Case study of stainless steel components of a geothermal heating system failed prematurely. The crack surfaces were brittle in appearance and were predominately transgranular. The failure was determined to be caused by chloride induced stress corrosion cracking. Subsequent failures may be avoided by informed alloy selection.

More informations : Transgranular stress corrosion cracking of 304L stainless steel pipe clamps in direct use geothermal water heating applications.