturers/Suppliers
nominated by them.
This MESC SPE is intended for use in oil refineries, chemical plants, gas plants, exploration
and production facilities and, where applicable, supply/distribution installations.
If national and/or local regulations exist in which some of the requirements may be more
stringent than in this MESC SPE the Contractor shall determine by careful scrutiny which of
the requirements are the more stringent and which combination of requirements will be
acceptable with regards to safety, environmental, economic and legal aspects. In all cases
the Contractor shall inform the Principal of any deviation from the requirements of this
MESC SPE which is considered to be necessary in order to comply with national and/or
local regulations. The Principal may then negotiate with the Authorities concerned, the
objective being to obtain agreement to follow this MESC SPE as closely as possible.

1.3 DEFINITIONS

1.3.1 General definitions


The Contractor is the party that carries out all or part of the design, engineering,
procurement, construction, commissioning or management of a project, or operation or
maintenance of a facility. The Principal may undertake all or part of the duties of the
Contractor.
The Manufacturer/Supplier is the party that manufactures or supplies equipment and
services to perform the duties specified by the Contractor.
The Principal is the party that initiates the project and ultimately pays for it. The Principal
may also include an agent or consultant authorised to act for, and on behalf of, the
Principal.
The word shall indicates a requirement.
The word should indicates a recommendation.

1.4 CHANGES SINCE PREVIOUS EDITION


The previous edition of this SPE is dated May 2010. The main changes are to invoke and
align with the 2011 version of NACE TM0284. In addition, the email address of MESC
SPE administrator is updated.
MESC SPE 74/125
September 2012
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1.5 COMMENTS ON THIS MESC SPE


Comments on this MESC SPE may be sent to the MESC SPE Administrator at
MESC@shell.com. Shell staff may also post comments on this MESC SPE on the Surface
Global Network (SGN) under the Standards folder.
MESC SPE 74/125
September 2012
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PART II AMENDMENTS/SUPPLEMENTS TO NACE TM0284

1.2 Modify to The tests shall be performed with Solution A, a sodium chloride, acetic acid
read (NaCl, CH3COOH) solution saturated with H2S at ambient temperature
and pressure. After a specified time the test specimens shall be removed
and evaluated.
1.5 Add new Compliance with the HIC testing requirements is the responsibility of the piping
clause material or equipment supplier but the testing shall be performed by the steel
manufacturer (i.e., testing shall be done by the original material manufacturer
as a qualification of his manufacturing route for HIC resistant steel material).
Material inspection certificates shall be in accordance with ISO 10474, Type
3.1.C (for which the piping material or equipment supplier or steel
manufacturer shall appoint the witnessing party, subject to the approval of the
Principal).
1.6 Add new Materials shall be subjected to HIC testing at a frequency of one test per heat
clause unless specified otherwise in following sections.
1.7 Add new The Principal shall indicate if any of these tests are to be witnessed.
clause
2.1 Modify to The reagents for Test Solution A shall be nitrogen gas for purging, H 2S
read gas, NaCl, CH3COOH, and distilled or deionized water.
2.3 Add The H2S purity shall be 99.5 vol% or better and oxygen free.
4.1.1 Add ...except that for seamless pipe and fittings the specimens shall be 60 ± 1
mm (2.36 ± 0.04 in) long x 20 ± 1 mm (0.80 ± 0.04 in) wide.
4.1.2 Modify to The test specimen thickness shall be the full wall thickness of the pipe
read up to a maximum of 30 mm (1.2 in). For wall thickness greater than 30 mm
(1.2 in), the test specimen thickness shall be limited to a maximum thickness
of 30 mm (1.2 in) as described in Section 5. A maximum of 1 mm (0.04 in)
may be removed from each of the surfaces (i.e., internal and external).
Test specimen blanks shall not be flattened.
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4.2.1 Add Three test specimens shall be taken from each test pipe. At least one pipe
from every steel melt and heat treatment combination shall be tested in the test
solution. Where products of different dimensions are produced in one steel
melt and heat treatment combination, tests shall be performed both on
products with the thickest and the thinnest dimensions.

For line pipe ordered to ISO 3183 PSL2, the required HIC testing frequency
shall be as per table below:
Type of inspection Type of pipe Frequency of inspection
Hardness testing of pipe SMLS, HFW, Two tests per test unit of pipe
SAWL, with the same cold expansion
a)
SAWH ratio .
One test for heats less than 100
tonne
Hardness testing of HFW, SAWL, Two tests per test unit of pipe
longitudinal or helical- SAWH with the same cold expansion
a)
seam weld of welded ratio .
pipe One test for heats less than 100
tonne
Hardness testing of HFW, SAWL, Each hard spot found on the
hard spots in welded SAWH internal or external surface of the
pipe pipe
Non-destructive SMLS, HFW, In accordance with Annex K
inspection SAWL,
SAWH
HIC test SMLS, HFW, One test for each of the first
SAWL, three heats applied; thereafter,
SAWH one test for each test unit of not
more than 10 heats of steel
If required, SSC test SMLS, HFW, One test for each pipe provided
SAWL, for manufacturing procedure
qualification
NOTE: a) The cold-expansion ratio is designated by the manufacture (see 8.9.3). An
increase or decrease in the cold-expansion ratio of more than 0.002 requires
the creation of a new test unit

4.4.1 Modify Prior to testing, the test specimens shall be degreased with a suitable
to read degreasing solution and rinsed with an appropriate solvent, such as
acetone. Thereafter, extreme care shall be taken not to contaminate the
specimens. They shall be handled using only degreased tongs or clean gloves.
Specimens shall not be coated in any way before exposure in the test
environment. The adequacy of the degreasing method shall be determined
for each batch of test specimens by the atomizer test in accordance with
ASTM F 21 or another equivalent method. The method used shall be
reported.
5.2.5 Add For plate or strip where more than one thickness may be rolled from the
new same heat, tests shall be performed on both the thickest and the thinnest
clause material produced from each heat.
6.2.6 Add At least one fitting from every steel melt and heat treatment combination
new shall be tested in the test solution. Where products of different dimensions
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clause are produced in one steel melt and heat treatment combination, tests shall
be performed both on products with the thickest and the thinnest
dimensions.
8.1.3 Modify The test solution (Solution A) shall be prepared in a separate sealed vessel
3
to read that is purged with nitrogen for at least one hour at a rate of 100 cm /min
per litre of test solution before transferring the test solution to the test
vessel, which has been subject to nitrogen purging in advance. The test
solution shall consist of 5.0 wt% NaCl and 0.50 wt% CH3COOH in distilled
or deionized water (i.e., 50.0 g of NaCl and 5.00 g of CH3COOH dissolved in
945 g of distilled or deionized water). The initial pH shall be 2.7 ± 0.1. All
reagents added to the test solution shall be measured to ± 1.0% of the
quantities specified.
8.1.4 Modify If specified by the Principal, HIC susceptible material shall be tested to
to read demonstrate the effectiveness of the solution.
8.2.3 Modify After purging, H2S gas shall be bubbled through the test solution. The rate
3
to read of bubbling shall be at least 200 cm /min per litre of test solution for the first 60
min; thereafter, while maintaining a positive pressure of H2S gas, the H2S flow
3
rate may be reduced to 10 cm /min per litre of test solution and maintained at
this rate for the remainder of the test period to ensure that the test solution
remains saturated with H2S. The concentration of H2S in the test solution
shall be measured by iodometric titration and shall be a minimum of 2,300
ppm at the end of the test. An acceptable iodometric titration procedure is
detailed in Appendix C (nonmandatory).
8.3.1 Modify pH at start of test - The pH of the Solution A at the start of the test shall be
to read measured immediately after H2S saturation and shall not exceed 3.3.
8.3.2 Modify pH at end of test - The pH of the Solution A at the end of the test shall be
to read measured and shall not exceed 4.0 for the test to be valid.
8.6 Add new Oxygen Contamination
clause
The small positive pressure of H2S shall be maintained in the test cell by the use
of an outlet trap to prevent oxygen contamination from the air. If at any time
during the test a white haze clouds the solution, this is evidence that oxygen
ingress has occurred so the test shall be stopped and repeated with new
specimens and fresh solution.
9.1 Add The tendency to blister shall be reported after visual examination, and
photographs shall be taken of the two wide faces of each coupon to show any
blistering.
9.4 Add For each section containing cracks, one photograph shall be taken showing the
complete transverse sections.
9.6 Add new Unless otherwise specified, the following acceptance criteria shall be met:
clause
a) Calculated values (refer to ISO 15156-2:2009, Clause B.5):
% (maximum)
CLR CTR CSR
Average per specimen 15 5 2
b) The maximum individual crack length on any section shall not exceed
5 mm (0.2 in).
If any specimen fails to meet any of the above acceptance criteria, the
heat of steel represented by the test shall be rejected.
9.7 Add new One specimen from each plate/strip shall be polished and etched (in thicker
clause plates, multiple specimens representing the full thickness shall be prepared) and
the microstructure evaluated for the degree of banding according to
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ASTM E 1268. Micro-indentation hardness tests are not required. Results shall
be reported, for information only, using ASTM E 1268 reporting nomenclature.
10.2 Modify The following shall be reported:
to read
(a) Method of testing for adequacy of test specimen degreasing;
(b) Test solution used (Solution A);
(c) pH of the test solution before introduction of H2S - specified in
Paragraphs 8.1.3;
(d) pH of the test solution at start of test (after saturation with H 2S) -
specified in Paragraph 8.3.1;
(e) pH of the test solution at end of test—specified in Paragraph 8.3.2; and
(f) Temperature of the test solution—specified in Paragraph 8.5.
(g) H2S content of test solution - specified in Paragraph 8.2.3
10.4 Add For each section, the maximum individual crack length shall be reported.
For each value, a pass/fail mark shall be reported according to the specified
acceptance criteria in 9.6.
10.6 Add new The report shall also include:
clause
(a) Photomicrographs of the specimens showing cracking, together with
photomicrographs of adjacent material structures and photomicrographs of
the bulk material structure (samples) used to assess microstructure banding:
i. Unetched, showing the type of inclusions in the steel.
ii. Etched, showing the parent material microstructure.
iii. Assessment of microstructure banding in accordance with ASTM
E1268.
(b) Photographs of specimens, showing any blisters.
(c) Location and dimensions of specimens.
(d) Full chemical analysis of material tested, including analysis for micro-
alloying elements.
(e) Mechanical properties of materials tested after a simulated PWHT cycle, if
applicable.
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PART III REFERENCES

In this MESC SPE, reference is made to the following publications:


NOTES: 1. Unless specifically designated by date, the latest edition of each publication shall be used, together with any
amendments/supplements/revisions thereto.
2. Most of the referenced external standards are available to Shell staff on the SWW (Shell Wide Web) at
http://sww.shell.com/standards.

AMERICAN STANDARDS
Standard practice for assessing the degree of ASTM E 1268
banding or orientation of microstructures
Standard Test Method for Hydrophobic Surface Films ASTM F 21
by the Atomizer Test
Issued by:
American Society for Testing and Materials
100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken
PA 19428-2959
USA

Test Method – Evaluation of Pipeline Steels for NACE TM0284-2011


Resistance to Stepwise Cracking
Issued by:
NACE International
P.O. Box 218340
Houston, Texas 77218
USA

INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS

Steel and steel products – Inspection documents ISO 10474


Petroleum and natural gas industries — ISO 15156-2:2009
Materials for use in H2S-containing
environments in oil and gas
production — Part 2:
Cracking-resistant carbon and low alloy
steels, and the use of cast irons
Issued by:
ISO Central Secretariat
1, ch. de la Voie-Creuse
Case postale 56
CH-1211 Genève 20
Switzerland
Copies can also be obtained from national standards organizations.

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