HIC tests are conducted to evaluate the resistance of pipeline to hydrogen-induced cracking caused by hydrogen absorption from aqueous sulphide corrosion. An unstressed test specimen is exposed to solution at ambient temperature and pressure and after a specified time, the test specimen is removed and evaluated.

Sulphide Stress Corrosion Cracking (SSC) is a form of hydrogen embrittlement cracking which, occurs when a susceptible material is exposed to a corrosive environment containing water and H2S at a critical level of applied or residual tensile stress.