API-571 Reviews Questions

API RP 578 (Material Verification Program), referenced in API RP 571, specifically calls out sulfidation failures as a major driver for Positive Material Identification (PMI):

“PMI programs are particularly important in services prone to sulfidation where incorrect alloying elements (e.g., carbon steel used in place of low Cr alloy) have led to catastrophic failures.”

“Many failures have occurred when carbon steel was mistakenly installed in place of specified Cr-alloys in sulfidation-prone environments.”

(Reference: API RP 578 and API RP 571, Section 4.2.1.1 – Sulfidation)

Thus, option C is the most appropriate answer.

According to API RP 571 Section 5.1.2.1 (Hydrogen-Induced Cracking) and Publ 939-A, blistering in carbon and low alloy steels exposed to wet H2S environments can be exacerbated by the presence of cyanides. These accelerate hydrogen entry into steel, increasing the chance of hydrogen blistering.

API RP 571 states:

“HIC and blistering are forms of hydrogen damage that occur in wet H2S environments. The presence of cyanides can significantly increase hydrogen entry and the risk of blistering.”

Publ 939-A (Research on Cracking in Wet H2S Service) also notes:

“Cyanides act as catalytic agents in hydrogen charging, which promotes internal pressure build-up and increases blistering.”

Thus, cyanides (Option B) are the most critical in enhancing blistering in H2S environments.

API RP 571 – Sulfidation:

“Sulfidation generally results in uniform thinning of iron-based alloys at temperatures above 500°F (260°C).”

“It is classified as a form of general corrosion, although it can be accelerated in turbulent flow areas.”

So, option A is correct.

From API RP 571 Section 5.1.1.3 (Amine Corrosion):

“Amine corrosion is a form of general or localized corrosion caused by the presence of amine solutions used to remove acid gases (H₂S and CO₂)... Corrosion is most severe in areas where acid gas loading is high.”

While temperature and concentration are contributing factors, the primary driver is dissolved acid gases such as CO₂ and H₂S.

Thus, the correct answer is Option C.