Stress Corrosion Cracking (SCC) Testing

Stress corrosion cracking (SCC) causes sudden, costly failures without visible warning. Element’s testing combines predictive simulation, advanced metallurgical analysis, and tailored field inspection to identify SCC risk early. From chloride cracking to sour service and IGSCC, our global labs offer scalable, standards-based solutions for industries where failure is not an option.

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What is Stress Corrosion Cracking (SCC) Testing at Element?

SCC is a localized corrosion that causes sudden, brittle failure in ductile materials exposed to tensile stress and a corrosive environment. It originates at microscopic flaws and propagates without warning, making proactive testing essential. As SCC often develops rapidly, without prior warning, and can lead to catastrophic failure, testing for potential issues before they occur is crucial. At Element, our testing uses predictive analysis and accelerated environmental simulations to identify susceptibility to stress corrosion cracking before failure occurs.

Element testing specialist examining precision measurement equipment for materials analysis

What Can Element Offer You For SCC Testing?

Key Tests Offered

Comprehensive SCC Testing Services and Capabilities.

We offer comprehensive stress corrosion tests for metals and alloys, including:

  • Carbon and alloys steels 
  • Stainless steels 
  • Nickel alloys 
  • Aluminum alloys 
  • Titanium alloys 
  • Copper alloys 

Chlorine-Induced Stress Corrosion Cracking Testing 
Chloride stress corrosion cracking (Cl-SCC) is a form of intergranular corrosion in austenitic stainless steel under tensile stress, exposed to oxygen, chloride ions, and elevated temperatures, a critical concern for the nuclear and marine industries. Element provides reliable and safe chloride-induced stress corrosion testing using a chloride-containing environment in accordance with ASTM G-36-94. 

Our SCC assessment identifies risks such as external/internal corrosion, weld and fabrication defects, equipment fatigue, incorrect operations, and residual stresses, ensuring early detection across complex structures. We specialize in chloride stress corrosion testing crucial for the nuclear industry, performed in accordance with ASTM G-36-94. Our testing evaluates susceptibility to cracking under various environmental conditions, simulating real-world scenarios your materials will face. 

  • Sour service cracking tests 
  • Stress corrosion cracking analysis 
  • Sulfide stress cracking evaluation 
  • Chloride stress cracking assessment 
  • Ammonia stress cracking tests 
  • Intergranular stress corrosion cracking (IGSCC) analysis 

Materials We Test

We test a comprehensive range of materials prone to stress corrosion cracking, including carbon and alloy steels, stainless steels, nickel alloys, aluminum alloys, titanium alloys, and copper alloys. Our expertise spans materials used across Energy, Aerospace, Transportation, and other critical industries where failure is not an option. We understand the unique challenges each material presents and tailor our testing approach accordingly.

  • Carbon and alloy steels 
  • Stainless steels 
  • Nickel alloys 
  • Aluminum alloys 
  • Titanium alloys 
  • Copper alloys 

Methods And Solutions Offered

We combine field inspection with laboratory analysis to provide you with complete corrosion assessment solutions. Our stress corrosion cracking testing evaluates metal performance under sustained tensile stress from external loads, residual stresses from welding, forming, machining, grinding, physical damage, heat treatment, and operating pressures. We deliver predictive testing for long service life, helping you plan maintenance activities and prioritize safety measures.

  • Field inspection services 
  • Laboratory analysis 
  • Customized testing protocols - including offshore, high-pressure, rail, and maritime conditions 
  • Large capacity simulation facilities 
  • Comprehensive material degradation prediction 
  • Industry-specific testing approaches 

Early Detection and Prevention 
Stress corrosion often develops rapidly in a structure. It’s difficult to predict and can lead to unexpected failures. Stress corrosion cracking testing with Element identifies significant threats such as external and internal corrosion, manufacturing defects, welding and fabrication defects, equipment failures, and incorrect operations. Our testing detects these risks early, preventing costly expenses, safety hazards, and damage to the environment and your company’s reputation. 

Cutting-Edge Equipment We Use

Our state-of-the-art laboratory equipment and advanced technology enable precise stress corrosion cracking assessments, even for complex structures and materials. Our large capacity simulation facilities replicate diverse operating environments including onshore, offshore, harsh climates, high altitudes, high pressure, road, rail, and maritime conditions. This technology allows us to deliver accurate predictions of material degradation over extended periods.

  • Advanced laboratory testing equipment 
  • Large capacity environmental simulation chambers 
  • State-of-the-art corrosion analysis technology 
  • Specialized testing apparatus for industry-specific needs 
  • High-precision measurement instruments 
  • Cutting-edge metallurgical analysis equipment 

Which Labs Offer This Service

Our team operates from materials testing hubs across the world, providing global access to our expert capabilities. Find your nearest lab on our Locations Page.

Standards we test to and materials we test

These are our most prevalent requests. Don't see what you're looking for? Contact us!

Sour Service Cracking

  • NACE MR0175 / ISO 15156

Stress Corrosion Cracking

  • ASTM G44, G47, G64 (aluminum)
  • NACE TM0198, ASTM G129, ISO 7539-7 (SSRT)
  • NACE TM0177, NACE TM0316

Sulfide Stress Cracking

  • NACE TM0177, NACE TM0316
  • BS 8701

Chloride Stress Cracking

  • ASTM G36

Ammonia Stress Cracking

  • ASTM B858 (ISO 6957)
  • ASTM G37

Intergranular Stress Corrosion Cracking (IGSCC)

Your Challenges, Our Solutions

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Unexpected failures

Our comprehensive testing identifies threats like external and internal corrosion, manufacturing defects, and welding issues before they develop into catastrophic failures, protecting your operations from sudden disruptions and costly repairs.
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Preparing for harsh environmental conditions

Our large capacity simulation facilities replicate diverse operating environments from offshore to high pressure, giving you confidence your materials will perform reliably under your specific operational conditions.
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Safety risks

Early detection through our stress corrosion cracking testing prevents safety hazards that could impact your workforce, equipment, and environment, helping you maintain a stellar safety record and regulatory compliance.
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Regulatory Burden

Our testing meets stringent industry standards, regulations, and accreditations like NACE, BS, ISO, ASTM, and NADCAP, simplifying your compliance process and giving you confidence in your regulatory standing.

Why Choose Element

Element materials testing engineer operating precision measurement equipment for quality analysis

Compliance Assurance

Meet stringent industry standards, regulations and accreditations, such as NACE, BS, ISO, ASTM and NADCAP, ensuring regulatory compliance and reliability.

Industry-Specific Expertise

Leveraging our industry-specific knowledge, we offer stress corrosion tests for metals and alloys used in key sectors like Energy, Aerospace, and Transportation.

Global Reach and Accessibility

Access accredited SCC testing services globally, even in remote or offshore locations, regardless of your business's geographic presence

Cost-effective and Timely Solutions

Emphasize safety and reliability while maintaining high quality, our services are fast and efficient to manage your costs effectively.

Frequently asked questions

Why is stress corrosion cracking so dangerous?

SCC develops rapidly without prior warning and can lead to catastrophic failure of standard ductile materials when exposed to combined tensile stress and corrosion. It can occur with static externally applied loads or residual stresses from processes like welding, forming, and machining.

Industry-Specific Expertise

Benefit from our deep knowledge across Oil and GasAerospaceNuclear, and Transportation sectors. Our industry specialists understand your unique challenges, regulatory requirements, and material performance needs. For nuclear industry clients, we offer specialized chloride-induced stress corrosion testing that addresses the specific challenges of austenitic stainless steel under tensile stress when exposed to oxygen, chloride ions, and high temperature.

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+1 888 786 7555

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+44 808 234 1667

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+49 800 000 5137

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