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
Specialist nickel alloy distributor, Philip Cornes, part of the TW Metals Group, has increased its stocks of the nickel-iron-chromium Alloy 825, in response to market demand.
NACE International announces NACE Standard RP0170-2004, "Protection of Austenitic Stainless Steels and Other Austenitic Alloys from Polythionic Acid Stress Corrosion Cracking During Shutdown of Refinery Equipment," a revised standard developed by NACE Task Group 173.
Early in 2002, Advanced Metals International supplied super duplex steel AMINOX R 255 strands to replace corroded Type 316 strands used to support flumes in leisure complexes at Clydebank and Dumbarton in Scotland.
NACE International announces the publication of NACE MR0175/ISO 15156, âPetroleum and natural gas industriesâMaterials for use in H2S-containing environments in oil and gas production.â?
Sandvik Materials Technology has enhanced the machinability of its Sandvik Sanmac grade SAF 2205, duplex stainless steel round bar.
Ongoing product development, including modifications and refinements to the steel chemistry, have enabled Sandvik Materials Technology to further enhance the machinability of Sandvik Sanmac grade SAF 2205 duplex stainless steel round bar.
For seamless pipes and tubes, a 6 Moly steel grade has been incorporated to the production programme of TTI-Tubacex Tubos Inoxidables SA.
The high-pressure vessels in the new Assaluyeh urea production plant in Iran are being constructed in Sandvik Material Technology's recently developed Sandvik SafurexTM steel grade.
Given the attention supermartensitic stainless steels have attracted in the past five years, it was not surprising that Supermartensitic Stainless Steels 2002, the second conference solely dedicated to supermartensitics, was well visited.
Nickel alloy and special stainless steels distributor Philip Cornes has announced that it now has stock availability of the nickel, chromium, molybdenum alloy C-22 (UNS N06022).
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.
