Safety Alert
Chloride induced stress corrosion cracking of stainless steel thermowells
Chloride induced stress corrosion cracking of stainless steel thermowells
- HSE
- Safety Alert
- HID2-2013
- CorrosionStructural and Asset Integrity
- CorrosionLoss of containmentStructural and asset integrity
- Inspection and maintenance
- Preventive maintenance
- Downstream and process industries
Summary
This safety alert describes internal chloride stress corrosion cracking in stainless steel thermowells identified during refinery maintenance. Heating and cooling can draw halide-containing atmospheric moisture through non-gas-tight instrument connections. Cracking could permit hazardous substance release if it penetrates the tube wall. Operators should register relevant thermowells and establish appropriate maintenance and inspection programmes.
Classifications: Corrosion; corrosion damage.
Classifications: Loss of containment; containment loss.
Classifications: Structural and asset integrity; asset integrity; structural integrity.
Classifications: Inspection and maintenance; asset inspection; equipment maintenance.
Classifications: Preventive maintenance; preventative maintenance; planned maintenance.
Classifications: Downstream and process industries; refining; petrochemicals.
HID2-2013. Themes: corrosion, structural and asset integrity.