Effects of wet H2S containing environment on mechanical properties of NACE grade C–Mn steel pipeline girth welds

Tensile and fracture specimens (pre-charged with H2S) were tested in solution using customised rigs. When comparing with uncharged specimens, the tensile test results showed significant reduction in ductility for base and weld metal. The fracture resistance test results showed similar reduction of ∼0.3 times in base and weld metals and heat affected zone. There was noticeable increase in yield and tensile strength in both base and weld metals, due to the effect of hydrogen. When using partially coated specimens, higher fracture resistance was obtained, with reduction of ∼0.4 times only. This was mainly contributed by crack tip hydrogen and less so by the bulk hydrogen.