Susceptibility of a welded joint of an operated gas distribution pipeline to brittle fracture
摘要
The susceptibility of various sections of a gas distribution pipeline, operated for 52 years, to hydrogen embrittlement was analyzed. The specimens of base metal and welded joint, cut out transversally to the pipe generatrix, were tested. The brittle fracture resistance was assessed based on temperature dependences of impact toughness and changes in steel plasticity after its electrolytic hydrogen charging. Critically low impact toughness was determined for both the base metal and welded joint of the operated pipeline. It was revealed that preliminary electrolytic hydrogen charging caused the plasticity loss, which was more pronounced for the welded joint and the operated state of the material.