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Stress Corrosion Cracking (SCC) tests are performed to evaluate the performance of materials used under extreme conditions of use, such as prolonged exposure to particularly aggressive gases such as H₂ (hydrogen), H₂S (hydrogen sulfide), NH3 (ammonia) or CO₂ (carbon dioxide) and other customized mixtures.
SCC testing is essential for developing innovative solutions for products and components in various sectors, particularly the oil and gas extraction sector. The tests can be performed on both metallic materials (stainless steel, high-alloy materials) and advanced materials.
Our staff is qualified by NACE as Corrosion Experts.
Metallic Materials
Advanced Materials
Automotive
Aerospace
Energy Oil & Gas
Renewable Energy
We carry out countless Stress Corrosion Cracking tests, both standardised and customised, to analyse the performance of materials under extreme conditions of use.
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The Slow Strain Rate Test (SSRT), also known as the Constant Extension Rate Test (CERT), is a fundamental accelerated methodology for determining a material's susceptibility to stress corrosion cracking. Compared to constant-load tests, the SSRT applies a slow, continuous deformation that allows failure mechanisms to be activated significantly faster.
Technical Specifications and Laboratory Capabilities
At Pontlab, we perform SSRT stress corrosion cracking tests in full compliance with international standards NACE TM0198 and ASTM G129. Thanks to the use of Hastelloy autoclaves, we guarantee maximum chemical resistance even in the most demanding conditions:
Test environments: Chlorinated solutions, mixtures with H₂S (Sour Service), Hydrogen (H₂), Ammonia (NH₂), and Carbon Dioxide (CO₂).
CERT Machine Performance: * Load capacity: Up to 30 kN and deformation up to 30 mm
Speed range: Adjustable from 1×10¯⁸ to 1×10¯ᶟ mm/s to simulate real-world operating conditions.
Extreme conditions: Tests can be performed at high pressures (HP) and high temperatures (HT).
Why choose SSRT testing? A Unlike traditional "Pass/Fail" tests, the results obtained (ductility ratios, area reduction and fracture morphology) provide quantitative data on the crack propagation speed, essential for the choice of materials in the Oil & Gas and Energy sectors.
We perform stress corrosion cracking (SCC) tests on specimens in compliance with the main international standards (NACE) or according to specific customer directives. Tests are conducted in chlorinated solutions saturated with acidic and corrosive gas mixtures, including:
The infrastructure equipment allows testing to be performed under the following operating conditions:
The NACE TM0177 Method A test is the reference standard for assessing the susceptibility of metallic materials to stress corrosion cracking (SCC) in acidic environments containing H₂S and chlorinated solutions.
Our expertise in this field is supported by ongoing research: our technicians contributed to the scientific study Improvement of the Test Equipment for a Stress Corrosion Lab through the Axiomatic Design", which focused on optimizing test equipment to maximize the accuracy of results.
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We have 15-liter Hastelloy autoclaves designed to operate under critical HPHT (High Pressure High Temperature) conditions, up to a pressure of 103 bar and a temperature of 210°C. The chamber configuration allows for testing standard specimens, tensioned specimens (using 3- or 4-point deflection or C-ring), and finished components. The system's versatility allows for the evaluation of metallic and polymeric materials and various types of protective coatings.
Alternate Immersion Corrosion tests are accelerated laboratory tests designed to simulate the harshness of marine and coastal environments. The method is based on repeated wetting and drying cycles in the presence of an electrolyte (typically a saline solution), replicating real-world atmospheric or tidal exposure conditions.
This methodology is widely used in the Aerospace, Defense, and Naval sectors to:
Accelerate the degradation process: Evaluate the long-term durability of materials in a short time.
Analyze susceptibility to SCC: Study resistance to stress corrosion cracking, particularly for aluminum alloys and high-strength ferrous alloys.
Identify localized corrosion: Detect pitting or intergranular corrosion that could compromise structural integrity.
Hydrogen embrittlement resistance is assessed using the Hydrogen-Induced Cracking (HIC) test, in accordance with the NACE TM0284 standard. This phenomenon, critical to structural integrity, causes the formation of internal cracks and blistering of the material due to the recombination of atomic hydrogen in the gaps in the crystal lattice.
Such tests are essential in the Oil & Gas, Energy, and Chemical sectors, where exposure to corrosive fluids (sour service) requires rigorous alloy selection and heat treatments to prevent catastrophic failure in service.
We conduct accelerated exposure tests in an ammonia (NH3) atmosphere to evaluate the durability and corrosion resistance of metallic, polymeric materials and coatings. Ammonia is an extremely aggressive agent, capable of triggering rapid degradation processes, such as specific stress corrosion cracking (SCC) in many alloys.
Our tests are crucial for sectors engaged in the energy transition and the management of critical fluids:
Maritime Transport and Logistics LNG/Green Ammonia: With the emergence of ammonia as the primary energy carrier for the decarbonization of shipping, we test the resilience of materials for tanks and piping systems, ensuring operational safety even in cryogenic or high-pressure conditions.
Automotive and SCR Systems: We support the development of components for selective catalytic reduction (SCR) systems and the study of ammonia-fueled internal combustion engines, selecting materials that prevent embrittlement and functional degradation.
Our ammonia exposure tests are applied to A wide range of materials to evaluate their durability:
Metals and Alloys: Evaluation of susceptibility to localized and seasonal corrosion (seasonal cracking).
Protective Coatings: Permeability and adhesion testing of paints and galvanic treatments in saturated environments.
Plastic and Polymer Components: Analysis of molecular degradation and post-exposure swelling.
All analyses can be structured in a completely customised manner, based on customer requirements. We offer tailor-made tests for materials, conditions of use and required regulations, ensuring reliable and targeted results.
For further insights, articles, and regulations on material corrosion, visit the CORROSIONPEDIA portal (https://www.corrosionpedia.com)
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Stress crack testing is essential for industries such as Oil & Gas, Energy, automotive, aerospace, and construction, as it ensures the durability and safety of materials in harsh environments.
All tests can be performed in a completely customized manner, adapting to the customer's needs. Pontlab also offers tailored consulting services to define the most suitable tests, ensuring reliable and targeted results.
In addition to SCC tests, Pontlab performs countless other tests, including on different materials such as polymers, fabrics, leather and paints. Discover the other tests by visiting the dedicated pages.
