DEKRA Industrial South Africa has strengthened its position as a leader in hydrogen-induced cracking (HIC) inspections, using advanced non-destructive testing (NDT) techniques.
DEKRA Industrial’s advanced testing services include inspection services to detect hydrogen-induced cracking in steel vessels.
Investing in state-of-the-art inspection equipment and global technical collaboration have enabled DEKRA to offer this enhanced capability to clients in the petrochemical, refinery and related industries where accuracy, reliability and confidence are required for early detection and management of cracking and damage in steel assets.
“Hydrogen-induced cracking remains one of the most critical threats to the integrity of pressure vessels, pipelines and steel infrastructure in the petrochemical sector,” says Bennie Groenewald, Business Line Manager, NDT / Advanced NDT at DEKRA Industrial. “Our advanced inspection portfolio – particularly in HIC detection – is technically robust and backed by DEKRA Industrial's global network and local expertise. With continuous investment in equipment and people, we are setting new standards for asset integrity in South Africa’s petrochemical sector.”
Precise techniques
Unlike surface damage, HIC occurs internally due to atomic hydrogen diffusing into steel structures, leading to blistering and stepwise cracking. The challenge lies in detecting early-stage damage accurately before it escalates to catastrophic failure.
To meet this challenge, DEKRA Industrial follows a phased approach.
- Total focusing method (TFM) for high-resolution ultrasonic imaging and sub-surface defect detection as small as 200 microns
- Time-of-flight diffraction (TOFD) ultra-low angle (ULA) techniques for enhanced probability of detection and length sizing
- Metallographic verification and destructive testing where needed, to ensure complete characterisation of damage.
These methods allow for qualitative and quantitative evaluation of HIC, significantly improving maintenance planning, repair decisions and operational safety.
Global expertise, local capability
What gives DEKRA Industrial a competitive edge is the integration of global research and development, European standards and hands-on field experience in the South African context. Backed by the DEKRA Group’s international innovation and research teams, the company has direct access to the latest techniques, procedures and technical feedback from similar NDT inspections performed across the world.
In support of this, DEKRA Industrial South Africa recently invested in new advanced inspection equipment, tailored specifically to inspect for HIC and related forms of damage. This includes next-generation phased array ultrasonic testing (PAUT) units and data-processing software, now operational across key sites in the local petrochemical sector.
Additionally, three senior DEKRA NDT specialists (certified to Level 2 and 3) have undergone specific international training to ensure the effective use of these technologies. This investment in people and technology ensures that inspection results are interpreted with a high degree of accuracy and consistency, giving clients actionable insight.
Beyond HIC: HTHA and RAI
Although HIC is the main focus of DEKRA Industrial’s inspection offerings, the company also offers expertise in detecting high-temperature hydrogen attack (HTHA), using techniques such as advanced velocity ratio measurement (AVR), automated ultrasonic backscatter techniques (AUBT), and high-sensitivity TOFD.
In addition, DEKRA Industrial’s remote access inspection (RAI) capabilities – soon to be introduced locally – will support safer and more efficient inspections in confined or hazardous environments. By deploying crawler-based, camera- or drone-assisted inspection tools, the company can perform HIC and HTHA assessments without exposing inspection teams to unnecessary risk or necessitating prolonged shutdowns.
As part of its broader mission, DEKRA Industrial remains committed to promoting safety, reliability and technical excellence in the industries it serves. “For a petrochemical refinery, a hydrogen plant or a remote pressure vessel site, our approach is always rooted in accuracy, safety and international best practice,” adds Groenewald. “We help our clients to ensure asset integrity and prevent potentially catastrophic failure.”
From fossil fuel facilities to hydrogen infrastructure and green energy projects, DEKRA Industrial’s inspection technologies are tailored to support the needs of industry in South African and across Africa.
For more information visit: www.dekrarsa.com