NACE TM0177-2024 PDF

Full title and description

NACE TM0177-2024 — Laboratory Testing of Metals for Resistance to Sulfide Stress Cracking and Stress Corrosion Cracking in H2S Environments. This test-method standard specifies laboratory procedures and specimen types used to evaluate the susceptibility of metals and alloys to sulfide stress cracking (SSC) and stress corrosion cracking (SCC) when exposed to acidic, H2S-containing aqueous environments; it is intended to provide consistent, comparable test data for material selection, acceptance testing, and research.

Abstract

The primary purpose of NACE TM0177-2024 is to facilitate conformity in laboratory testing so that results from different laboratories and sources can be compared on a common basis. The standard describes multiple test methods using uniaxial tensile, three‑point bent‑beam, C‑ring, and double‑cantilever‑beam (DCB) specimens (and references NACE TM0316 for four‑point bend specimens), provides guidance on test environments and reporting, and highlights safety considerations for handling H2S.

General information

• Status: Published (2024 edition); current as published and updated with subsequent errata documents (see FAQ).
• Publication date: 10 September 2024 (NACE TM0177-2024).
• Publisher: NACE (National Association of Corrosion Engineers) / AMPP (Association for Materials Protection and Performance).
• ICS / categories: 77.060 — Corrosion of metals (materials testing and corrosion).
• Edition / version: 2024 edition (NACE TM0177-2024).
• Number of pages: 69 pages (typical published PDF/print length for the 2024 edition).

Scope

This standard provides test methods for evaluating the resistance of metallic materials to sulfide stress cracking and stress corrosion cracking in H2S‑containing acidic aqueous environments. It is applicable to all types of metals and alloys in various product forms (pipe, plate, welds, etc.) and includes procedures for ambient and elevated temperature testing. The standard emphasizes that test results can be influenced by material variability within heats, along pipe lengths, or through welds, and so specimen selection and sampling plans must be considered when the test is used for procurement or acceptance.

Key topics and requirements

• Defined test methods using multiple specimen geometries: Method A (uniaxial tensile), Method B (three‑point bent‑beam), Method C (C‑ring), and Method D (double‑cantilever‑beam/KISSC determination).
• Specified test solutions and H2S‑saturated acidic environments, with procedures for solution preparation, oxygen removal, and monitoring.
• Time‑to‑failure criteria and statistical approaches (e.g., 720‑hour exposure periods, determination of critical stress or KISSC thresholds).
• Requirements for specimen preparation, loading application (constant load/strain), and valid‑test reporting (including environmental conditions and material traceability).
• Safety and handling guidance for H2S (toxic gas) and related hazards (non‑mandatory appendices provide additional safety notes).

Typical use and users

NACE TM0177-2024 is used by materials engineers, corrosion specialists, testing laboratories, manufacturers and fabricators of pipe and pressure‑containing equipment, oil & gas operators, and procurement teams specifying sour‑service materials. Typical applications include qualification testing for sour‑service steels and alloys, acceptance testing during procurement, comparative research on alloy susceptibility, and supporting material selection for H2S environments.

Related standards

Commonly referenced or related documents include NACE TM0316 (four‑point bend testing in H2S environments), NACE TM0284 (evaluation for hydrogen‑induced cracking and related sour‑service tests), ISO 15156 / NACE MR0175 guidance for materials in H2S environments, and applicable ASTM test practices for specimen fabrication and mechanical testing. These related standards are frequently used together with TM0177 for comprehensive sour‑service material qualification.

Keywords

sulfide stress cracking, SSC, stress corrosion cracking, SCC, H2S environments, sour service, laboratory test method, uniaxial tensile test, bent‑beam, C‑ring, double‑cantilever beam, KISSC, material qualification, corrosion testing.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: NACE TM0177-2024 is a NACE/AMPP laboratory test‑method standard that specifies procedures for testing metals’ resistance to sulfide stress cracking and stress corrosion cracking in H2S‑containing acidic aqueous environments.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers several laboratory test methods (uniaxial tensile, three‑point bent‑beam, C‑ring, and double‑cantilever‑beam), test environment preparation (H2S‑containing solutions), specimen preparation and loading, test durations and failure criteria, and reporting requirements. The standard’s scope also notes limitations related to material variability and sampling.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Materials and corrosion engineers, testing laboratories, fabricators, manufacturers, and oil & gas operators use TM0177 for material qualification, acceptance testing, and comparative research on sour‑service susceptibility.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The 2024 edition was published on 10 September 2024. An official errata/update package for the 2024 edition was published in late 2025 (commonly referenced as NACE TM0177:2024+ERR:2025); users should obtain the 2024 text together with the 2025 errata/updates to ensure they are working from the most current consolidated text.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: TM0177 is one of several NACE/AMPP test methods and documents addressing sour‑service material testing; it is typically used alongside other NACE tests (TM0284, TM0316) and with material guidance such as NACE MR0175/ISO 15156.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Key keywords include sulfide stress cracking (SSC), stress corrosion cracking (SCC), H2S, sour service, laboratory test method, KISSC, uniaxial tensile, C‑ring, bent‑beam, DCB, and material qualification.