Cathodic protection of ferritic-austenitic stainless steel

Cracked duplex stainless steel component

A two year Group Sponsored Project was recently successfully launched to address the issue of cathodic protection of duplex and superduplex stainless steels.

It was prompted by recent unexpected failures of subsea components under conditions of cathodic protection in the North Sea.

The project aims to define more precisely the material, stress and environmental conditions under which duplex and superduplex stainless steels can display hydrogen-induced stress corrosion cracking, recognising both base metal andwelded joints, and to set limits for continued safe operation. The data is needed not only in respect of new installations but also to assess the safety of duplex and superduplex stainless steel components and systems already inservice in subsea applications. The cost per sponsor is £20 000 per annum and more details can be obtained by contacting Paul Woollin. E-mail: paul.woollin@twi.co.uk