Failure Analysis

GSCSG can evaluate your corrosion failures to help you decide on the best path to pursue in order to extend component life.

The failure of a metallic part may result in the loss of: production - component value - life - etc. If this occurs, it is critical to establish the source of the failure.

A failure analysis must be carried out with both a systematic and logical approach. Multiple issues are taken into account in order to provide you with a recommendation on how to avoid a future recurrence.

Stress Corrosion Cracking (SCC)
of a Type 316 Stainless Steel U-Bend Sample
After Exposure to a Highly Chlorinated
High-Temperature Environment

Above Figure: D.B. Mitton et al
"Evaluating Stress Corrosion and Corrosion Aspects
in Supercritical Water Oxidation Systems
for the Destruction of Hazardous Waste"
Paper 203, Corrosion '97 (1997).
© NACE International

Above Figure: D.B. Mitton et al
"Evaluating Stress Corrosion and Corrosion Aspects in Supercritical Water Oxidation Systems
for the Destruction of Hazardous Waste"
Paper 203, Corrosion '97 (1997).
© NACE International

PHASE 1 - INITIAL ASSESSMENT

This Assessment will be done by e-mail and phone. If photographs are available, they should be forwarded by e-mail.

During this Phase, we will discuss the history of the failure with the personnel most knowledgeable about the problem (operators, employees who witnessed the failure, etc.) and develop an overview of the cause of the failure.

PHASE 2 - SITE VISIT

Although it is possible to formulate an idea of the reason for the failure during the initial assessment, a visit to the site is usually required.

During this Phase, a visual examination will be conducted. We will ask personnel for input and discuss the history of the failure with them.

Additional photographs may be taken, and samples of the corrosion product and failure site may be collected for subsequent chemical and metallurgical evaluation.

PHASE 3 - EVALUATION

During this Phase, the main analysis of the failure will be carried out.

Factors that will be considered during the Evaluation may include:
the failed component - the composition - the failure history - etc.

If corrosion products are present, they will be evaluated for:
color - texture - adhesion - composition - microbiological influence - etc.

Problematic design factors may include:
geometric effects - poor drainage - etc.

The operating environment - and any changes that may have occurred around the time of the failure - will be assessed.

Scanning Electron Microscope

PHASE 4 - REPORT

A written Report will be provided. This Report will include the pertinent findings, as well as recommendations to help obviate a future recurrence.

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