HIC Tested Boiler Plate – What Does It Mean?
HIC Tested Boiler Plates are specially tested carbon or alloy steel plates certified to resist Hydrogen Induced Cracking (HIC). These cracks are caused by hydrogen diffusion in steel exposed to wet H₂S (sour environments), particularly in refineries, acid plants, and gas processing units.
How Does HIC Occur in Boilers?
When boiler steel is used in sour service (H₂S-laden environments), hydrogen atoms get absorbed and trapped in inclusions within the steel. This leads to:
- Internal cracking
- Reduced pressure resistance
- Severe operational hazards
Hence, plates must undergo HIC testing as per NACE TM0284 to ensure resistance.
Chemical Composition of HIC-Resistant Plates
Typical low-Sulfur steel with:
- Carbon: 0.13–0.21%
- Manganese: 0.9–1.5%
- Sulfur: < 0.005%
- Phosphorus: < 0.012%
Grades: SA 516 Gr 60/70 HIC Tested, A537 Cl 1/2 HIC, EN 10028-2 HIC
Mechanical Behavior & Toughness
- Elongation: > 21%
- Tensile strength: 485–620 MPa
- Tested in wet H₂S solution for >96 hours
- Acceptance: CLR, CTR, CSR within NACE-defined limits
Standards & Test Methods
- NACE TM0284 / TM0177
- ASTM A516, EN 10028-2, DIN 17155
- ASME SA516, IBR Form-III certified
- Optional: NORSOK M-650, API 934-C
Sizes & Thicknesses Available
- Thickness: 6 mm to 150 mm
- Width: Up to 2500 mm
- Length: Custom cut-to-size
- Edge: Mill, trimmed, sheared
- Stock: Available in normalized, Q+T, or stress-relieved forms
Fabrication & Weldability Tips
- Preheating required above 20 mm
- Low-hydrogen welding electrodes
- Post-weld heat treatment optional for pressure-critical projects
- Cutting: CNC Plasma / Oxyfuel recommended
Why Hindustan Steel Corporation for HIC Plates
- 100% HIC + UT tested with traceable MTC
- Third-party testing from TCR, Lloyds, SGS
- Ready stock in IBR, EN 10204 3.2, NACE-certified condition
- Cut-to-length, plasma profile, export packaging support
Related Grades We Offer
- A516 Gr 70 HIC
- A537 Cl 2 HIC
- SA 387 Gr 11 / 22 with HIC
- EN 10028-2 P355NH HIC
- DIN 17155 HII HIC
Industries & Regions We Serve
- Refineries, Fertilizer Units, Offshore Rigs
- UAE, Saudi Arabia, Vietnam, Indonesia, Egypt, South Africa
- Compliance: NACE, PED, ISO 15156, API 934
Certifications & Test Reports Offered
- HIC Test: CLR, CSR, CTR – as per NACE TM0284
- IBR Form III, EN 10204 3.1/3.2
- NACE MR0175 / ISO 15156 compliance
- CE marking, PED approval
Buying Tips for HIC Plates
- Ask for actual HIC test report (not just material)
- Ensure it mentions: Exposure time, solution type, temperature
- Look for low S+P values in MTC
- Verify compliance with both NACE and ASME
FAQs for What is HIC Tested Boiler Plate?
Is HIC testing mandatory?
Yes, for all steel used in sour service (wet H₂S conditions), per NACE guidelines.
What are the testing parameters for HIC?
As per NACE TM0284, tested in H₂S saturated solution for 96 hours, checking CTR, CLR, CSR values.
Is HIC the same as NACE compliance?
Not exactly. NACE defines the environmental compliance; HIC is the specific resistance test method.
Where are HIC-tested plates used?
- Sour gas separators
- Fertilizer urea towers
- Pressure vessels handling H₂S
- Refinery process vessels
Need cut-to-size, certified HIC-tested boiler plates?
Ready Stock | Project Sizes | Competitive Rates