Corrosion of Iron in an H2S-CO2-H2O System: Some Factors Affecting Hydrogen Penetration Rate Through 8640 Steel

Abstract

The rate of hydrogen penetration through 8640 steel exposed to an H2S-CO2-H2O environment was shown to depend on concentration of the hydrogen sulfide, structure of the steel and condition of the surface through which the emerging hydrogen passed. Greater penetration rate resulted from an increase in corrodent concentration and from a decrease in martensitic structure. Surfaces coated with iron sulfide film were found to retard penetration by hydrogen to a significantly greater extent than mechanically prepared surfaces.