Slow Strain Rate Testing (SSRT) Services

Element performs Slow Strain Rate Testing (SSRT) and Rippled Slow Strain Rate Testing (RSSRT) services to evaluate the susceptibility of metals to Stress Corrosion Cracking (SCC) or Hydrogen Embrittlement (HE), to ensure they are safe and maintain effective performance, long term.

What is Slow Strain Rate Testing (SSRT)?

The SSRT test involves testing of tensile specimens at strain rates typically in the order of 10-5. s-1. The tests are conducted in air and within a corrosive environment, and the ductility properties (elongation and reduction of area) and the appearance of fracture surfaces are compared. Element uses the NACE TM0198 method to quick screen Corrosion Resistant Alloys (CRA's) materials for resistance to SCC at elevated temperatures in sour oilfield production environments, under constantly increasing strain rates.

What is Ripple Slow Strain Rate Testing (RSSRT)?

RSSRT is a modified slow strain rate test. It involves testing stainless steel or nickel alloys as tensile specimens, which are cycled around the yield point of the material in order to disrupt the passive film within the corrosive environment during the test. The test typically runs for 250 cycles of 7 days and any failures occurring within the test period may be indicative of susceptibility to Stress corrosion cracking (SCC) and Hydrogen embrittlement (HE). 

Benefits of Slow Strain rate testing (SSRT) with Element

• Reduce Risk: Through expert analysis and state-of-the-art laboratory testing, you can reduce the future risk of corrosion and make informed decisions about the suitability of materials for specific applications.
• Make Valuable, Comparative Assessments: Comprehensive SSRT serves as a valuable tool for comparative assessment of the SCC/HE resistance of various metals, enabling you to make informed choices about material selection for your specific project.
• Benefit from Custom testing: Our engaged experts can provide SSRT and RSSRT testing at ambient or elevated temperatures and/or pressures, allowing you to assess the performance of your materials under specific operating / end use conditions.

Assess Long-Term Durability

Ripple Slow Strain Rate Testing (RSSRT) allows us to help you comprehensively assess the long-term durability of your materials. By subjecting tensile specimens to cyclic loading conditions within corrosive environments, we can provide essential insights into material behavior over extended periods. This methodology is particularly valuable for use cases involving sustained stress, enabling you to make informed decisions about material selection, design, and maintenance strategies. We can assist you in reducing the risk of unexpected failures and ensuring the long-term performance and reliability of your products.

Spot Early Warning Signs

Our RSSRT service provides an early warning indication of a material's susceptibility to Stress Corrosion Cracking (SCC) or Hydrogen Embrittlement (HE). Any failures that our experts observe within the testing period serve as a proactive warning sign, enabling you to take preemptive measures. By identifying vulnerabilities early in the testing phase, you gain valuable insights that can lead adjustments to material selection, design, or environmental conditions, ultimately helping to minimize the potential for unexpected failures in real-world applications.

Our SSRT Expert