Tag: Stress corrosion cracking

What is stress corrosion cracking?

Stress corrosion cracking (SCC) is a phenomenon where the combination of tensile stress and a corrosive environment leads to the formation of cracks in a material. It typically occurs in metals and alloys and can weaken structural integrity. SCC is often found in industries such as oil and gas, chemical processing and nuclear power. The cracking process is influenced by factors such as material composition, applied stress levels, and the specific corrosive environment present.

News on stress corrosion cracking

Below you can find a selection of news and articles related to stress corrosion cracking in stainless steels. If you wish to contribute with your case study on stress corrosion cracking, please contact the Stainless Steel World editor

Duplex forgings & tubes in chemical process industries: cautions to be...

While duplex stainless steels are the ideal material of choice for process equipment in the chemical process industries, care must be taken during specification, fabrication and storage. The next three issues of Stainless Steel World will present case studies conducted by Dr. Elayaperumal which illustrate the importance of these steps to be able to take advantage of the properties of duplexes in service.

Causes & resolution of stress corrosion cracking in steam turbines

Steam turbines are used across the world as a source of power for many different industries. Even with the best maintenance procedures and preventative maintenance techniques, problems can still arise. Resolving one of the more serious issues, that of stress corrosion cracking, can often be achieved in a straightforward manner by accurately identifying the causes.

The welding of SAF 2507 steel for nuclear power plants

Most nuclear power plants in the world use sea water as its cooling medium; seawater is the most corrosive medium in the natural environment which are prone to produce pitting for common stainless steel materials.

Working together to find the best solution

To improve performance of heat exchanger tubing in challenging urea production environments, Sandvik worked with Stamicarbon BV to develop Safurex Star, an advanced alloy for use with high pressure (HP) strippers. Oscar Johansson, Global Product Manager, Heat Exchanger & Fertilizer Tubing for Sandvik discusses.

2205 Duplex Stainless Steel Mesh

2205 Duplex Stainless Steel Mesh includes wire mesh, perforated metal and expanded metal. It is known for providing excellent mechanical and anti-corrosive features.

Sandvik SAF 2304® seamless tube and pipe

Sandvik SAF 2304® is a lean duplex (austenitic-ferritic) stainless steel characterized by the following properties: Very good resistance to stress corrosion cracking (SCC), good resistance to general corrosion and pitting, high strength - approximately twice the proof strength of austenitic stainless steels, physical properties that offer design advantages, ease of fabrication and good toughness and good weldability.

SANDVIK SAF 2507® Tube and pipe, seamless

Sandvik SAF 2507® is a super-duplex (austenitic-ferritic) stainless steel for service in highly corrosive conditions. The grade is characterized by excellent resistance to stress corrosion cracking (SCC) in chloride-bearing environments, excellent resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion, high resistance to general corrosion, very high mechanical strength, physical properties that offer design advantages, high resistance to erosion corrosion and corrosion fatigue and good weldability.

Super Duplex Alloys for demanding applications

Langley Alloys consider themselves ‘The Home of Super Duplex’. They have been supplying unique alloys for 80 years and created the world’s first super duplex stainless steel nearly 50 years ago.

“Knowledge sharing is key” An interview with Dow’s leading materials expert

In addition to his role as Global Improvement Leader Materials Engineering Discipline at Dow, the world’s largest chemical company, David Barber has taken on the challenge of Chairing Duplex World 2018. With a wealth of handson metallurgical experience built up over nearly 30 years, David is as at ease solving corrosion issues on-site as he is fielding questions on specifications and lifecycle costs.

New special steel corrodur 4118 Mod for well fluids

In oil and gas exploration and extraction, the materials handling and production systems are constantly subject to corrosion due to contact with acid gases and chlorides at high temperatures.

The dangers of SCC

Stress corrosion cracking (SCC) is a complex and potentially catastrophic phenomenon that occurs when a combination of tensile stress, a corrosive environment, and a susceptible material interact. Unlike traditional corrosion, which is a gradual and uniform degradation of a material, stress corrosion cracking involves the formation and propagation of cracks, often leading to sudden failure.

Stress corrosion cracking commonly affects metals and alloys, such as stainless steels, aluminum alloys, and nickel-based alloys. It can occur in various industries, including oil and gas, chemical processing, aerospace, marine, and nuclear power.

The specific mechanisms behind stress corrosion cracking are complex but certain conditions are known to promote its occurrence. These include the presence of a corrosive environment (e.g., chloride ions in aqueous solutions), applied tensile stress, and material susceptibility. The combination of these factors leads to crack initiation, propagation, and eventual failure.

Cracks associated with stress corrosion failure can develop in different patterns, such as intergranular, transgranular, or a combination of both. The cracks may follow grain boundaries or propagate through the grains of the material. Stress corrosion is often difficult to detect because it can occur internally, hidden from visual inspection.

Can you prevent stress corrosion cracking?

Preventing stress corrosion cracking involves understanding and controlling the factors that contribute to its initiation. Strategies include material selection, minimizing tensile stress levels, applying protective coatings, utilizing corrosion inhibitors, and maintaining appropriate environmental conditions. Regular inspections, non-destructive testing, and monitoring are crucial to identifying early signs of stress corrosion cracking and preventing catastrophic failures.