Postgraduate Diploma in Materials Compatibility and Integrity
Online 800-hour Postgraduate Diploma in Materials Compatibility and Integrity. 8 modules covering ASME B31.12 (hydrogen piping and ducts), ISO 11114-4 (selection of steels resistant to hydrogen embrittlement) and Abaqus. Dedicated tutor and open enrolment.
Take the controls.
Run a real engineering trade-off from this field. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.
What you will be able to do
Explain the mechanisms of hydrogen embrittlement.
Select steels suitable for hydrogen service.
Evaluate polymers, elastomers and seals in contact with hydrogen.
Plan material compatibility tests.
Assess the integrity of pipelines repurposed for hydrogen.
Apply design criteria to pressure vessels and equipment.
Implement an integrity management system.
Who it's for
- Hydrogen materials engineer who wants to specialise in Materials Compatibility and Integrity.
- Asset integrity engineer who wants to specialise in Materials Compatibility and Integrity.
- Pressure vessel engineer who wants to specialise in Materials Compatibility and Integrity.
- Non-destructive testing specialist who wants to specialise in Materials Compatibility and Integrity.
- Process safety engineer who wants to specialise in Materials Compatibility and Integrity.
- Pipeline engineer who wants to specialise in Materials Compatibility and Integrity.
- Graduates in engineering or science who want to enter the hydrogen industry.
What you'll work with
- ASME B31.12 (hydrogen piping and ducts)
- ISO 11114-4 (selection of steels resistant to hydrogen embrittlement)
- ASME BPVC Section VIII Division 3 (high-pressure vessels)
- ISO 11114-2 (compatibility of non-metallic materials)
- API RP 941 (steels for hydrogen service)
- Directive 2014/68/EU (pressure equipment)
- ANSI/CSA CHMC 1 (material compatibility with hydrogen)
8 modules · 800 h
1.1Physical properties of hydrogen1.2Hydrogen embrittlement: HEDE and HELP mechanisms1.3Hydrogen diffusion and trapping in metals1.4Influence of pressure, temperature and purity1.5High-temperature hydrogen attack (HTHA)1.6Nelson curves and API RP 9411.7Permeation in polymers1.8Hydrogen compatibility with natural gas blends1.9Reference incidents in hydrogen1.10Case study: review of a hydrogen embrittlement failure
2.1Carbon and low-alloy steels2.2API 5L pipe grades and the influence of hardness2.3Austenitic stainless steels and stability2.4Welds and the heat-affected zone2.5Hardness and microstructure limits2.6Fracture toughness testing in hydrogen2.7Fatigue crack growth in hydrogen2.8ASME B31.12 standard for piping and pipelines2.9ASME VIII Division 3 Article KD-102.10Laboratory: interpreting da/dN curves in hydrogen
3.1Permeation and explosive decompression3.2Selection of gaskets and seals3.3HNBR, FKM and EPDM elastomers3.4PE, PA and PEEK thermoplastics3.5Polyethylene pipes for hydrogen3.6Type IV vessel liners3.7Accelerated ageing tests3.8ISO 11114-2 compatibility standards3.9Leakage at joints and flanges3.10Practice: seal selection for a compressor
4.1Slow strain rate tensile tests (SSRT)4.2ISO 11114-4 disc tests4.3In situ fracture mechanics testing4.4Cathodic charging versus gaseous hydrogen4.5Autoclave fatigue tests4.6Measurement of hydrogen content4.7Correlation between tests and service4.8Available laboratories and capabilities4.9Statistical interpretation of results4.10Workshop: designing a qualification test campaign
5.1Repurposing gas pipelines for hydrogen5.2Defect assessment with API 579 and BS 79105.3Pressure cycle fatigue analysis5.4Corrosion, dents and weld defects5.5In-line inspection with pigs5.6Reduced maximum operating pressure5.7European Hydrogen Backbone programme5.8European hydrogen network regulations5.9Mitigation strategies using inhibitors5.10Case study: assessment of repurposing a pipeline section
6.1Type I to IV vessels6.2ISO 19884 standard for storage6.3Risk-based inspection to API 580 and 5816.4Fatigue in refuelling station storage6.5Compressors, valves and instrumentation6.6Electrolysers: plate and stack materials6.7Corrosion in alkaline and PEM systems6.8In-service non-destructive testing6.9Remaining life management6.10Practice: RBI plan for 500 bar storage
7.1HAZID and HAZOP risk analysis7.2ATEX directives and zoning7.3Detection of hydrogen leaks and flames7.4Safety distances according to standards7.5PIMS integrity management systems7.6Integrity indicators and audits7.7Management of change in facilities7.8Staff training7.9Lessons from the HIAD database7.10Case study: integrity analysis of a refuelling station
8.1Asset definition and service conditions8.2Review of existing materials8.3Damage mechanism analysis8.4Compatibility test plan8.5Fitness-for-service assessment8.6Inspection and maintenance plan8.7Risk analysis and mitigation8.8Technical recommendations8.9Report and presentation8.10Final review with the tutor
How you'll learn
Fully 100% online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. No fixed timetables: students progress at their own pace within the intake, which makes it easy to combine with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is Abaqus, ANSYS Mechanical, Python, Thermo-Calc, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Tests are studied using real procedures for tensile tests in hydrogen atmosphere, fatigue crack growth tests and integrity non-destructive inspections. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final integrating project.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Explain the mechanisms of hydrogen embrittlement.
Select steels suitable for hydrogen service.
Evaluate polymers, elastomers and seals in contact with hydrogen.
Plan material compatibility tests.
Assess the integrity of pipelines repurposed for hydrogen.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- Prior technical training or professional experience in the sector. A university degree is not required.
- Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
- Sufficient Spanish to follow technical standards documentation.
Ready to start?
Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.
Frequently asked questions
The programme comprises 800 total hours spread over 6 to 8 months. That is between 10 and 15 hours per week on average, compatible with a full-time job.
You will work with Abaqus, ANSYS Mechanical, Python and Thermo-Calc. Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the free alternative where one exists.
An own diploma from SEIUM upon passing the continuous assessment and the integrating project. It is in-house training, not an official qualification from the Ministry.
Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area are credited towards the higher programme. Check the recognition policy when you enrol.
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