Acid Embrittlement (or Hydrogen Embrittlement)

The term "acid embrittlement" of steel pipes refers to the reduction in mechanical strength and embrittlement of steel quality after pickling. The occurrence of acid embrittlement defects in steel pipes is due to the generation of hydrogen atoms during the pickling process. Some of these hydrogen atoms diffuse into the α-iron lattice spaces within the steel pipe matrix. Due to their volume expansion, stress is generated inside the steel pipe matrix, which weakens the internal bonding force of the matrix, embrittles the matrix, and consequently reduces the mechanical strength of the steel pipes.