Department Name: Energy Division (Offshore)
Key Issues: This Safety Alert highlights the issue of chloride stress corrosion cracking of stainless steel Lokring pipe connectors and advises dutyholders on actions required.
This Safety Alert highlights the issue of chloride stress corrosion cracking which has been found to affect stainless steel (grade 316/316L) Lokring pipe connectors. The cracking has occurred in the driver / swage ring section of the connector as shown:
Cracking occurred in the driver/swage ring section of the connector
Dutyholders have found cracks in the driver ring section of stainless steel Lokring pipe connectors. This component is subject to tensile hoop stress and when exposed to a chloride-containing environment (such as marine and coastal areas or saltwater deluge systems) can be affected by chloride stress corrosion cracking
All the cracks found to date have been in unpainted stainless steel pipe connectors. However, the crevice in the connector (as shown above) presents a potential initiation site by localised corrosion, so painting may not guarantee elimination of the problem.
Visual inspection and dye penetrant inspection can only find cracks that are surface breaking. Radiography has identified internal cracks that are not yet visible. Crack propagation and failure could therefore occur even where no cracks have been seen at the surface.
The driver ring is essential in maintaining the integrity of the connector. Cracking of this ring therefore presents a serious loss of containment risk.
HSE research report RR902 Chloride stress corrosion cracking in austenitic stainless steel describes the process of chloride stress corrosion cracking in austenitic stainless steel and how to assess susceptibility to this degradation mechanism.
The relevant legal requirements are:
RR902 Chloride stress corrosion cracking in austenitic stainless steel
Health & Safety Executive HID Energy Division (Offshore) Mechanical Engineering Redgrave Court Bootle L20 7HS
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