Insights into Stress Corrosion Cracking Mechanisms from High-Resolution Measurements of Crack-tip Structures and Compositions

2010 ◽  
Vol 1264 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen Michael Bruemmer ◽  
Larry Thomas
Keyword(s):  
High Resolution ◽  
Stress Corrosion ◽  
Stress Corrosion Cracking ◽  
Corrosion Cracking ◽  
Common Mechanism ◽  
Crack Advance ◽  
Oxidation Reactions ◽  
Intergranular Stress Corrosion ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Crack Tips

AbstractResults are presented employing cross-sectional analytical transmission electron microscopy (ATEM) to examine intergranular stress corrosion cracking (IGSCC) of austenitic stainless alloys in high-temperature water environments. Microstructural, chemical and crystallographic characterization of buried interfaces at near-atomic resolutions is used to investigate corrosion/oxidation reactions, composition changes and deformation events at crack tips. Information obtained by a wide variety of high-resolution imaging and analysis methods indicates the processes occurring during crack advance and provides insights into the mechanisms controlling SCC. Examples of crack tips produced in oxidizing and hydrogenated water are presented for both Fe-base stainless steels (SSs) and Ni-base stainless alloys. Cracks in SSs show similar characteristics in both environments, with oriented oxide films at crack walls and cracks ending in few-nm-wide tips. Many of these same features are seen for alloy 182 in oxidizing water suggesting a common mechanism, generally consistent with a slip oxidation process. A distinct difference is seen at alloy 600 and alloy 182 tips produced in hydrogenated water. Penetrative attack along grain boundaries without evidence for significant plastic deformation is believed to indicate a major role of active-path corrosion/oxidation in the SCC process.

Validation of EMAT ILI for Management of Stress Corrosion Cracking in Natural Gas Pipelines

2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
Toby Fore ◽  
Stefan Klein ◽  
Chris Yoxall ◽  
Stan Cone
Keyword(s):  
High Resolution ◽  
Natural Gas ◽  
Stress Corrosion ◽  
Stress Corrosion Cracking ◽  
Corrosion Cracking ◽  
Probability Of Detection ◽  
Gas Pipelines ◽  
Line Pipe ◽  
Natural Gas Pipelines ◽  
Electro Magnetic

Managing the threat of Stress Corrosion Cracking (SCC) in natural gas pipelines continues to be an area of focus for many operating companies with potentially susceptible pipelines. This paper describes the validation process of the high-resolution Electro-Magnetic Acoustical Transducer (EMAT) In-Line Inspection (ILI) technology for detection of SCC prior to scheduled pressure tests of inspected line pipe valve sections. The validation of the EMAT technology covered the application of high-resolution EMAT ILI and determining the Probability Of Detection (POD) and Identification (POI). The ILI verification process is in accordance to a API 1163 Level 3 validation. It is described in detail for 30″ and 36″ pipeline segments. Both segments are known to have an SCC history. Correlation of EMAT ILI calls to manual non-destructive measurements and destructively tested SCC samples lead to a comprehensive understanding of the capabilities of the EMAT technology and the associated process for managing the SCC threat. Based on the data gathered, the dimensional tool tolerances in terms of length and depth are derived.

Intergranular Stress Corrosion Cracking Damage Model: An Approach and Its Development for Alloy 600 in High-Purity Water

CORROSION ◽  
1986 ◽  
Vol 42 (2) ◽  
pp. 99-105 ◽  
Author(s):  
Y. S. Garud ◽  
A. R. McIlree
Keyword(s):  
Strain Rate ◽  
Stress Corrosion ◽  
Stress Corrosion Cracking ◽  
High Purity ◽  
Corrosion Cracking ◽  
Model Parameters ◽  
Alloy 600 ◽  
Intergranular Stress Corrosion ◽  
Film Rupture ◽  
Intergranular Stress Corrosion Cracking

Abstract A logical approach to quantitative modeling of intergranular stress corrosion cracking (IGSCC) is presented. The approach is based on the supposition (supported partly by experimental and field observations, and by a related plausible underlying mechanism) that strain rate is a key variable. The approach is illustrated for the specific case of NiCrFe Alloy 600 in high-purity water. Model parameters are determined based on the constant stress IGSCC data (between 290 and 365 C) assuming a power law relation between the damage and the nominal strain rate. The model may be interpreted in terms of a film rupture mechanism of the corrosion process. The related mechanistic considerations are examined for the specific case. Resulting calculations and stress as well as temperature dependence are shown to be in good agreement with the data. More data are needed for further verification under specific conditions of interest.

Effects of Weld Overlays on Leak-Before-Break Margins

2011 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Angah Miessi ◽  
Peter C. Riccardella ◽  
Peihua Jing
Keyword(s):  
Stress Corrosion ◽  
Stress Corrosion Cracking ◽  
Corrosion Cracking ◽  
Operating Conditions ◽  
Intergranular Stress Corrosion ◽  
Pressurized Water ◽  
Weld Overlay ◽  
Water Reactors ◽  
Weld Overlays ◽  
Leak Before Break

Weld overlays have been used to remedy intergranular stress corrosion cracking (IGSCC) in boiling water reactors (BWRs) since the 1980s. Overlays have also been applied in the last few years in pressurized water reactors (PWRs) where primary water stress corrosion cracking (PWSCC) has developed. The weld overlay provides a structural reinforcement with SCC resistant material and favorable residual stresses at the ID of the overlaid component. Leak-before-break (LBB) had been applied to several piping systems in PWRs prior to recognizing the PWSCC susceptibility of Alloy 82/182 welds. The application of the weld overlay changes the geometric configuration of the component and as such, the original LBB evaluation is updated to reflect the new configuration at the susceptible weld. This paper describes a generic leak-before-break (LBB) analysis program which demonstrates that the application of weld overlays always improves LBB margins, relative to un-overlaid, PWSCC susceptible welds when all the other parameters or variables of the analyses (loads, geometry, operating conditions, analysis method, etc…) are kept equal. Analyses are performed using LBB methodology previously approved by the US NRC for weld overlaid components. The analyses are performed for a range of nozzle sizes (from 6″ to 34″) spanning the nominal pipe sizes to which LBB has been commonly applied, using associated representative loads and operating conditions. The analyses are performed for both overlaid and un-overlaid configurations of the same nozzles, and using both fatigue and PWSCC crack morphologies in the leakage rate calculations and the LBB margins are compared to show the benefit of the weld overlays.

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