Guidelines to Minimise the Risk of Hydrogen Embrittlement

William Hackett, the offshore lifting hoists and chains specialist, has published a report to help minimise the risk of Hydrogen Embrittlement (HE) and Stress Induced Corrosion Cracking (SICC). The report includes guidance on material choices used in topside and subsea lifts, and is seen as a major step forward in increasing awareness for offshore operators of the risks associated with HE and SICC.

The guidance identifies that the risk of HE and SICC increases as hardness values exceed 39-40 HRC, with implications for the impact of HE and SICC on chains and links used in lift and hoist projects across offshore environments.

The whitepaper looks at key areas around HE including causal factors, best practice methods to reduce risk and recommendations around specific product groups and key performance requirements.