Slow Strain Rate Testing (SSRT) Services

We offer both standard Slow Strain Rate Testing (SSRT), performed at strain rates around 10⁻⁵ s⁻¹, and Ripple SSRT (RSSRT), which cycles specimens around the yield point to disrupt passive films. These methods compare material behavior in air vs. corrosive environments to assess SCC and HE resistance under real-world stress conditions.

• Standard SSRT for constant strain rate evaluation 

• Comparative testing between air and corrosive environments 

• RSSRT for disruption of passive films in corrosive conditions 

• 250-cycle, 7-day testing protocols for RSSRT 

• Ductility property and fracture surface analysis 

We specialize in testing critical materials used in demanding environments where corrosion resistance is paramount. Our expertise extends to Corrosion Resistant Alloys (CRAs), various grades of stainless steel, and nickel alloys. Each material undergoes rigorous evaluation to determine its susceptibility to stress corrosion cracking and hydrogen embrittlement, giving you crucial insights for material selection and application-specific performance.

• Corrosion Resistant Alloys (CRAs) for oilfield applications 

• Stainless steel grades for corrosive environments 

• Nickel alloys for specialized applications 

• Metals intended for sour service environments 

• Materials requiring performance verification at elevated temperatures 

We follow industry-recognized standards including NACE TM0198, ASTM G129, and ISO 7539-7 for SSRT, ensuring your results meet regulatory requirements and industry expectations. For RSSRT, we implement methods based on NACE Paper No. 58, Corrosion 97, providing consistent, reliable evaluation of cyclic performance in corrosive conditions. Our systematic approaches deliver actionable insights into material durability and susceptibility to environmental degradation. 

• NACE TM0198 method for quick screening of CRAs 

• ASTM G129 protocols for standardized testing 

• ISO 7539-7 compliance for international recognition 

• NACE Paper No. 58, Corrosion 97 methodology for RSSRT 

Our team can also develop custom SSRT and RSSRT test setups that replicate your component’s operating conditions, including elevated temperature, sour environments, or specific pressure profiles, to provide highly relevant, application-specific performance data. 

More about the SSRT Method 
The SSRT test involves testing of tensile specimens at strain rates typically in the order of 10-5. s-1. The tests are conducted in air and within a corrosive environment, and the ductility properties (elongation and reduction of area) and the appearance of fracture surfaces are compared. We use the NACE TM0198 method to rapidly screen Corrosion Resistant Alloys (CRAs) for resistance to stress corrosion cracking at elevated temperatures, particularly in sour oilfield production environments 

Our Slow Strain Rate Testing Methods include:  

• NACE TM0198 (SSRT) 

• ASTM G129 (SSRT) 

• ISO 7539-7 (SSRT) 

More about the RSSRT Method 
RSSRT is a modified slow strain rate test in which stainless steel or nickel alloy tensile specimens are repeatedly loaded and unloaded around their yield point. This cyclic loading disrupts the protective passive oxide film in corrosive environments, enabling the detection of early-stage stress corrosion cracking (SCC) and hydrogen embrittlement (HE) mechanisms. The test typically runs for 250 cycles of 7 days and any failures occurring within the test period may be indicative of susceptibility to Stress corrosion cracking (SCC) and Hydrogen embrittlement (HE). 

Our Ripple Slow Strain Rate Testing Methods include:  

• NACE Paper No. 58, Corrosion 97 (RSSRT) 

Long-term durability assessment 
Our RSSRT methodology provides long-term insight into the corrosion fatigue behavior of metals by simulating repeated strain exposures under aggressive environmental conditions. By subjecting tensile specimens to cyclic loading conditions around the yield point, we disrupt passive films and accelerate potential failure mechanisms. This approach provides valuable early indications of susceptibility to stress corrosion cracking or hydrogen embrittlement, helping you identify and mitigate risks before they impact your operations.

Our laboratories are equipped with specialized testing apparatus capable of precisely controlling strain rates at the microscopic level (typically 10-5 s-1), creating the exact conditions needed to evaluate stress corrosion cracking susceptibility. Our advanced environmental chambers simulate specific corrosive conditions while maintaining precise temperature and pressure control, allowing us to replicate your actual operating environments for truly relevant results.

• Precision strain rate control systems 

• Environmental chambers for corrosive medium exposure 

• Specialized cyclic loading equipment for RSSRT 

• Advanced measurement systems for ductility property analysis 

• High-resolution imaging for fracture surface examination 

Our team operates from Energy hubs across the world, providing global access to our expert capabilities. See all our labs on our Locations Page.