Degradation of austenitic stainless steel caused by the synergic action of hydrogen and stress corrosion

Abstract

In the paper, cracking in the working surface of the inner layer of a vertical, double-jacket container made of stainless steel which was used in a food processing factory was presented. A wider analysis of corrosion phenomena in austenitic stainless steels was made. The failed part was subjected to a red dye penetrant test and examined macro and microscopically. It was stated that the location of the stress corrosion cracking was in the mixing area at the base of the container, which was caused directly by the welds of the jackets' spacer brackets. Analysis of the results indicated that the reason for the failure was hydrogen-enhanced stress corrosion.