Sulfide Stress Cracking (SSC) Testing

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.