DEKRA: HIC and NDT
DEKRA enhances HIC inspection offering DEKRA Industrial South Africa has strengthened its position as a leader in hydrogen-induced cracking (HIC) inspections through a strategic combination of advanced non-destructive testing (NDT) techniques, investment in state-of-the-art inspection equipment and global technical collaboration.
D EKRA Industrial has enhanced its capability to provide clients in the petrochemical, refinery, and relat- ed industries with the accuracy, confidence and reliability required for early detection and management of cracking and damage within steel assets. “Hydrogen-induced cracking remains one of the most critical threats to the in- tegrity 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 port- folio – particularly in HIC detection – is not only technically robust but backed by DEKRA Industrial’s global network and lo- cal expertise. With continuous investment in equipment and people, we are setting new standards for asset integrity in South Africa’s petrochemical sector.” Precision techniques Unlike surface damage, HIC occurs inter- nally due to atomic hydrogen diffusing into steel structures, leading to blistering and stepwise cracking. The challenge lies in accurately detecting early-stage damage before it escalates to catastrophic failure. To meet this challenge, DEKRA Indus- trial employs a phased approach which incorporates: • Total focusing method (TFM) for high- resolution ultrasonic imaging and sub-surface defect detection as small as 20 μ m. • Time-of-flight diffraction (TOFD) using ultra-low angle (ULA) techniques for enhanced probability of detection and length sizing • Metallographic verification and destruc- tive testing where needed, to ensure complete characterisation of damage. These methods enable the qualitative and quantitative evaluation of HIC, significantly enhancing maintenance planning, repair decisions and operational safety. Global expertise, local capability What gives DEKRA Industrial a unique com- petitive edge is the integration of global re- search and development (R&D), European standards and hands-on field experience in the South African context. Backed by
Hydrogen-induced cracking (HIC) occurs internally due to atomic hydrogen molecules (H) diffusing into steel structures at high temperatures. On cooling, these hydrogen atoms recombine to form hydrogen gas (H 2 ), which has a significantly higher volume. This raised the internal pressure/ stress, leading to blistering and stepwise cracking.
inspection tools, the company can perform HIC and HTHA assessments without expos- ing inspection team members to unneces- sary risk or requiring prolonged shutdowns. Commitment to safety As part of its broader mission, DEKRA Industrial remains committed to promoting safety, reliability and technical excellence in the industries it serves. From fossil fuel facilities to hydrogen infrastructure and green energy projects, the company’s inspection technologies are tailored to support the evolving needs of the South African and African industrial landscape. With 100 years of experience in 2025, in many vertical industry sectors through its global parent company, DEKRA Industrial SA has established a formidable reputation as a leader in inspection services, non- destructive testing (NDT), material testing, laboratory services, advanced NDT, asset integrity services and NDT inspection and corrosion control for rope access and lifting. In addition, the company offers compre- hensive vendor inspection and expediting services, as well as vehicle mapping. The company also offers accredited industry training through its adult-based education and occupational skills training division, the Institute of Learning (IOL). “For a petrochemical refinery, a hydro- gen plant or a remote pressure vessel site, our approach is always rooted in accuracy, safety and international best practice,” concludes Groenewald. “We do not just find cracks, we help our clients to ensure asset integrity and prevent potentially catastrophic failure.” https://dekrarsa.com
the DEKRA Group’s international innova- tion 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 has recently invested in new advanced inspection equipment, specifi- cally tailored 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. Furthermore, three senior DEKRA NDT specialists, each certified to Level 2 and 3, have undergone specific international training to ensure their 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, providing clients with actionable insights that drive informed decisions. Beyond HIC While HIC is a primary focus of DEKRA Industrial’s inspection offerings, the com- pany 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
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November-December 2025
AFRICAN FUSION
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