Effect of Accelerated Cooling Parameters on Microstructure and Hydrogen Cracking Resistance of Low-Alloy Pipe Steels

The effect of accelerated cooling parameters on microstructure and hydrogen initiated cracking (HIC) is studied for thick-walled low-alloy steels of strength categories X52–X65 used for manufacturing large diameter pipes intended for operation in hydrogen sulfide media. Optimum accelerated cooling regimes are determined providing formation of a ferrite-bainite microstructure throughout the rolled product’s thickness, exhibiting improved hydrogen cracking resistance.