NACE TM0198-2025

Slow Strain Rate Test Method for Screening Corrosion-Resistant Alloys for Stress Corrosion Cracking in Sour Oilfield Service

This standard establishes an SSR test method for screening CRAs (i.e., stainless steels and nickel-based alloys) for resistance to SCC at elevated temperatures in sour oilfield production environments. The fact that this test method is a screening method implies that further evaluation or additional experience may be required before materials selection decisions can be made. This standard specifies reagents, test specimen, test equipment, determination of baseline material properties, environmental and mechanical test conditions, test procedure, and analysis and reporting of test results. The test procedure can be summarized as follows: an SSR test specimen is exposed to a continuously increasing uniaxial tensile stress imposed by a slow and constant extension rate in the presence of an acidic aqueous environment containing H2S, CO2, and brine at an elevated temperature. The ductility parameters (plastic strain to failure and reduction in area) obtained from evaluation of the SSR test specimen, along with visual observation of its reduced section and fracture surface morphology, are used as indicators of the material’s resistance to SCC in the test environment. These results are then compared to the results of a similar test performed in an inert environment to quantify the resistance or susceptibility to SCC in the test environment. Procedures for SSR testing shall be consistent with those provided in ASTM G129. Tests involving high pressure or high temperature, or both, shall be performed using procedures consistent with those provided in ASTM G111 and NACE TM0177 Section 7. The only deviations from these procedures shall be those specifically stated in this standard.