Failure analysis showing the effect of sulphur content in stainless steel on the resistance to stress corrosion cracking in marine environments at ambient temperatures
by Paul Roffey
International Journal of Forensic Engineering (IJFE), Vol. 2, No. 2, 2014

Abstract: The risk of environmentally assisted cracking in downhole components is high due to sour conditions, i.e. the presence of hydrogen sulphide. Therefore a range of materials possessing excellent corrosion resistance are employed. However, corrosion is not only downhole related but is also a common problem on the platform deck itself due to airborne salts from ocean spray. For this reason the platform deck and the splash zone at the waterline are considered harsh marine environments. Commonly, stainless steels are selected to provide increased corrosion resistance. This study demonstrated that sulphur content and microstructure can affect the corrosion resistance of stainless steel in marine environments at ambient temperatures. Stress corrosion cracking was observed below the threshold of ›50°C on actual components from the field and in marine-type environment laboratory corrosion tests. The laboratory testing thus validated the improved corrosion resistance of forged 304 stainless steel fasteners over machined 303 stainless steel.

Online publication date: Thu, 30-Apr-2015

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