How to Avoid Hydrogen Embrittlement | Article Index | Blog - Weekly Column | Resources
How to Avoid Hydrogen Embrittlement
Hydrogen embrittlement is a phenomenon that engineers and manufacturers must contend with when dealing with certain metals, particularly high-strength steels. This insidious problem can lead to failures in industrial equipment, pipelines, and infrastructure if not properly addressed.
Hydrogen embrittlement occurs when hydrogen atoms diffuse into the crystal lattice of a metal, weakening its structural integrity. Key factors contributing to hydrogen embrittlement are material selection and environmental conditions.
Swagelok Senior Scientist, Buddy Damm, discusses how to avoid hydrogen embrittlement and other hydrogen handling issues in the Swagelok Reference Point blog.
Preventive Measures to Mitigate Hydrogen Embrittlement
- Environmental Controls: Minimizing exposure to hydrogen-rich environments and controlling factors such as temperature and stress can significantly reduce the risk of embrittlement.
- Material Testing and Inspection: Regular testing and inspection of materials for hydrogen embrittlement susceptibility can help identify potential issues before they lead to failures.
- Process Optimization: Optimizing manufacturing processes to minimize hydrogen exposure and ensuring thorough cleaning and surface preparation before plating or coating can help mitigate the risk of embrittlement.
By understanding the factors contributing to embrittlement and implementing preventive measures, manufacturers and engineers can safeguard their equipment and infrastructure against this potentially catastrophic issue. Collaboration with reputable industry partners and adhering to best practices can ensure safety and reliability in your critical applications.
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