Comparing 2 important sour service standards:

NACE MR0175 / ISO15156 & NACE MR0103 / ISO 17495-1

Standard NACE MR0175 / ISO 15156 NACE MR0103 / ISO 17495-1

Upstream (Oil & Gas

Production) Downstream
(Refinery)

Area of
Application

a. Metallurgical properties
b. H2S partial pressure or equivalent
concentration in the water phase
c. Chloride ion concentration in the
a. Metallurgical properties
water phase;
b. total tensile stress (applied plus
d. pH of the water phase;
residual);
e. presence of oxygen, sulfur, or other
c. Exposure temperature;
oxidants;
d. Exposure time.
Factors affecting f. exposure to non-production fluids;
e. hydrogen flux generated in the
Cracking g. pitting resistance of the material
material (a function of the presence
(CRAs)
of an aqueous phase, H2S
h. galvanic effects (CRAs)
concentration, pH, bisulfide ion
i. total tensile stress (applied plus
concentration and presence of free
residual);
cyanides)
j. Exposure temperature;
k. Exposure time.
 Sulfide Stress Cracking (SSC)

Stress Corrosion Cracking (SCC)

Sulfide Stress Cracking (SSC)

Hydrogen-Induced Cracking (HIC)
&
StepWise Cracking (SWC)

Cracking
Mechanism

Stress-Oriented Hydrogen-Induced
Cracking (SOHIC)
 Soft Zone Cracking (SZC)

Cracking
Mechanism
Galvanically Induced Hydrogen Stress
Cracking (HSC or GHSC)

Include 2 options:
Option 1:
pH2S < 0.3 kPa (0.05 psi) -> Normally, no
special precautions are required
For carbon steel, some environmental
conditions known to cause SSC are
For pH2S ≥ 0.3 kPa (0.05 psi) -> SSC-
those containing an aqueous (liquid
resistant steels shall be selected
water) phase and either of the
following:
Option 2:
a. >50 ppmw total sulfide content in
Qualification and the aqueous phase;
selection of
b. ≥1 ppmw total sulfide content in
carbon steels
with resistance the aqueous phase and pH < 4;
to SSC c. ≥1 ppmw total sulfide content and
(Sour Service ≥20 ppmw free cyanide in the
Criteria)
aqueous phase, and pH > 7,6;
d. >0.3 kPa absolute (0.05 psia) partial
region 0: Normally, no precautions are pressure H2S in the gas phase
required for the selection of steels
associated with the aqueous phase
SSC regions 1,2 and 3: of a process.

Steels for region 1:

May be selected using A.2, A.3 or A.4
paragraphs (part 2).
 Steels for region 2:
May be selected using A.2, A.3
paragraphs (part 2).

Steels for region 3:

May be selected using A.2 paragraph
(part 2).

Sour Service Severity

Region 3 > Region 2 > Region 1

• The equipment user shall consider

HIC/SWC when evaluating flat-rolled
carbon steel products for sour
service environments containing
even trace amounts of H2S and shall
consider HIC/SWC testing of these
products.
• typical maximum acceptable levels
of Sulfur is as follows:

Max. Acceptable
Product Form Sulfur level
(mass Fraction)
Flat-rolled 0.003%
Seamless products 0.01%
Evaluation of Forgings 0.025%
carbon and low
• HIC/SWC leading to loss of
alloy steels for No data available
containment has occurred only
their resistance rarely in seamless pipe and other
to HIC/SWC products that are not flat-rolled.
Furthermore, seamless pipe
manufactured using modern
technology is much less sensitive to
HIC/SWC than older products.
Hence, there can be benefits in
evaluating seamless pipe for
HIC/SWC resistance for applications
where the potential consequences
of failure make this justifiable.

• The presence of rust, sulfur, or

oxygen, particularly together with
chloride, in the service environment
is thought to increase the
probability of damage.
 Material Requirements
Carbon and alloy steels (CS & AS)

Chemical • <1 % mass fraction Ni • No limitation on Ni content

composition • are not free-machining steels • are not free-machining steels

• Base-Metal Hardness controls are not

required for Carbon Steels listed as P-No. 1
Group 1 or 2 base materials

• Other Carbon Steels: ≤ 22HRC (237 HBW)

• Alloy Steels: as per below table

Max. Hardness
Alloy Steel
(HBW)
Base material

P-No.3 225
Hardness

P-No.4 225
≤ 22HRC (237 HBW) P-No.5A 235
P-No.5B 235
P-No.5C 235
P-No.6 235
P-No.7 235
P-No.10A 225
P-No.10B 225
P-No.10C 225
P-No.10F 225
P-No.11 225

• Other Alloy Steels: ≤ 22HRC (237 HBW)

 • Alloy Steels: ≤ 248 HV 10
• Weldments in CS (P-No. 1) shall be
• Acceptable maximum hardness
produced using one or more of the
values for carbon steel, carbon
methods outlined in NACE SP0472 (The
manganese steel and low alloy
Major points are summarized below) For
steel welds are given in Table A.1.
more details refer to NACE SP0472, Section
Hardness test
2:
Hardness locations for
Max.
test welding 1- Weld deposit hardness control:
hardness
methods procedure • Hardness ≤ 200 HBW
qualification
Weld root:
• Weld deposits produced using welding
Base metal, HAZ
250 HV process and filler metal combinations listed
and weld root
metal in below Table do not require production
Base metal and hardness testing, unless otherwise specified
Vickers by the user.
HAZ for weld 250 HV
HV 10 or
overlays
HV 5
Weld cap: Compositional
Welding Process /
Base metal, HAZ Classification Restrictions
Filler Metal Spec. (wt%)
and weld metal 275 HV
of unexposed SMAW / AWS E60XX or
---
weld cap A5.1 E70XX
Base & weld ER70S-2, 3, 4 ---
metal and HAZ GTAW / AWS C ≤ 0.10
Rockwell for Buttwelds A5.18 ER70S-6 Mn ≤ 1.6
22HRC
Hardness

HRC Base metal and Si ≤ 1.00

Weld &
HAZ for weld ER70S-2, 3, 4 ---
HAZ
overlays GMAW / AWS C ≤ 0.10
A5.18 ER70S-6 Mn ≤ 1.6
Si ≤ 1.00
• Tubular products with an SMYS
not exceeding 360 MPa (52 ksi)
and listed in Table A.2 are • Filler metal classifications listed in above
acceptable in the as-welded table with compositional restrictions should
condition. For these products, not be used unless actual chemical analysis
hardness testing of welding is performed on the filler metal, indicating
procedures may be waived if that the corresponding compositional
agreed by the equipment user. restrictions have been met.
ISO
specification Other designations
2- HAZ Hardness Control:
and grades • HAZ hardness shall be controlled by the use
ISO 3183 API Specification 5L grades: of base metal chemistry control in
grades: L245 A and B and X-42 through X-65 conjunction with one or more thermal
methods.
through L450 ASTM A53
2-1- Base Metal Chemistry Control:
ASTM A106 grades A, B and C Carbon
Affecting Parameter
ASTM A333 grades 1 and 6 Equivalent (CE)
C (wt% ) > 0.18 ≤ 0.43
ASTM A524 grades 1 and 2
Wall thickness > 1 in ≤ 0.45
ASTM A381 class 1, Y35 to Y65 C (wt% ) ≤ 0.18 By user
Other Elements:
V ≤ 0.02 wt%
Nb ≤ 0.02 wt%
V + Nb ≤ 0.03 wt%
 2-2- Thermal Methods:

2-2-1- PWHT: PWHT as a means to control HAZ

hardness without the need for weld procedure
qualification hardness surveys may be used in
Hardness

Weld &
conjunction with chemistry controls.
HAZ A minimum 93 °C (200 °F) preheat is used for all
welding.

2-2-2- Alternative Thermal Methods

a. Cooling Time Control
b. Temper Bead Welding

a. hot-rolled (carbon steels only);

a. hot-rolled (carbon steels only);
b. annealed;
b. annealed;
c. normalized
c. normalized
d. normalized and tempered;
d. normalized and tempered;
e. normalized, austenitized,
e. normalized, austenitized, quenched, and
quenched, and tempered;
tempered;
f. austenitized, quenched, and
f. austenitized, quenched, and tempered.
tempered.

Note: Heat treatment is the same in 2 standards for each carbon and alloys steels

Heat
treatment

• Weld & HAZ hardness in excess of above

• Welds do not comply with points mentioned values (in above section) need
mentioned in Weld & HAZ in PWHT.
above section, need PWHT. • PWHT is mandatory for AS welds in P No.5B
and above
 Cast Irons
• Grey, austenitic and white cast
irons shall not be used for
pressure-containing parts. These
materials may be used for internal
components if their use is
permitted by the equipment
standard and has been approved
by the equipment user. • Gray, austenitic, and white cast irons shall
• Ferritic ductile iron in accordance not be used as pressure-containing
with ASTM A395 is acceptable for members. These materials may be used in
equipment unless otherwise internal components related to API and
specified by the equipment other appropriate standards, provided their
standard. use has been approved by the purchaser.
• Grey cast iron (ASTM A278, Class • Ferritic ductile iron in accordance with
Cast Irons

35 or 40) and ductile (nodular) ASTM A395 is allowed for equipment when
cast iron (ASTM A395) are API, ANSI, and/or other industry standards
acceptable as compressor approve its use.
cylinders, liners, pistons and • ASTM A278 Class 35 or 40 gray cast iron
valves. and ASTM A395 ductile iron are allowed as
• Cast irons acceptable for packers compressor cylinders, liners, pistons, and
and other subsurface equipment valves.
are mentioned in below table: • Welding is not permitted on gray cast iron
or ductile iron components.
Component Cast iron
Ductile iron (ASTM
A536, ASTM
Drillable packer
A571/A571M) Malleable
components
iron (ASTM A220, ASTM
A602)
Compression Grey iron (ASTM A48,
members ASTM A278)

Corrosion Resistant Alloys (CRAs)

• specifies environmental
Environmental • Does not specify environmental
limits limits for application of
limits
CRA materials
 Austenitic Stainless steel

• Max Carbon content for Austenitic

stainless steels is 0.08.
• Higher carbon contents for UNS
• Max Carbon content for Austenitic stainless
S30900 and UNS S31000 are
steels is 0.1 (Use of H grades such as 321H,
allowed up to the limits of their
347H, … is permitted)
respective specifications.
• Higher carbon contents for UNS S30900 and
Chemical composition & Heat treatment

• Free-machining steels are not

UNS S31000 are allowed up to the limits of
allowed.
their respective specifications
• Austenitic stainless steels shall be:
• Free-machining steels are not allowed.
• Austenitic stainless steels shall be:
1. In the solution-annealed and
quenched or annealed and
1. In the solution-annealed and quenched
thermally-stabilized heat-
or annealed and thermally-stabilized
treatment condition.
heat-treatment condition.
2. Be free of cold work intended
2. Be free of cold work intended to
to enhance their mechanical
Austenitic Stainless steel

enhance their mechanical properties.

properties.
• Austenitic stainless steel UNS S20910 shall
• UNS S20910 is acceptable for
be in the solution-annealed, hot-rolled
environments inside the limits
(hot/cold-worked), or cold-worked
imposed for the material type and
condition.
for this alloy, specifically, in the
annealed or hot-rolled (hot/cold-
worked) condition
Base Metal

• Generally ≤ 22 HRC • Generally ≤ 22 HRC

• For UNS S20910, the hardness • For UNS S20910, the hardness shall not
shall not exceed 35 HRC. exceed 35 HRC

• The hardness of the HAZ after

Hardness

welding shall not exceed the

maximum hardness allowed for
• Welding procedures used for welding and
Weld & HAZ

the base metal.

overlaying austenitic stainless steels do not
• Hardness of the weld metal shall
require any hardness surveys or hardness
not exceed the maximum
testing to verify hardness in the HAZ.
hardness limit of the respective
alloy used for the welding
consumable.

Highly alloyed austenitic stainless steels

Chemical composition

a. % Ni + (2 × %Mo) > 30 and Mo

austenitic stainless

& Heat treatment

> 2 %, or a. % Ni + (2 × %Mo) > 30 and Mo > 2 %, or

Highly alloyed

b. Pitting Resistance Equivalent b. Pitting Resistance Equivalent Number

steels

Number (PREN) > 40,0 % (PREN) > 40,0 %

• Free-machining steels are not • Free-machining steels are not allowed.

allowed.
 • Generally ≤ 35 HRC

• Other hardness limits for some

materials e.g.:

✓ UNS J93254 (CK3McuN, cast

254SMO) in accordance with
ASTM A351, ASTM A743, or
ASTM A744 shall be in the cast,
Base Metal

solution heat-treated and water-

Highly alloyed austenitic stainless

quenched condition, and shall • ≤ 35 HRC

have a maximum hardness of 100
HRB;
✓ UNS J95370 in the solution heat-
Hardness

treated and water-quenched

condition and shall have a
maximum hardness of 94 HRB.
✓ Wrought N08904 for use as
instrument tubing shall be in the
annealed condition with a
maximum hardness of 180 HV10.
• The hardness of the HAZ after
welding shall not exceed the
maximum hardness allowed for • Welding procedures used for welding and
Weld & HAZ

the base metal overlaying the highly alloyed austenitic

• Hardness of the weld metal shall
not exceed the maximum
hardness limit of the respective
alloy used for the welding
consumable.
stainless steels do not require any hardness
surveys or hardness testing to verify
hardness in the HAZ.

Ferritic Stainless steel

Chemical composition
& Heat treatment

• Ferritic stainless steels shall be in • Ferritic stainless steels shall be in the

the annealed condition annealed condition
Ferritic Stainless steel

Base Metal

• ≤ 22 HRC • ≤ 22 HRC
Hardness

Weld & HAZ

• 250 HV 10 • 248 HV10

 Martensitic Stainless steel

Chemical composition
& Heat treatment • Free-machining steels are not
allowed. • Free-machining steels are not allowed.
• Materials shall be austenitized and • Materials shall be austenitized and
quenched and then double quenched and then double tempered.
tempered.

• Martensitic ≤ 22 HRC
• Low-carbon, martensitic ≤ 23 HRC

• Other hardness limits for some

materials e.g.:

✓ wrought low-carbon UNS S41425

martensitic stainless steel in the
austenitized, quenched, and
Base Metal

tempered condition shall have a • Martensitic ≤ 22 HRC

maximum hardness of 28 HRC. • Low-carbon, martensitic ≤ 23 HRC
✓ UNS S41426 as downhole tubular
Martensitic Stainless steel

components shall be quenched

and tempered to maximum 27
HRC.
✓ UNS S41429 as downhole tubular
components shall be quenched
and tempered or normalized and
tempered to a maximum hardness
Hardness

of 27 HRC.

• The hardness of the HAZ after

welding shall not exceed the
maximum hardness allowed for
• Martensitic ≤ 248 HV 10
the base metal.
• Low-carbon, martensitic ≤ 275 HV10
• Hardness of the weld metal shall
not exceed the maximum
• Weldments in martensitic stainless steels
hardness limit of the respective
Weld & HAZ

shall undergo a PWHT at 621 °C.

alloy used for the welding
• Weldments in low-carbon martensitic
consumable.
stainless steels shall undergo a double-cycle
• Weldments in martensitic
PWHT.
stainless steels shall undergo a
• Welding shall only be performed on base
PWHT at 621 °C.
materials that have previously been
• Weldments in the low-carbon
austenitized, quenched, and double-
martensitic stainless steels shall
tempered.
undergo a single- or double-cycle
PWHT.
 Duplex Stainless steel

Chemical composition
& Heat treatment
• The ferrite content shall be 35
vol% to 65 vol%.
• be in the solution-annealed and
liquid-quenched condition.
• The ferrite content shall be 35 vol% to 65
vol%.
• be in the solution-annealed and liquid-
quenched condition.

• UNS S31803 (HIP), (30 ≤ PREN≤

40): ≤ 25 HRC
Base Metal

• used as downhole tubular

• For PREN ≤ 40.0 % : ≤ 28 HRC
components and as packers and
• For PREN > 40.0 % : ≤ 32 HRC
other subsurface equipment (both
PREN ≤ 40.0 % & > 40.0 %) : ≤ 36
HRC
Duplex Stainless steel

• The hardness of the HAZ after

welding shall not exceed the
maximum hardness allowed for
Hardness

the base metal.

• The hardness of the weld metal
• Average hardness shall not exceed 310 HV,
shall not exceed the maximum
Weld & HAZ

and no individual reading shall exceed 320

hardness limit of the respective
HV.
alloy used for the welding
• average ferrite content in the weld deposit
consumable.
and HAZ shall be within the range of 35 %
• The sigma phase shall not exceed
to 65 %
0.5 %.
• The ferrite content in the weld
metal root and unreheated weld
cap shall be in the range of 30 %
to 70 % volume fraction.
 Precipitation-hardened Stainless steel
• Austenitic precipitation-
hardenable stainless Steel (UNS
S66286) shall be in either the
solution-annealed and aged or
solution-annealed and double-
aged condition.
• UNS S17400 and UNS S15500
Chemical composition & Heat treatment
wrought martensitic precipitation-
hardenable stainless steels shall
be in either the H1150D or
H1150M condition.
• wrought UNS S45000
Precipitation-hardened Stainless steel
molybdenum-modified martensitic
precipitation-hardened stainless
steel shall have undergone the
following two-step heat-treatment
procedure:
1) solution-anneal;
2) Precipitation-harden at (621 ±
8) °C for 4 h minimum at
temperature.
• ASTM A747 CB7Cu-1 and CB7Cu-2
castings shall be in the H1150 DBL.
• for UNS S17400, limits on its
ferrite content should be
considered.
• Austenitic ≤ 35 HRC
• Martensitic (UNS S17400 and UNS
Base Metal
Hardness
S15500) ≤ 33 HRC
• Martensitic (UNS S45000) ≤ 31
HRC
• ASTM A747 CB7Cu-1 and CB7Cu-2
≤ 30 HRC
• Austenitic precipitation-hardenable
stainless Steel(UNS S66286) shall be in
either the solution-annealed and aged or
solution-annealed and double-aged
condition.
• UNS S17400 and UNS S15500 wrought
martensitic precipitation-hardenable
stainless steels shall be in either the
H1150D or H1150M condition.
• wrought UNS S45000 molybdenum-
modified martensitic precipitation-
hardened stainless steel shall have
undergone the following two-step heat-
treatment procedure:
1) solution-anneal;
2) Precipitation-harden at (621 ± 8) °C for 4
h minimum at temperature.
• ASTM A747 CB7Cu-1 and CB7Cu-2 castings
shall be in the H1150 DBL.
• UNS S17400 and UNS S15500 shall not be
used for pressure-retaining bolting
applications in the double-H1150 condition.
For pressure-retaining bolting in the
H1150M condition can be used.
• Austenitic ≤ 35 HRC
• Martensitic (UNS S17400 and UNS S15500)
≤ 33 HRC
• Martensitic (UNS S45000) ≤ 31 HRC
• ASTM A747 CB7Cu-1 and CB7Cu-2 ≤ 30 HRC
• Martensitic (UNS S17400 or UNS S15500) as
pressure-retaining bolting in the H1150M
condition ≤ 29 HRC.
Precipitation-hardened Stainless steel

• The hardness of the base metal Alloy(s) Maximum hardness

after welding shall not exceed the UNS S66286 345 HV 10
Weld & HAZ
maximum hardness allowed for UNS S17400,
Hardness

327 HV 10
the base metal. UNS S15500
• The hardness of the weld metal UNS J92200
shall not exceed the maximum (CB7Cu-1), 302 HV 10 (HAZ)
hardness limit of the respective UNS J92110 327 HV 10 (weld deposit)
metal for the weld alloy. (CB7Cu-2)
UNS S45000 310 HV 10

Solid-solution nickel alloys

• Materials with below composition

Chemical composition & Heat treatment

shall be Solution-annealed,
annealed, annealed and cold- • Wrought or cast solid-solution nickel-
Solid-solution nickel alloys

worked or annealed and cold- chromium-molybdenum alloys with

worked and aged condition. compositions as specified below shall be in
the solution-annealed or annealed
Materials condition.
Cr Ni + Co Mo Mo + W
Type
Type 4a 19.0 29.5 2.5 ---
Element Cr Ni + Co Mo
Type 4b 14.5 52 12 ---
Mass 19.0 29.5 2.5
Type 4c 19.5 29.5 2.5 ---
fraction
Type 4d 19.0 45 --- 6 14.5 52 12
(Min.%)
Type 4e 14.5 52 12 ---
Type 4f 20 58 15.5 ---
Values are mentioned in mass fraction (Min.%)
 • Wrought UNS N06600 shall not exceed 35
HRC.
• Wrought UNS N08800 shall not exceed 35
HRC.
• Only those solid-solution nickel-chromium-
• Generally ≤ 40 HRC molybdenum alloys listed in Table 5 shall be
• Other hardness limits for some used in the cold-worked condition. The
materials e.g. UNS N10276 (Type other requirements specified in Table 5
4e) when used at a minimum
Base Metal

shall also be met.

temperature of 121 °C (250 °F) UNS Maximum
shall have a maximum hardness of Previous condition
number hardness
45 HRC, or UNS N07022 (Type 4f) ---
N06002 35 HRC
in the annealed and cold-worked
and aged condition shall have a N06022 Solution-annealed 40 HRC
maximum hardness of 47 HRC. N06625 --- 35 HRC
N06686 Solution-annealed 40 HRC
N06985 --- 39 HRC
N08825 --- 35 HRC
N10276 Solution-annealed 35 HRC
N07022 Solution-annealed 43 HRC
Solid-solution nickel alloys

Hardness

• The hardness of the HAZ after

welding shall not exceed the
maximum hardness allowed for
the base metal.
• Hardness of the weld metal shall
• Welding procedures used for welding and
Weld & HAZ

not exceed the maximum

overlaying the solid-solution nickel alloys do
hardness limit of the respective
not require any hardness surveys or
alloy used for the welding
hardness testing to verify hardness in the
consumable.
HAZ.
• There are no hardness
requirements for welding solid-
solution nickel-based alloys with
solid-solution nickel-based weld
metal.
 Precipitation-hardened nickel-based alloys

• Both standards provides almost the same materials and requirements specified as
below table, with some exceptions mentioned below the table.
Max.
UNS
Condition(s) Hardness
No. (HRC)
N05500 Hot-worked and age-hardened or solution-annealed or solution-annealed and age-hardened 35
N07022 Solution-annealed, cold worked and aged 47
Solution-annealed 35
N07031
Solution-annealed and aged at 760 °C to 871 °C (1 400 °F to 1 600 °F) for a maximum of 4 h. 40
N07048 Solution-annealed and aged 40
Hot compacted powder, solution-annealed (927 °C [1 700 °F] min)
N07626 and aged (538 °C to 816 °C [1 000 °F to 1 500 °F]), max tensile strength 1 380 MPa (200 ksi)
40
N07716 Solution-annealed and aged 43
Solution-annealed or hot-worked or hot-worked and aged 35
N07718
Solution-annealed and aged or cast, solution-annealed, and aged 40
Precipitation-hardened nickel-based alloys

N07725 Solution-annealed and aged 43

N07750 Solution-annealed or solution-annealed and aged or hot worked or hot-worked and aged 35
N07773 Solution-annealed and aged 40
N07924 Solution-annealed and aged 35
N09777 Solution-annealed and aged 40
Base Metal

Cold-worked or solution-annealed 35
Solution-annealed and aged 38
N09925
Cold-worked and aged or hot-finished and aged 40
Cast, solution-annealed, and aged 35

❖ NACE MR0175 /ISO 15156 provides below additional materials and requirements:

• wrought UNS N09935 shall be in the solution annealed and aged condition to a
maximum hardness of 34 HRC;
• wrought UNS N09945 shall be in the solution annealed and aged condition to a
maximum hardness of 42 HRC;
• wrought UNS N07716 and wrought UNS N07725 in the solution-annealed and aged
condition can also be used at a maximum hardness of HRC 44 in the absence of
elemental sulfur and subject to the other environmental limits shown for the
maximum temperature of 204 °C (400 °F);
• wrought UNS N07022 shall have a maximum hardness of HRC 39 in the annealed and
aged condition.
• UNS N07750 springs shall be in the cold-worked and age-hardened condition and
shall have a maximum hardness of 50 HRC;
• UNS N07090 can be used for springs for compressor valves in the cold-worked and
age-hardened condition with a maximum hardness of 50 HRC.
Precipitation-hardened • The hardness of the base metal
nickel-based alloys after welding shall not exceed the

Weld & HAZ

maximum hardness allowed for
the base metal. • The hardness of the weldments shall be as
• The hardness of the weld metal per above table.
shall not exceed the maximum
hardness limit of the respective
metal for the weld alloy.
Cobalt-based alloys
• UNS R30003, UNS R30004, UNS
R30035, and BS 2HR 3 shall not
exceed 35 HRC.
• UNS R30035 can have a maximum
hardness of 51 HRC in the cold-
reduced and high-temperature
aged heat-treated condition.
• wrought UNS R31233 shall be in
the solution-annealed condition
and shall have a maximum
hardness of 22 HRC;
• UNS R30605 shall have a
maximum hardness of 35 HRC. • UNS R30003, UNS R30004, UNS R30035,
• For Spring application: and BS 2HR 3 shall not exceed 35 HRC.
Cobalt-based alloys

• UNS R30035 can have a maximum hardness

Base Metal

a. UNS R30003 shall be in the cold- of 51 HRC in the cold-reduced and high-
worked and age-hardened temperature aged heat-treated condition.
condition and maximum 60 HRC;
• Wrought UNS R31233 shall be in the
b. UNS R30035 shall be in the cold-
solution-annealed condition. The hardness
worked and age-hardened
shall not exceed 33 HRC.
condition and maximum 55 HRC
• UNS R30605 shall not exceed 35 HRC.
• For diaphragms, pressure
measuring devices, and pressure
seals application:

a. UNS R30003 and UNS R30004 shall

have a maximum hardness of 60
HRC;
b. UNS R30260 shall have a
maximum hardness of 52 HRC;
c. wrought UNS R30159 for pressure
seals shall have a maximum
hardness of 53 HRC
 • The hardness of the base metal • Welding requirements for UNS R30003,
Cobalt-based alloys after welding shall not exceed the UNS R30004, UNS R30035, and BS 2HR 3

Weld & HAZ

maximum hardness allowed for
the base metal
• The hardness of the weld metal
shall not exceed the maximum
hardness limit of the respective
metal for the weld alloy.
are outside the scope of this International
Standard
• Welding procedures used for welding UNS
R31233 do not require any hardness
surveys or hardness testing to verify
hardness in the HAZ.

Titanium and tantalum

• Both standards provides almost the same materials and requirements specified as
below table, with some exceptions mentioned below the table.
• NACE MR0175 /ISO 15156 provides requirements for Tantalum which is not covered
by NACE MR0103 /ISO 17495

Max.
UNS No. Condition(s)
Hardness
R50400 None specified 100 HRB
R53400 Annealed at 774 °C ± 14 °C (1 425 °F ± 25 °F) for 2 h, air cool 92 HRB
R56260 Annealed or solution-annealed or solution-annealed and aged 45 HRC
R56323 Annealed 32 HRC
R56403 Annealed 36 HRC
R56404 Annealed 35 HRC
Base Metal

R58640 Annealed 42 HRC

❖ NACE MR0175 /ISO 15156 provides below additional materials and requirements:
Titanium and tantalum

• UNS R50250 shall have a maximum hardness of 100 HRB

• UNS R05200 shall have a maximum hardness of 55 HRB and shall be either
a. Annealed, or
b. Gas tungsten arc-welded and annealed.

❖ Specific guidelines shall be followed for successful applications of each titanium

alloy. For example, hydrogen embrittlement of titanium alloys can occur if these
alloys are galvanically coupled to certain active metals (e.g. carbon steel) in H2S-
containing aqueous media at temperatures greater than 80 °C (176 °F). Some
titanium alloys can be susceptible to crevice corrosion and/or SSC in chloride
environments. Hardness has not been shown to correlate with susceptibility to
SSC/SCC. However, hardness has been included for alloys with high strength to
indicate the maximum testing levels at which failure has not occurred.
• The hardness of the base metal
after welding shall not exceed the
maximum hardness allowed for
Weld & HAZ

the base metal.

• Welding requirements for titanium alloys
• The hardness of the weld metal
are outside the scope of this International
shall not exceed the maximum
Standard.
hardness limit of the respective
metal for the weld alloy.
 Copper-based alloys
• Copper-based alloys have been
used without restriction on
temperature, pH2S, Cl−, or in situ
• Copper alloys are allowed because they are
pH in production environments.
not susceptible to SSC. However, they can
Base Metal

• Copper-based alloys can undergo

Copper-based alloys

suffer corrosion because of the sulfides and

accelerated mass loss corrosion
also stress corrosion cracking if NH3 is
(weight loss corrosion) in sour oil
present, as often noted in sour refinery
field environments, particularly if
environments
oxygen is present.
• Some copper-based alloys have
shown sensitivity to GHSC.
• Welding procedures used for welding
Weld &

copper alloys do not require any hardness

HAZ

No data available
surveys or hardness testing to verify
hardness in the HAZ.

Aluminium-based alloys
• Aluminium have been used
without restriction on
• Aluminium alloys are allowed because they
temperature, pH2S, Cl−, or in situ
are not susceptible to SSC. However, they
Base Metal

pH in production environments.
can suffer corrosion when exposed outside
• The user should be aware that
the pH range of about 4,0 to 8,5 and also
mass loss corrosion (weight loss
pitting corrosion if chloride ions are
corrosion) of aluminium-based
present.
alloys is strongly dependent on
environmental pH.
Aluminium-based alloys

• Welding procedures used for welding

Weld & HAZ

Aluminium alloys do not require any

No data available hardness surveys or hardness testing to
verify hardness in the HAZ.
 Cladding
• Unless the user can demonstrate and
document the likely long-term in-service
integrity of the cladding or overlay as a
protective layer, the base material, after
application of the cladding or overlay, shall
comply with ANSI/NACE MR0175/ISO
15156 part 2 or 3 as appropriate. This may
involve the application of heat or stress-
relief treatments that can affect the
cladding, lining, or overlay properties.
• Overlays applied by thermal processes such
as welding, silver brazing, or spray
metallizing systems are acceptable if they
comply with one of the following
requirements:
a. The heat-treated condition of the substrate
is unchanged, i.e. it does not exceed the
lower critical temperature during application
of the overlay.
b. The maximum hardness and final heat-
treated condition of the base metal
Cladding
substrate comply with requirements of this
standard. In the case of welded overlays,
this requirement may be waived if long-term
in-service integrity of the overlay as a
protective layer is demonstrated.
• Hard facing may be used.
• Some materials used for wear-resistant and
hardfacing applications can be brittle.
Environmental cracking can occur if these
materials are subject to tension.
• When applied to P-No. 1 carbon steels,
partial weld overlays that do not qualify as
cladding shall be applied in such a way that
the process-contacted interface between
the overlay and the base metal has a HAZ
and base metal hardness within the
specified limits. Methods used to control
the HAZ and base metal hardness, and
acceptance criteria, shall be in accordance
with NACE SP0472.
• When applied to alloy steels or to carbon
steels not P-Numbered in Section IX of the
ASME BPVC, partial weld overlays shall be
applied in such a way that the process-
contacted interface between the overlay
and base metal has a HAZ and base metal
hardness within the specified limits.
Hardness testing and acceptance criteria
shall be in accordance with requirements
for weld metal specified for related
substrate as appropriate.
• Tungsten-carbide alloys and ceramics are
allowed as overlays. Following application
of the overlay, the base material shall meet
the hardness requirement for that base
metal specified in the pertinent material
paragraph or subclause.
• Hard facing weld overlays of cobalt-
chromium-tungsten, nickel-chromium-
boron, and nickel-boron (see SAE AMS4779)
alloys are allowed. Following application of
the overlay, the base material shall meet
the hardness requirement for that base
metal specified in the pertinent material
paragraph or subclause.
 Coating
• Metallic coatings (electroplated or
electroless), conversion coatings, and
plastic coatings or linings are not allowed
for preventing SSC of base metals. The use
of such coatings for any other purpose
(such as wear resistance or corrosion
resistance) is outside the scope of this
International Standard.

• Nitriding is an allowed surface diffusion

treatment when performed at a
temperature below the lower critical
temperature of the material being treated.
Its use as a means of preventing SSC is not
allowed.
• Nitriding is not expected to lower
resistance to SSC. However, nitriding has
been shown to lower corrosion resistance
of stainless steels by removing chromium
from solution. The designer is cautioned to
• Metallic coatings (electroplated and
take this into account when considering
electroless plated), conversion coatings,
nitriding.
plastic coatings and linings are not
acceptable for preventing SSC.
• When thermal spray coatings are applied to
Coating

• Nitriding, with a maximum case depth of

P-No. 1 carbon steel materials in such a
0.15 mm (0.006 in), is an acceptable surface
manner that any portion of the base metal
treatment if conducted at a temperature
exceeds the lower transformation
below the lower critical temperature of the
temperature (Ac1) (e.g. in the case of a
alloy being treated. The use of nitriding as a
spray and fuse coating), the procedures
means of preventing cracking in sour
used shall be qualified in accordance with
service is not acceptable.
NACE SP0472 requirements to ensure that
the HAZ and base metal exhibit hardness
within the spcified limits.

• When thermal spray coatings are applied to

alloy steels or to carbon steels not P-
Numbered in Section IX of the ASME BPVC,
in such a manner that any portion of the
base metal exceeds the lower
transformaton temperature (Ac1) (e.g. in
the case of a spray and fuse coating), the
procedure used shall be qualified with
postweld heat treatment (PWHT) to ensure
that the HAZ and base metal exhibit
hardness within the specified limits. PWHT,
hardness testing, and acceptance criteria
shall be in accordance with limits provided
in accordance with requirements for weld
metal specified for related substrate as
appropriate.
 Bolts & Nuts (Fasteners)

Exposed bolting
• Bolting that is exposed directly to the sour
environment shall meet the requirements
of pertinent paragraph or clause (Clause 13
or Clause 14).
• External bolting and fasteners used
underground, covered with insulation,
equipped with flange protectors, or
otherwise denied direct atmospheric
exposure, and that are used on equipment
that contains a sour environment, shall be
considered exposed to a sour environment,
and shall meet the requirements of
pertinent paragraph or clause (Clause 13 or
Clause 14).
• Users and designers should be aware that it
• Bolting that can be exposed directly to a may be necessary to derate the strength of
sour environment, or that is buried, the joint and the pressure rating of the
insulated, equipped with flange protectors equipment in some cases when using
or otherwise denied direct atmospheric bolting that meets these requirements.
Bolts & Nuts (Fasteners)

exposure, shall conform to the general • The bolting and nut materials listed in
requirements of related materials in below Table were specifically established to
pertinent paragraph or subclause (A.2.1). meet the requirements of Clause 13 or
• Designers and users should be aware that it Clause 14. Other materials meeting the
can be necessary to lower equipment requirements of Clause 13 or Clause 14 are
pressure ratings when using SSC-resistant also allowed.
bolting and fasteners. Bolting component Material specification
• Acceptable bolting materials are mentioned Bolt, stud, cap ASTM A193 Grade B7M
in below table: screw ASTM A193 Grade B8MA, Class 1A
ASTM A320 Grade L7M
Bolts Nuts Nut ASTM A194 Grade 2HM
ASTM A194 Grade 7M
ASTM A193 grade B7M ASTM A194 grades 2HM, 7M
ASTM A320 grade L7M ASTM A194 Grade 8MA
• Zinc or cadmium coatings should not be
used on bolts, nuts, cap screws, or other
fasteners in sour environments. These
coatings enhance the generation of
hydrogen on the surface and can contribute
to hydrogen cracking.

Nonexposed bolting
• Nonexposed bolting and fasteners may be
furnished to applicable standards such as
ASTM A193, ASTM A194, and ASTM A320.
To be considered nonexposed, the bolting
shall be used externally on flanges or other
parts that are not directly exposed to sour
environments, and shall be directly exposed
to the atmosphere at all times
 Threading

• Threads produced using a machine-cutting

• Machine-cut threading processes are
process are acceptable.
allowed.
• Threads produced by cold forming (rolling)
Threading

• After threads have been cold formed, the

are acceptable in steels that otherwise
threaded component shall meet the heat-
comply with the heat treatment and
treatment conditions and hardness
hardness requirements of the material and
requirements specified for the material in
the limits of its application (for CRAs)
pertinent paragraph or clause (Clause 13 or
mentioned in pertinent paragraph
Clause 14).
subclause.

References

• ANSI/NACE MR0175/ISO 15156, Petroleum, petrochemical, and natural gas industries —

Materials for use in H2S-containing environments in oil and gas production (2015)
• ANSI/NACE MR0103/ISO 17495-1, Petroleum, petrochemical and natural gas industries
— Metallic materials resistant to sulfide stress cracking in corrosive petroleum refining
environments (2016)
References

• NACE SP0472, Standard Practice Methods and Controls to Prevent In-Service

Environmental Cracking of Carbon Steel Weldments in Corrosive Petroleum Refining
Environments (2015)
• D. Milliams, Introductory Handbook For NACE MR0175 /ISO 15156, NACE International
(2016)
• API 571, Damage Mechanisms Affecting Fixed Equipment in the Refining Industry (2020)
• D. Bush, J. Brown, K. Lewis, An Overview Of NACE International Standard MR0103 and
Comparison With MR0175, Corrosion (2004)

Prepared By Mohammad Fouladi

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mohammad-fouladi-1abb0b81