PR-214-134502-R01 Weld Hydrogen Cracking Risk Management Guide

PRCI and other organizations have funded research and development programs related to weld hydrogen cracking to develop tests, define hardness limits, understand diffusible hydrogen delivery, evaluate hydrogen cracking delay time and define weldment material hydrogen cracking susceptibility. These projects have produced results that can be used in developing or approving welding procedures, and electrodes or consumables. With all of this information available, hydrogen cracking is still being observed in new construction and in-service welds. This report has assembled samples of this information to provide an outline of current practice and knowledge. From this overview, gaps in knowledge or tools have been identified to support defining the path forward and enhance our understanding of how to predict the occurrence and preclude hydrogen cracking from weldments. Some concepts, identified in this document, are demonstrated to illustrate what can be achieved in support of weld hydrogen cracking management.