18 May 2015

Description
Routine field inspections offshore recently revealed a small number of unpainted stainless steel Lokring
connections were observed to have a crack in the driver component of the fitting. Through consultation
between the operator and Lokring, it was decided that these fittings should be removed and returned for
analysis.
Analysis and Conclusions
Element Materials Technology, Inc. in Cleveland, Ohio and in Aberdeen Scotland, were contracted to
independently analyze the fittings and have performed the following analysis: Visual Examination,
Chemical Analysis by OES, Microanalysis, and Scanning Electron Microscopy.
The analysis by Element Materials Technology in Cleveland and Aberdeen did not identify any defect in
materials or workmanship of the Lokring connections. The Lokring connections, like other mechanical
connections, utilize cold work stresses for the proper functioning of the product and these stresses are
part of the normal product design. The stresses in the Lokring driver create an elastic strain preload
(ESP) which is a trademark of the Lokring products overall performance.
Visually, the drivers had experienced a loss of mechanical integrity due to a full thickness longitudinal
crack. Chemical analysis of the material verified that the drive ring was manufactured from 316/316L
stainless steelcorresponding element by element to the ASTM standard and Lokring specifications. The
conclusion regarding the unpainted connections was drawn that Chloride pitting at the inside diameter
surface of the driver led to a reduction in wall thickness, and combined with the cold worked stresses in
the drive ring lead to transgranular stress corrosion cracking (SCC) progressing through the wall of the
component.
Additional Considerations
Austenitic stainless steels, such as 316 stainless steel, are well known in the industry to be susceptible to
stress corrosion cracking in offshore environments. NORSOK Standard M-001 and HSE Chloride stress
corrosion cracking in austenitic stainless steel, RR-902 (2011), recommends coating 316 stainless steel
in environments containing chlorides. Field use by Lokring customers has shown that stress-induced
corrosion cracking may be avoided entirely by protecting the components from the corrosive environment.
Corrective Actions
Customers have reported that Lokring fittings have been coated to successfully protect them from the
corrosive environment. To be most effective, coating should be done immediately after installation.
According to Dr. Sunniva Collins, Ph. D. ferrous metallurgist, once the installed fitting has been exposed
to the offshore environment, and corrosion has initiated, this is no longer an effective option.
At the request of customers and operators, Lokring is currently investigating other protective methods,
such as polymeric coatings, epoxy coatings, and a variety of sealants that have been reported to be most
effective when applied to our technology.
We will provide the results of this investigation as soon as they are available. In the meantime, please
share this information with your offshore customers using uncoated stainless steel fittings. System design
and system safety are the ultimate responsibilities of the end-user. Consideration to system function,
compatibility, product ratings, as well as other factors, must be given to ensure proper product selection
and function.
L ok ring Tec hno lo gy LLC 38 3 76 A po llo Par k wa y Wil lo ughb y, Ohio 440 94- 772 4 US A +1 .44 0. 9 42. 088 0 ww w.lokr ing. com

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LokringTM Lokring Technology LLC

If we may be of further assistance do not hesitate to contact us.

Sincerely,

Richard A. Monreal Jr.

Director of Customer Support

L ok ring Tec hno lo gy LLC 38 3 76 A po llo Par k wa y Wil lo ughb y, Ohio 440 94- 772 4 US A +1 .44 0. 9 42. 088 0 ww w.lokr ing. com

ISO 9001 Certified

LokringTM Lokring Technology LLC