Hydrogen embrittlement of stainless steel materials
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1. Which one is less prone to hydrogen embrittlement: stainless steel 304, 316, or 316L? Can copper become hydrogen-brittle? Is it true that the lower the carbon content in metal materials, the less likely they are to suffer from hydrogen embrittlement? 2. We deal in instrumentation; the medium is hydrogen, with a maximum operating pressure of 100 Mpa. The maximum operating temperature for our products should not exceed 100°C. Under such operating conditions, is it necessary to conduct a hydrogen embrittlement test on the materials? 3. Online sources state that hydrogen embrittlement occurs at a pressure of 30 Mpa and a temperature of 300°C. Do both of these conditions need to be met simultaneously? Which is the main factor causing hydrogen embrittlement: temperature or pressure?
I can only answer the first one: 316L is less prone to hydrogen embrittlement； Copper material will not; the lower the carbon content, the less likely it is.
With 316L in contact with media, there will be no problems as long as the wall thickness is sufficient; if you’re worried, apply another layer of gold plating for extra protection!