Hydrogen Sulfide Corrosion of Weld Regions in API X52 Steel

Abstract

The corrosion behavior of gas metal arc welding (GMAW) regions has been studied using potentiodynamic polarization and polarization resistance (LPR) techniques. Experiments were conducted in hydrogen sulfide (H₂S)-containing brine and in H₂S-free brine. Welds were made on API 5L X52 steel. Due to differences in their microstructure, chemical composition and residual stress level, weld regions exhibited different responses under H₂S corrosion. Base metal exhibited the highest corrosion rate (CR) and the most cathodic corrosion potential.