Element performs Sulfide Stress Cracking (SSC) testing of metals subject to cracking under the combined action of tensile stress and corrosion in the presence of water and H2S, in compliance with NACE TM0177/ ISO 15156 standards.

As a form of hydrogen stress cracking, SSC is a cracking mechanism in pipelines, facilities piping and any equipment that comes in contact with sour (wet H2S) service conditions.  It is a dangerous type of corrosion which produces some of the toughest technical challenges for Oil & Gas and Petrochemical manufacturers. It often occurs without warning and it can only be observed using specialized inspection methods. 

Sulfide Stress Cracking Testing

SSC testing helps to evaluate your materials and detect danger at an early stage, preventing failure of sour service pipelines and ensuring their reliability and longevity.

 

The Element advantage

Element offers sour service materials qualification testing in accordance with NACE MR0175/ISO 15156 as well as industry specifications and requirements. 

Combining industry experience with state-of-the-art laboratory testing and simulation facilities worldwide, we can simulate and evaluate the reaction of your materials under the standard sour conditions or to specific field conditions.

For more information about how we perform Sulfide Stress Cracking (SSC) Testing, or to request a quote, contact us today. 

We evaluate the performance of carbon steel, low alloy steel and Corrosion Resistant Alloys (CRAs) for sour service applications using the following test methods:

NACE TM0177
  • Method A – Smooth Tensile Test
  • Method B – Bent-Beam Test
  • Method C – C-Ring Test
  • Method D – Double-Cantilever-Beam (DCB) Test
NACE TM0316
  • Four Point Bend Test
EFC 16
  • Carbon and low alloy steel test methods
EFC 17
  • CRA test methods 
Ovalisation test 

Element offers full ring testing on pipe material from 2 inch (50 mm) up to 60 inch (1524 mm) diameter according to BS 8701 (formally OTI 95-635). Tests can be conducted on parent material or welded pipe (SAW/seam, spiral and/or girth) with the corrosive environment in contact with the bore or out of diameter (OD). The full pipe section is loaded to the required stress and exposed for a 30 day period after which the sample is examined for evidence of SSC, HIC, SOHIC and Soft-Zone Cracking. During the test the in-situ ultrasonic inspection and hydrogen permeation may be carried out.

Axially Loaded Full Ring Test (AFRT) 

Element has developed the AFRT method to conduct SSC testing of parent welded pipe subjected to high axial loads in service. The full-scale pipe sample is loaded in tension and the bore is exposed to the corrosive environment for 30 day period after which, the sample is examined for evidence of SSC, HIC, SOHIC and Soft-Zone Cracking. During the test the in-situ ultrasonic inspection and hydrogen permeation may be carried out.

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