SCC types: chloride SCC, caustic SCC, sulphide SCC, carbonate SCC, mechanism + detection + prevention. Catalogued by API 571 as a major damage mechanism affecting fixed equipment in refining and petrochem. This guide walks through mechanism, susceptibility, detection, and prevention.
\nStress corrosion cracking (SCC) needs three things together: a susceptible material, a specific environment and tensile stress (applied or residual). Common refinery forms include chloride SCC of austenitic stainless steels, caustic SCC and amine SCC of carbon steel (mainly at non-stress-relieved welds), carbonate SCC, polythionic acid SCC of sensitized stainless steels, and SSC in wet H2S service. Reference: API RP 571 (3rd ed.), including paragraphs 3.3 (amine SCC), 3.15 (caustic SCC) and 3.17 (chloride SCC).
\nTechnique selection should follow the damage mechanism, with procedures approved under the employer's written practice.
\nOwners that run risk-based inspection (API RP 580/581) use damage-mechanism susceptibility and measured inspection results to set inspection priorities and intervals, and damage beyond code acceptance may be referred for an engineering fitness-for-service assessment (API 579-1/ASME FFS-1). Both are owner and engineering responsibilities; Atlantis NDT does not provide RBI or FFS services. The Atlantis Digital Twin platform can display the underlying inspection data on a 3D model.
\nA: PT for surface cracks on austenitic stainless steels; wFMT for surface cracks on carbon steel welds.
\nA: API RP 571 (3rd ed.), including paragraphs 3.3 (amine SCC), 3.15 (caustic SCC) and 3.17 (chloride SCC). API RP 571 describes the mechanism, critical factors, affected equipment and inspection and monitoring options.
\nA: The owner's authorized inspector under API 510, 570 or 653, or the owner's RBI assessment where one is used. Atlantis NDT does not provide RBI services.
\nA: With ASNT Level III consulting on NDE procedures and technique selection, ASNT SNT-TC-1A training for the technicians who perform the examinations, and inspection software (Atlantis ERP and the Digital Twin platform) that holds the inspection records.
\nRecommended practices and guides inform an inspection programme; binding requirements come from the in-service codes (API 510, API 570, API 653), the construction codes and the regulations that apply to the asset. NDE personnel are qualified under the employer's written practice (commonly ASNT SNT-TC-1A, ANSI/ASNT CP-189 or ISO 9712), and NDE procedures are approved by the employer's NDT Level III. Acceptance of indications follows the governing code; damage beyond its rules may be referred for an engineering fitness-for-service assessment (API 579-1/ASME FFS-1), which Atlantis NDT does not perform. Keep procedure revisions, calibration records and personnel certifications traceable; Atlantis ERP can hold these records.
\nUse the edition required by the contract, governing requirements and applicable jurisdiction. Record that edition in the procedure and evaluate changes before adopting a later publication.
\nA: 4-20 weeks depending on team size + scope. SMB: 4 weeks. Mid-size: 8-12 weeks. Enterprise multi-region: 12-20 weeks. Atlantis NDT delivers phased rollout with clear milestone gates.
\nA: No — pricing varies by region, scope, delivery model, and team size. Atlantis NDT is positioned as affordable, accessible, and fully customizable. Free 30-min consultation + tailored quote.
\nA: Atlantis ERP has an open REST API, so it connects to SAP, Maximo, NetSuite or any other system that accepts API connections; each integration is scoped with you during implementation. Free integration scoping consultation.
\nA: Request a free 30-min consultation at /contact. We reply within one business day. We scope your asset class + damage mechanisms + code requirements + delivery model preference + integration needs in a single call.
\nAtlantis NDT — led by Anoop Rayavarapu (ASNT NDT Level III in UT, RT, MT, PT and VT). Free consultation. request a free consultation. Pricing varies by region and scope.
","order":0,"createdAt":"2026-06-24","updatedAt":"2026-10-18","quickAnswer":{"question":"What is Stress Corrosion Cracking (SCC) 2026 and how do I detect it?","answer":"Stress corrosion cracking (SCC) needs three things together: a susceptible material, a specific environment and tensile stress (applied or residual). Common refinery forms include chloride SCC of austenitic stainless steels, caustic SCC and amine SCC of carbon steel (mainly at non-stress-relieved welds), carbonate SCC, polythionic acid SCC of sensitized stainless steels, and SSC in wet H2S service. Informational guide by an ASNT NDT Level III; RBI and FFS decisions stay with the owner.","bullets":["Chloride SCC: austenitic stainless steels, chlorides and temperatures above roughly 60C (140F)","Detection: PT for surface cracks on austenitic stainless steels","Mitigation: PWHT of carbon steel welds in caustic and amine service"]}}