DetaClad™ Characterization for High-Temperature and High-Pressure Hydrogen Service

When it comes to considering high-temperature damage mechanisms, one of the most challenging decisions is related to heavy-wall pressure vessels that operate at high pressure and high temperature in a hydrogen containing environment. Hydrotreatment or hydrocracking reactors typically fall under this category and often have an austenitic stainless-steel lining to protect the inner side of the pressure vessel from corrosion. Embrittlement of the carbon steel caused by High-Temperature Hydrogen Attack requires selecting steel with alloying elements such as Cr, Mo and V. The high risks of disbonding of the cladding interface under similar conditions also requires the selection of the most appropriate cladding technology. It is the upmost importance to ensure the interface will support the high-pressure hydrogen and the stresses generated by the heavily loaded internals. A study around characterizing the DetaClad™ interface was conducted under these extreme operating conditions. More than 150 tests were conducted and coming to the conclusion that DetaClad™ is appropriate for material selection under such demanding operating conditions.