Stress Corrosion Cracking in Fuel Ethanol: A Recently Recognized Phenomenon

Abstract

An extensive multi-part program was organized and funded by the Subcommittee on Corrosion and Materials of the American Petroleum Institute (API) Committee on Refinery Equipment (CRE), with assistance from the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA), to examine stress corrosion cracking of steel equipment in fuel ethanol. These studies included surveys of field experience, in-situ monitoring of fuel ethanol systems, and laboratory research studies. This article describes the studies and results.