The term hydrogen damage refers to the mechanical damage of metal caused by interaction with or the presence of hydrogen. Atomic hydrogen has a radius of 1.1 and is capable of diffusing through many metals and steels. Hydrogen atoms are very reactive and combine with almost all elements. The molecular form of hydrogen cannot diffuse and is stable.

Hydrogen damage can be classified into four types:

In hydrogen blistering, atomic hydrogen diffuses inside the metal and causes localized deformation, or even destroys the walls of the vessel. Hydrogen embrittlement also involves the penetration of hydrogen, which results in enhancing brittleness and decreasing tensile strength. Decarburization and hydrogen attack are high temperature processes. Decarburization, or the removal of carbon from steel, can take place in moist environments at high temperatures. This decreases the tensile strength on the steel. Hydrogen attack is the interaction between hydrogen and any constituent of an alloy at high temperature.
Sources of Nascent Hydrogen Atomic hydrogen is dangerous and harmful to many materials. It is created under the following conditions:

  • High temperature, moist atmosphere

  • Corrosion process

  • Electrolysis of water

These are the main sources of atomic hydrogen. So, to prevent hydrogen damage, we have to
control these sources. The reduction of hydrogen ions produces atomic hydrogen, which
subsequently forms a hydrogen molecule. If the latter step, the formation of molecular hydrogen, is slow, then the concentration of atomic hydrogen builds up and there are more chances of hydrogen damage.
Hydrogen Blistering In hydrogen blistering, atomic hydrogen diffuses in the materials that have some voids and
empty spaces inside them. Inside these voids, atomic hydrogen can combine to form a hydrogen molecule. Because molecular hydrogen cannot diffuse, tremendous pressure builds up inside these voids. The equilibrium pressure of molecular hydrogen in contact with atomic hydrogen is sufficient enough to rupture any material.

Hydrogen blistering is one of the forms of corrosion and is dominant in the petroleum industry. It can take place during refining and in storage tanks. (Learn more in Cathodic Protection of Earthed Tank Farms.)
Preventive Measures Against Hydrogen Blistering

  1. Use of Coatings
    Metallic, organic and inorganic coatings are often used to prevent hydrogen blistering of steel containers. The coatings and liners must be impervious to hydrogen penetration and resistant to the medium inside the container. Rubber, plastic coatings and brick linings are frequently used. Nickel and steel cladding is often employed with austenitic steels for this purpose.


  2. Use of Inhibitors
    Inhibitors reduce the rate of corrosion and rate of hydrogen ion reduction. Generally, inhibitors are used in closed systems.


  3. Use of Clean Steels
    Hydrogen blistering occurs when the hydrogen molecule forms inside of voids. We should use the material with minimum voids. So, killed steel should be used instead of rimmed steel because it has fewer voids.


  4. Removal of Poisons
    Some poisons hamper the formation of the hydrogen molecule, causing the concentration of atomic hydrogen to rise and making components more prone to hydrogen blistering. Hydrogen blistering is very rare in pure corrosive systems. Corrosion, electroplating and cathodic protection are a few sources of hydrogen in metal. Certain substances like phosphorus compounds, sulfide ions and arsenic compounds hamper hydrogen ion reduction, which in turn raises the concentration of atomic hydrogen. These poisons should be removed.


  5. Substitution of Alloys
    Hydrogen blistering can be prevented by using nickel containing steels or nickel alloys as they have very low hydrogen diffusion rates.

Hydrogen Embrittlement Hydrogen embrittlement involves the penetration of hydrogen. Strong, hydride-forming metals react with dissolved hydrogen to form brittle hydride compounds, such as titanium. Most of the mechanisms that lead to hydrogen embrittlement involve the slip interference with dissolved hydrogen.This slip interference may be due to a higher concentration of hydrogen near micro-voids and dislocation sites.

Hydrogen embrittlement tends to occur at stress concentrated regions. In addition, the higher concentration of hydrogen increases the chances of hydrogen embrittlement. A few ppm of absorbed gas can be sufficient to induce cracks. Generally, the tendency toward hydrogen cracking decreases with increasing temperature.
The Difference Between Stress Corrosion Cracking and Hydrogen Embrittlement Stress corrosion cracking (SCC) and hydrogen embrittlement are differentiated by their responses to the applied current and mode of cracking. If applied current makes the specimen more anodic and accelerates cracking, it is a case of stress corrosion cracking. Here, the anodic dissolution process contributes to the progress of cracks. Similarly, if applied current increases the rate of hydrogen evolution, these cases are considered to be hydrogen embrittlement.
Prevention of Stress Corrosion Cracking and Hydrogen Embrittlement

  1. Reducing the Rate of Corrosion
    Corrosion of metal leads to the evolution of hydrogen. Thus, reducing the corrosion rate decreases the rate of hydrogen evolution.


  2. Baking
    A common way of removing hydrogen from steels is by baking at relatively low temperatures. Hydrogen embrittlement is almost a reversible process for steel. In other words, the properties of treated steels are close to hydrogen-free steel.


  3. Altering Plating Conditions
    Careful choice of plating baths and control of plating current is very significant. If electroplating is performed under conditions of hydrogen evolution, hydrogen embrittlement and poor deposits are the result.


  4. Proper Welding
    Dry conditions should be maintained during welding since water and water vapors are a source of hydrogen. Welding rods with low hydrogen content should be used if materials is susceptible to hydrogen embrittlement.


  5. Substituting Alloys
    Very high strength steels are more prone to hydrogen embrittlement. Alloying with molybdenum and nickel reduces susceptibility.

Most basic step to controlling hydrogen damage is to carefully inspect potential sources of hydrogen and reduce them.