API RP 571 - Damage Mechanisms Spreadsheet
Damage Mechanisms Description of Damage
It is a change in the
microstructure of certin
carbon steels and 0.5 Mo
steels after long term
operation in the 800 to 1100
F range may cause a loss in
Graphitization strength, ductility and/or
before Spheroidization < 1025°F
creep resistance.
May cause a loss in strength
and/or creep resistance.
850°F - 1400°F; Spheroidization
Softening (Spheroidization)
May Cause a loss in strength and
reduction in toughness. This
change causes an upward
shift in the ductile-to-brittle
650°F - 1100°F; Quicker at 900°F
transition temperature. (by
Temper Embrittlement
Charpy impact testing)
found in most older vintage
steels and 0-0.5 Mo low alloy
steels under the combined
effects of deformation and
aging at an intermediate
temperature. This results in
an increase in hardness and
Strain Aging
strength with a reduction in
ductility and toughness
is a loss in toughness due to
a metallurgical change that
occurs in alloys containing a
ferrite phase, as a result of
exposure in the temeratur
885°F Embrittlement
range 600 to 1100.
Sigma Phase Embrittlement
Brittle Fracture
Temperature Range
800°F - 1100°F; Graphitization
Some grades of CS and 0.5Mo steels
before Graphitization > 1025°F
or creep resistance.
Primarily 2.25Cr; Older 2.25Cr manuf. for older steels and 150°F newer; Heat
but more severe in long-term
prior to 1972 particularly susceptible
exposure at 850°F
Intermediate Temperature
600°F - 1000°F
1000°F - 1750°F
Temperatures below ductile-to-
brittle transition temp
Affected Materials
CS and low alloys
Pressurization sequence - MPT of 350°F
treat to 1150°F and cool rapidly for
temporary reverse; Limit J and X factors.
Mostly pre-1980’s carbon steels with
large grain size and C-0.5 Mo low
alloy steel
Alloys containing a ferrite phase; 400
SS and Duplex SS
Ferritic, martensitic, austenitic, and
duplex SS
CS and low alloys esp. prior to 1987;
400 SS also susceptible
Page 1 of 12
Prevention Inspection
Addition of 0.7% Cr Full thickness sample metallography
Field metallography or removal of
Minimize exposure to elevated temps
samples
Impact test sample blocks from
original heat
No issue for newer steels with enough Al
for deoxidizer; BOF better than older
None
Bessemer; Pressurization sequence;
PWHT or "Butter"
Impact/bend test samples; Cracking
Use low ferrite or non-ferritic alloys;
during t/a or when below 200°F;
Heat treat to 1100°F and cool rapidly
Increase in hardness
SS with sigma may have lack of
toughness below 500°F; Minimize weld Testing of samples; Cracking during
metal ferrite content; Solution anneal at t/a or when below 500°F
1950°F and water quench to reverse
Material selection; Minimize pressure at
None to minimize; Susceptible vessels
ambient temperatures; PWHT; "Warm"
inspect for pre-existing flaws
pre-stress hydrotest
 API RP 571 - Damage Mechanisms Spreadsheet

Damage Mechanisms Description of Damage Temperature Range Affected Materials Prevention Inspection

SEE Table 4-2 for Threshold

Temp:
C.S. --> 700ºF
Minimize temperatures; Higher PWHT Combination of techniques; Tubes
Creep and Stress Rupture C-1/2 Mo --> 750ºF All metals and alloys
may help; Minimize hot spots in heaters bulging, sagging, diametric growth
1.25Cr thru 9Cr --> 800ºF
304H --> 900ºF
347H --> 1000ºF

Design and operation; Liner to prevent

Thermal Fatigue Temp swings exceeding 200°F All materials of construction VT, MT/PT, SWUT for cracking
cold liquid from contacting hot surface

Short Term Overheating – Local overheating above design All fired heater tube materials and Minimize temperature excursions; Visual; IR monitoring; Tubeskin
Stress Rupture temperature common materials of construction Burner management thermocouples
Tube rupture quickly follows DNB; Visual for bulging on tubes and
Steam Blanketing Short-term, high-temp failures. CS and low alloys
Burner management; BFW treatment burners
Widely differing thermal expansion Ni based fillers; 300 SS rods used in low
Dissimilar Metal Weld Visual and MT/PT for OD cracks; UT
> 510°F coefficients; Most common CS to temp location only; Pup piece with
(DMW) Cracking for ID cracks
Austenitic SS intermediate coefficient
Minimize flow interruptions, severe
Significant Temperature Highly localized; MT/PT to confirm
Thermal Shock All metals and alloys restraint, rain/fire water deluge; Review
Differentials cracking only
injection points; Thermal sleeves

Design; Erosion - harder alloys;

VT, UT, RT; Corrosion coupons; IR
Erosion/Erosion – Corrosion N/A All metals, alloys and refractories Corrosion - corrosion resistant alloys;
scans for refractory
Impingement plates; Tube ferrules

Mechanical, design, or operational Accoustic monitoring; Pumps may

More likely at temps approaching Most common materials of change; Sufficient NPSH; Streamline sound like pebbles being thrashed
Cavitation
the boiling point of the liquid construction flow; Remove air; Decrease velocities; around; VT, UT, RT for loss of
Fluid additives thickness

All alloys; Stress levels and number of Good design; Material selection; MT, PT, SWUT for cracks; Vibration
Mechanical Fatigue N/A
cycles to failure vary by material Minimize stress risers monitoring

Design; Supports and vibration

Vibration-Induced Fatigue N/A All engineering materials dampeners; Stiffeners on small bore; Visual/Audible signs of vibration
Branch sizing

Refractory Degradation N/A Refractory materials Selection; Design; Installation VT during shutdown; IR online

low alloys, 300 SS, and Ni base

During PWHT or at elevated Joint configurations in heavy walls; UT and MT/PT for surface cracks; UT
Reheat Cracking alloys; High Strength Low Alloys
temps. Minimize stress risers for embedded cracks
(HSLA)

All metals with the exception of most

Design; Differing alloys not in intimate
Galvanic Corrosion N/A noble metals; SEE Table 4-4 for Visual and UT Thickness
contact; Coatings
Galvanic Series

Corrosion rates increase with

Atmospheric Corrosion CS, low alloys, and copper alloyed Al Surface prep and proper coating VT and UT
temp up to about 250°F.

Corrosion Under Insulation More severe 212°F - 250°F for Selection of insulation type; Maintain
CS, low alloys, 300 SS and duplex SS Strip insulation; VT, UT, IR, etc.
(CUI) CS coatings and insulation

Page 2 of 12
 API RP 571 - Damage Mechanisms Spreadsheet
Damage Mechanisms Description of Damage Temperature Range
Process side > 140°F; Brackish
Cooling Water Corrosion
and salt water outlet > 115°F
Boiler Water Condensate
N/A
Corrosion
Increasing corrosion with
CO2 Corrosion
increasing temp up to dewpoint <
300°F
Sulfuric acid dewpoint < 280°F;
Flue-Gas Dew-Point
Hydrochloric acid dewpoint <
Corrosion
130°F; pH < 6
Microbiologically Induced 0°F to 235°F; pH range 0 - 12
Corrosion (MIC) (Any)
Corrosion rates increase with
Soil Corrosion
increasing metal temperature
High solution strength caustic
general corrosion of CS above
Caustic Corrosion
175°F and very high CRates
above 200°F.
Dealloying N/A
< 200°F in the presence of
Graphitic Corrosion
moisture or an aqueous phase
Oxidation of CS significant >
1000°F;
300 Series SS susceptible to
Oxidation
scaling > 1500°F.
SEE Table 4-6 for CR at elev.
Temps
Sulfidation > 500°F
Carburization > 1100°F
Decarburization Elevated temperatures
Metal Dusting 900°F - 1500°F
Affected Materials Prevention Inspection
Design process inlet < 135°F;
CS, all grades of SS, copper, Al, pH; Oxygen content; Outlet temps;
Operation; Chemical treatment; Maintain
titanium and Ni base alloys EC/IRIS tubes
water velocities; Avoid ERW tubes
Primarily CS; Some low alloy, 300 SS Oxygen scavenging treatment; Amine Water analysis; Dearator cracking
and copper based alloys inhibitor treatment WFMT
Cr > 12% (SS); Corrosion inhibitors;
Increase pH > 6; Operation problems;
CS and low alloys VT, UT, RT
400 SS and Duplex SS resistant; Water
analysis
Maintain temps > 280°F; Avoid 300 SS if
CS, low alloys and 300 SS chlorides present; Soda Ash wash to UT for wall loss; VT and PT for SCC
neutralize the acids
Treat water with biocides; Maintain flow VT; Measure biocide residual;
Most common materials of
velocities; Empty hydrotest water; Operating conditions indicate fouling;
construction
Maintain coatings Foul smelling water
Most effective coatings and cathodic Structure to soil potential; Soil
Carbon steel, cast iron, and ductile
protection; Special backfill may help to resistivity; VT, guided UT, Pressure
iron
lesser degree testing
UT Scans, RT, Injection points,
Design; Adequate water flooding; Burner
Primarily CS, low alloys and 300 SS Boroscope steam generating
management; Dilution of caustic
equipment
Difficult to predict; Addition of alloying VT (may change color but may require
Primarily copper alloys as well as
elements may help; CP or coatings may scale removal), Metallography, Loss of
Alloy 400 and cast iron
help "metallic ring"
Difficult to predict; Internal
Primarily gray cast iron, but also
coatings/cement linings for internal Loss of "metallic ring"; Reduction in
nodular and malleable cast irons
graphitic corrosion; external coatings or hardness
which tend to crumble when attacked
CP in corrosive soils
CS and low alloys; All 300 SS, 400
Upgrade alloy; Addition of Cr primary Monitor process conditions and
SS and Ni base alloys oxidize to
element for oxidation resistance temperatures; UT for thickness loss
varying degrees
CS, low alloys, 300 SS and 400 SS;
Upgrade to higher Cr; Al diffusion Monitor process conditions and
Ni base alloys to varying degrees
treatment of low alloys may reduce but temperatures; UT for thickness loss;
depending on Cr content; Copper
not completely protect Proactive and retroactive PMI
base alloys at lower temps than CS
CS and low alloys, 300 SS and 400
Alloy selection (Si & Al oxidizers); Lower Hardness/Field metallography if
SS, cast SS, Ni base alloys with
temperatures and higher oxygen/sulfur process side accessible; RT, UT, MT
significant Fe content and HK/HP
partial pressures. for cracking in advanced stages
alloys
Control chemistry of gas phase; Cr and Field metallography; Hardness tests
CS and low alloys
Mo form more stable carbides for softening
Protective layer of sulfur (usually as Compression wave UT for heater
All; No known alloy immune under all
H2S); Material selection for specific tubes; RT for pitting/thinning; VT if ID
conditions
application; Al diffusion treatment is accessible
Page 3 of 12
 API RP 571 - Damage Mechanisms Spreadsheet
Damage Mechanisms Description of Damage Temperature Range
Metal temps above the melting
point of liquid species:
Oil ash - melting points below
Fuel Ash Corrosion 1000°F possible; Waterwall
corrosion - melting points 700°F;
Coal ash - melting points 1030°F
to 1130°F
Carbon steels, low alloys, 300 SS and
Nitriding > 600°F; Severe > 900°F
Chloride Stress Corrosion
> 140°F susceptible; Ni > 35% highly resistant,
Cracking (Cl-SCC)
Corrosion Fatigue N/A
Caustic Stress Corrosion
Increasing temps increase
Cracking (Caustic
likelihood and severity
Embrittlement)
Ammonia Stress Corrosion
Any temperature
Cracking
Liquid Metal Embrittlement
N/A
(LME)
Ambient - 300°F; Decreases with CS, low alloys, 400 SS, Precipitation
Hydrogen Embrittlement
increasing temp; Not likely to Hardenable SS, some high strength
(HE)
occur above 160°F to 180°F
Increases with increasing temps;
Above 220°F can result in acid
Amine Corrosion
gas flashing and severe localized
corrosion
Ammonium Bisulfide
Corrosion (Alkaline Sour < 150°F
Water)
Affected Materials Prevention Inspection
Blend or change fuel source; Burner
All conventional alloys for process
design/management; Low excess
heaters and boilers; 50Cr-50Ni family VT; UT for loss of thickness
oxygen; Alloy upgrade to 50Cr-50Ni for
show improved resistance
hangers/supports
Change in color to dull gray; Hardness
testing (400 - 500 BHN); Check 300
400 SS; Ni based alloys more Alloy change to 30% - 80% Ni SS for magnetism; Metallography;
resistant ECT; PT, RT, or UT for cracking in
advanced stages
Material selection; Low chloride water
300 SS; Ni 8% - 12% most
for hydrotest; Coatings under insulation; VT in some cases, PT (surface prep
Avoid designs with stagnant areas may be necessary), ECT, UT
Ni > 45% nearly immune
where chlorides can concentrate
Reduce corrosion (inhibitors, material
selection, coatings, BFW chemical
All metals and alloys UT, MT
control, etc.); PWHT; Controlled start-up
(thermal expansion)
PWHT at 1150°F for CS; Alloy upgrade WFMT, EC, RT, ACFM for crack
CS, low alloys and 300 SS; Ni base to Ni based alloys; Design/operation of detection; PT not effective (tight,
alloys more resistant. injection system; Water wash equipment scale-filled cracks); SWUT for crack
prior to steamout depth
Copper - zinc content below 15%, 90-
10CuNi and 70-30CuNi nearly immune,
Copper alloys with aqueous ammonia Copper - monitor pH, ECT or VT on
prevent ingress of air, upgrade to 300
and/or ammonium compounds; CS in tubes for cracking; CS - WFMT, AET,
SS or Ni alloys; CS - PWHT or addition
anhydrous ammonia or External SWUT
water (0.2%), weld < 225 BHN, prevent
ingress of oxygen
Keep metal with low melting point away
MT or PT for cracks, RT for mercury
Many commonly used materials from other metal; Grind out cracks not
deposits inside tubes
acceptable
Use lower strength steels; PWHT; Low
hydrogen, dry electrodes, and preheat
for welding; Bake out at 400°F or higher; MT or PT for surface cracks; UT may
Controlled pressurization sequence; be helpful; RT not sensitive enough
Ni base alloys.
Protective lining, SS cladding, or weld
overlay
Proper operation; Avoid buildup of
HSAS; Design should control local VT and UT thickness internal; UT
Primarily CS; 300 SS highly resistant pressure drop to minimize flashing; scans or profile RT for external;
Avoid oxygen inleakage; Remove solids Corrosion coupons
and hydrocarbons; Corrosion inhibibitors
Symmetrical/balanced flow in and out of
air cooled exchangers; Maintain Frequent UT and RT profile thickness;
CS; 300 SS, duplex SS, Al alloys and
velocities 10 to 20 fps for CS, resistant IRIS and ECT tubes; Monitor water
Ni base alloys more resistant
materials > 20 fps; Water wash injection injection
and low oxygen
Page 4 of 12
 API RP 571 - Damage Mechanisms Spreadsheet

Damage Mechanisms Description of Damage Temperature Range Affected Materials Prevention Inspection

All commonly used materials; Order

of increasing resistance: CS, low Pitting resistant alloys more have RT or UT Thickness; Monitor feed
Ammonium Chloride < 300°F; May corrode well above
alloys, 300 SS, Alloys 400, duplex SS, improved resistance; Limit chlorides; streams; Corrosion coupons may be
Corrosion water dewpoint of 300°F
800, and 825, Alloys 625 and C276 Water wash; Filming inhibitors helpful if salts deposit on the element
and titanium.
Upgrade CS to Ni base can help;
Hydrochloric Acid (HCl) Increases with increasing temp Remove chlorides (neutralize, water AUT or RT for thickness; Corrosion
All common materials of construction
Corrosion up to point where water vaporizes wash, absorb, etc.); Minimize carryover coupons; Check pH
of water and salts
Use alloys with high chromium content; UT, VT and RT for thickness; Verify
High Temp H2/H2S Corrosion Order of increasing resistance: CS, operating temps; Check process H2S
> 500°F 300 SS are highly resistant at service
low alloys, 400 SS, and 300 SS
temps levels periodically

Monitor CS operating > 150°F for

Low alloys, 300 SS and 400 SS are
generally not suitable; CS, Cu-Ni
Hydrofluoric (HF) Acid Increase with increasing temp;
alloys, Alloy 400, an other Ni base
Corrosion High CRates observed > 150°F
alloys have been used in some
applications
thickness; Minimize water, oxygen,
RT or UT Thickness; Monitor small
sulfur and other contaminants in feed;
bore piping, flange face corrosion,
Alloy 400 (solid or clad) used to
blistering/HIC/SOHIC
eliminate blistering/HIC/SOHIC. PWHT
to minimize possibility of SCC.

2% - 2.5% molybdenum shows

Naphthenic Acid Corrosion 425°F - 750°F; Has been CS, low alloys, 300 SS, 400 SS, and RT or UT Thickness; Monitor TAN,
improved resistance; Change or blend
(NAC) reported from 350°F - 800°F Ni base alloys sulfur, Fe, and Ni contents
crudes; Inhibitors
Material selection; Velocity < 30 fps;
Phenol (Carbolic Acid) Minimal below 250°F; Rapid Order of increasing resistance: CS, RT or UT Thickness; Corrosion
Recovery ovhd temps at least 30°F >
Corrosion CRates above 450°F 304L, 316L and Alloy C276 coupons
dew point
304L satisfactory for concentration
100% and temp < 120°F ; 316L required
Order of increasing resistance: CS, RT or UT Thickness; Sample Iron in
Phosphoric Acid Corrosion N/A 120°F - 225°F; 316L and Alloy 20
304L SS, 316L SS, and Alloy 20 water; Corrosion coupons
effective at concentrations up to 85% at
boiling temps
Material selection; 300 SS < 140°F; Cu RT or UT Thickness; Monitor pH of
Sour Water Corrosion Primarily CS; SS, Cu alloys, and Ni
N/A and Ni resistant, but Cu vulnerable in ovhd accumulators; Corrosion
(Acidic) base alloys usually resistant
ammonia coupons

Order of increasing resistance: CS,

Materials selection; Proper operation; UT or RT of turbulent zones and
Sulfuric Acid Corrosion N/A 316L, Alloy 20, high Si cast iron, high
Caustic wash to neutralize hottest areas; Corrosion coupons
Ni cast iron, Alloy B-2 and Alloy C276

Material selection; Flush with alkaline or

soda ash to neutralize or purge with
Polythionic Acid Stress Sensitization occurs 750°F - Sensitized austenitic SS; 300 SS, Flapper disc sanding to remove
nitrogen or nitrogen/ammonia; Keep
Corrosion Cracking (PASCC) 1500°F Alloy 600/600H, and Alloy 800/800H deposits and PT
firebox above dewpoint; Heat treatment
at 1650°F

PWHT all CS welds; Material selection

Crack detection best with WFMT or
Amine Stress Corrosion (clad or solid); Water wash non-PWHT
N/A CS and low alloys ACFM; PT usually not effective;
Cracking CS prior to welding, heat treatment or
SWUT crack depths; AET
steam out

Coatings or alloy cladding; Water wash

Wet H2S Damage Blistering, HIC, and SOHIC to dilute HCN or inject ammonium Monitor free water phase; Crack
ambient to 300°F or higher; SSC CS and low alloys polysulfide's to convert to thiocyanates; detection best with WFMT, EC, RT or
(Blistering/HIC/SOHIC/SSC) < 180°F HIC-resistant steels; PWHT can prevent ACFM; SWUT for crack sizing; AET
SSC and help with SOHIC; Inhibitors

Page 5 of 12
 API RP 571 - Damage Mechanisms Spreadsheet

Damage Mechanisms Description of Damage Temperature Range Affected Materials Prevention Inspection

PWHT; Weld hardness < 200 HB and

Hydrogen Stress Cracking - no localized zones > 237 HB; CS with
Aqueous HF environments CS and low alloys WFMT for cracks; Hardness testing
HF Carbon Equivalent < 0.43; B7M Bolts;
Coatings or alloy cladding
PWHT at 1150°F; Material selection; Monitoring of pH and CO3-2
Generally no temperature
Carbonate Stress Corrosion ranges; However, > 200°F if CO2 Coatings or alloy cladding; Water wash concentration; WFMT or ACFM for
CS and low alloys
Cracking non-PWHT prior to steamout or heat crack detection; SWUT for crack
> 2% in gas scrubbing units treatment; Inhibitors depth; AET
UT using combination of velocity ratio
Alloys with Cr (> 5 Cr) and Mo or
Order of increasing resistance: CS, C- and backscatter (AUBT); In-situ
High Temperature Hydrogen Exposure to hydrogen at tungsten and vanadium; Use a 25°F to
0.5Mo, Mn-0.5Mo, 1Cr, 1.25Cr, metallography; VT for blistering;
Attack (HTHA) elevated temperatures 50°F safety factor; 300 SS overlay
2.25Cr-1Mo, 2.25Cr-1Mo-V, 3Cr, 5Cr WFMT and RT in advanced stages
and/or roll bond clad material
with cracking
No titanium in known hydriding services
such as amine or sour water; Use all
Titanium Hydriding > 165°F Titanium alloys ECT; Metallography; Crush/Bend test
titanium if galvanic coupling may
promote hydriding

Page 6 of 12
API RP 571 - Damage Mechanisms Spreadsheet

Appearance

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

Cracking particularly at welds or

areas of high restraint

Cracks typically straight, non-

branching, with no plastic
deformation; Limited intergranular
cracking

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API RP 571 - Damage Mechanisms Spreadsheet

Appearance

Noticeable deformation may be

observed; May have significant
bulging before final fracture occurs

Cracks propagate transverse to the

stress and usually dagger-shaped,
transgranular, and oxide filled; May
stop and restart; May be axial or
circumferential, or both,
at the same location;

"fishmouth"
Open burst with edges drawn to a
near knife-edge

Cracks at the toe of weld in the

HAZ of the ferritic material

Surface initiating cracks may

appear as “craze” cracks

Localized loss in thickness; Pits,

grooves, gullies, waves, rounded
holes and valleys; Often with a
directional pattern

Sharp-edged pitting but may have a

gouged appearance in rotational
components

“clam shell” type fingerprint with

concentric rings called “beach
marks”

Crack initiating at a point of high

stress or discontinuity

Cracking, spalling or lift-off from the

substrate, softening or general
degradation from exposure to
moisture; Erosive services: washed
away or thinned

Intergranular and can be surface

breaking or embedded

More active material can suffer

generalized loss in thickness or
crevice, groove or pitting corrosion

General or localized; Normally a

distinctive iron oxide (red rust)
scale forms
May be highly localized; Loose,
flaky scale covering the corroded
component

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API RP 571 - Damage Mechanisms Spreadsheet

Appearance

General corrosion, localized

underdeposit, pitting, MIC, SCC,
fouling, grooving along ERW tubes

Oxygen: pitting anywhere in the

system; CO2: smooth grooving

Localized thinning and/or pitting;

May be deep pitting and grooving in
areas of turbulence

General wastage often with broad,

shallow pits

Localized pitting under deposits or

tubercles; Cup-shaped pits within
pits

External thinning with localized

losses due to pitting

Localized metal loss as grooves in

a boiler tube or thinned areas under
insulating deposits;

Often a color change or deep

etched appearance; May be
uniform through the cross-section
or localized

Widespread or localized; Damaged

areas will be soft and easily gouged
with a hand tool

General thinning; Usually covered

on the outside surface with an
oxide scale

Most often uniform thinning but

may be localized; Sulfide scale will
usually cover the surface

In advanced stage may be a

volumetric increase

N/A

Low alloys can be uniform but

usually small pits filled with crumbly
residue; SS and high alloys local,
deep, round pits

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API RP 571 - Damage Mechanisms Spreadsheet

Appearance

“alligatorhide”

"needle-like" particles of iron

nitrides

"spider web"; Branched,

transgranular, and may have
"crazecracked" appearance

"rabbit ears"; Transgranular but not

branched, often multiple parallel
cracks

"spider web"; Predominantly

intergranular, parallel to weld in
adjacent base metal but can occur
in the weld or HAZ

Cu: bluish corrosion products at

surface cracks, single or highly
branched, either trans or
intergranular

Brittle cracks in an otherwise

ductile material

Can initiate sub-surface, but in

most cases is surface breaking;
Higher strength steels cracking is
often intergranular

General uniform thinning, localized

corrosion or localized underdeposit
attack

General loss in thickness with

potential for high localized rates;
Low velocities may have localized
under-deposit corrosion

Page 10 of 12
API RP 571 - Damage Mechanisms Spreadsheet

Appearance

Possible fouling or corrosion

General uniform thinning, localized

corrosion or underdeposit attack

Uniform loss in thickness from the

process side with an iron sulfide
scale

Localized general or severe

thinning of CS; May be
accompanied by cracking due to
hydrogen stress cracking, blistering
and/or HIC/SOHIC damage

Localized corrosion, pitting, or flow

induced grooving in high velocity
areas

General or localized corrosion of

CS

General or localized thinning of CS

General thinning; Localized

corrosion or underdeposit attack
can occur

General but attacks CS HAZ

rapidly; Hydrogen grooving in low
flow

Intergranular; Quite localized;

Typically next to welds, but may be
in base metal

Surface cracking on ID primarily in

HAZ, but also in weld or adjacent to
HAZ; Typically parallel to weld, but
in weld, either transverse or
longitudinal

Blistering, HIC "stepwise cracking",

SOHIC stacked arrays, SSC
through thickness potentially

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API RP 571 - Damage Mechanisms Spreadsheet

Appearance

Surface breaking intergranular

cracks

"spider web"; Parallel to weld in

adjacent base, but also in weld or
HAZ; Predominantly intergranular

Intergranular and adjacent to iron

carbide areas in CS; Some
blistering may be visible to the
naked eye

N/A

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