Stress Corrosion Cracking on Carbon Steel Pipelines: a Look into Testing Methods

Abstract Much like aging, corrosion of metals is a constant and inevitable process. All we can do is slow down the corrosion rate. With stress corrosion cracking, the story is slightly different; the corrosion rate is not the primary focus, and cracking can seemingly appear out of nowhere. Unlike surface corrosion, stress corrosion is often not visible to the naked eye; it’s typically internal, beneath the surface. Cases of external stress corrosion cracking on above ground pipelines have been popping up over the years, frustrating owners. A race to determine a cause is ongoing, and the testing has been evolving. This paper will compare the various test methods developed for external stress corrosion cracking under thermal insulation on carbon steel metals. Testing methods focused on mineral wool with corrosion inhibitors and other types of insulation.