The replacement of two vessels impacted with hydrogen induced
cracking in Shaybah facilities to maintain plant safety and facilitate continued crude oil production.
Presently, two of the pressurized hydrocarbon traps at Shaybah GOSP-2 crude oil facilities were
identified with hydrogen induced cracking (HIC) corrosion in the form of stepwise cracking. The
Shaybah facilities were installed before the introduction of industry standards in 1985, which
mandates the use of HIC resistant materials for facilities operating in wet sour service. The HIC
damage compromises the integrity of these vessels, exposing personnel to potential health and
safety issues. Increased inspection frequency and batch repairs have been implemented to
mitigate and lower the safety risk of these vessels until they are due for replacement.