What is Hydrogen Cracking?

Hydrogen-induced cracking due to a combination of hydrogen in the weld area, susceptible microstructure and stress. This obviously causes a concern for the integrity of the pipe after welding and later in service. In the case of in-service welding, there is a higher risk of cracking resulting from creating a hard microstructure in the steel while welding under the accelerated cooling conditions of a flowing pip. Cracking prevention in that case relies on the control of the weld microstructure and hardness. Non-destructive testing focuses on the detection of cracks.