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HIC Tested Plates for Acid Environments

What Are HIC Tested Plates and Why Are They Essential in Acid Environments?

HIC (Hydrogen Induced Cracking) Tested Plates are specially certified steel plates that undergo hydrogen exposure testing as per NACE TM0284 or similar standards. These plates are engineered to resist cracking in wet H₂S and acidic environments, particularly in equipment like pressure vessels, heat exchangers, and storage tanks exposed to hydrogen sulfide or sour gases. In industries like oil refining, petrochemicals, and fertilizer manufacturing—where H₂S presence is high—using regular boiler plates can lead to micro-cracks and sudden failure. HIC tested plates mitigate this risk, offering enhanced reliability, safety, and compliance with international project specs.

Which Industries Require HIC Plates for Sour and Acidic Conditions?

  • Oil & Gas Refineries (Hydrotreaters, Sour Crude Units)
  • Petrochemical Plants (Acid Catalysts & Wet Gas Processing)
  • Chemical Fertilizer Units (Urea Reactors, H₂S Service Lines)
  • Desalination Plants & Acid Storage Tanks
  • Marine & Offshore Structures (Sulfur-rich atmospheres)
  • Flue Gas Desulfurization (FGD) Equipment

Mechanical Properties of HIC Resistant Steel Plates

  • Yield Strength: Typically 240–460 MPa depending on base grade (SA 516 Gr 60/70)
  • Tensile Strength: Ranges from 490–650 MPa
  • Elongation: Minimum 20%
  • Hardness: ≤ 250 HBW
  • Test Criteria: CLR < 15%, CTR < 3%, CSR < 5% (as per NACE TM0284)

Note: These properties are validated post-HIC testing to ensure compliance with sour service standards.

Chemical Composition Suitable for HIC Resistance

Low-sulfur, low-carbon steel plates with carefully controlled phosphorus, sulfur, and hydrogen diffusivity:

Element Typical Content (%)
Carbon (C) 0.18 max
Manganese (Mn) 0.90 – 1.60
Phosphorus (P) ≤ 0.025
Sulfur (S) ≤ 0.010
Silicon (Si) 0.15 – 0.40

Plates may include small additions of aluminum or calcium to improve sulfide shape control and reduce HIC susceptibility.

HIC Testing Standards & Equivalent Grades

  • Testing Standard: NACE TM0284 / ASTM G39
  • Base Grades: SA 516 Gr 60 / Gr 70, EN 10028-2 P355GH, ASTM A537, A516 + HIC Certified
  • Equivalent Grades: DIN 17155 HII HIC, EN 10207 P265NB HIC, BS 1501 HIC Tested Plates
  • Compliance: ISO 15156, NACE MR0175, IBR (for India)

Available Sizes, Wall Thickness, and Dimensions

  1. Thickness Range: 6 mm to 150 mm
  2. Width: Up to 3000 mm
  3. Length: Up to 12 meters (cut-to-size available)
  4. Supply Format: As Rolled / Normalized / Quenched + Tempered
  5. Edges: Mill Edge / Trimmed

Heat Treatment & Testing Conditions for HIC Plates

All HIC tested plates are normalized or Q&T (as per spec), followed by:

  • HIC Testing per NACE TM0284
  • Ultrasonic Testing (UT) as per ASTM A578 / A435
  • Visual & Dimensional Inspection
  • Optional: PWHT simulation for refinery use

Fabrication Guidelines: Cutting, Welding & Forming

  • Preheat recommended: 150–200°C before welding
  • Post-weld heat treatment (PWHT) based on thickness
  • Plates support:
    • CNC Plasma / Oxy Cutting
    • Rolling, Bending, Edge Bevelling
    • SAW / SMAW welding compatibility

Why Choose Hindustan Steel Corporation for HIC Plates?

  • Dual-certified SA 516 Gr 60/70 + HIC Tested options
  • In-house ultrasonic + HIC test facility for assurance
  • Cut-to-size, edge prep & export packaging service
  • IBR, EN 10204 3.2 / 3.1, Lloyds, NACE-compliant test certificates
  • Quick delivery to EPCs, refineries & chemical plants worldwide

Related Grades & Product Alternatives

  • SA 516 Gr 60 / 70 + HIC
  • A537 Class 1 + HIC
  • DIN 17155 HII HIC
  • EN 10028-2 P355GH HIC
  • Clad Plates (SS/CS) for severe corrosion zones

Export of HIC Plates to High-Risk Environments

We export HIC certified plates to:

  1. Saudi Arabia (ARAMCO Projects)
  2. QatarGas & ADNOC Projects
  3. Indonesia, Thailand, Egypt (Chemical & Petro units)
  4. Kuwait National Petroleum Company (KNPC)
  5. USA / Europe: Sour Gas & Hydroprocessing Units

Buyer Tips: What to Check Before Ordering HIC Plates

  • Ensure plates are tested to NACE TM0284 and not just “HIC capable”
  • Ask for HIC test report with CSR/CLR/CTR values
  • Confirm base grade (SA516 or equivalent) and heat treatment
  • Prefer IBR or PED-approved stock if for pressure use

Certifications We Offer with HIC Tested Plates

  • NACE TM0284 HIC Test Report
  • IBR (Form IIIA), ISO 9001, PED 2014/68/EU
  • Third-party inspection: Lloyds, DNV, BV, TUV
  • EN 10204 3.1 / 3.2 Mill Certificates

FAQs for HIC Tested Plates for Acid Environments

Hydrogen Induced Cracking Test.

These values indicate the extent of crack length and surface area. Lower values mean better resistance.

Not all SA 516 Gr 70 plates are HIC-resistant—only those tested and certified to NACE TM0284 are.

Standard range: 6 mm to 150 mm. Custom cut sizes also available.

Yes, they are ideal for sour service, especially in upstream oil & gas.

Yes, every plate is shipped with Mill Test Certificate including HIC test data.

Yes, we offer cut-to-size with edge prep as per your drawing.

Yes, due to additional testing and stricter controls, they cost more—but they reduce risk of failure.

Yes, our plates are used in projects by L&T, EIL, KNPC, ADNOC, and many more.

Get a Quote for HIC Plates – Cut to Your Size

Whether you need a single plate or a large project order, Hindustan Steel Corporation can supply HIC-tested boiler plates tailored to your requirements—delivered fast, tested thoroughly, and priced competitively.

Call Now

+91-22-66159018
+91-9820944724

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sales@hindustansteel.com hindustansteel1@gmail.com

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