Stress-corrosion cracking in pipelines

Stress-corrosion cracking is a complex phenomenon that has caused service and hydrostatic retest failures on gas and liquid pipelines. These external cracks have been found to occur under a limited range of conditions. The exact mechanisms that lead to stress-corrosion cracking and the field and operating conditions that affect cracking are the subjects of ongoing research. Thus, this article is a snapshot of the understanding of stress-corrosion cracking today. Battelle is leading an effort to develop a stronger understanding of cracking mechanisms and methods that can be used to control the cracking.