It is important to note that NACE International (now part of AMPP - Association for Materials Protection and Performance) is a standards organization. As such, NACE SP0170 is a copyrighted document.

While you may find "unofficial" copies floating around the web, relying on them can be risky. Unofficial PDFs may be outdated, missing pages, or contain unauthorized alterations to the technical data.

The best way to access the PDF:

Why buy it? Compliance audits often require proof that your team is using the most current, official version of the standard. An official PDF ensures you have the correct data for your safety protocols.

Formerly known as RP0170, the full title of this standard is: “Protection of Austenitic Stainless Steels and Other Austenitic Alloys from Polythionic Acid Stress Corrosion Cracking During Shutdown of Refinery Equipment.”

While the title is a mouthful, the concept is straightforward. When refinery equipment (made of austenitic stainless steel) shuts down, the hot equipment cools. As it cools, it creates an environment where corrosive agents—specifically Polythionic Acid—can form and attack the metal.

This acid forms when sulfur-containing deposits (sulfides) react with oxygen and moisture. The result? Stress Corrosion Cracking (SCC). This isn't just surface rust; this is cracking that can compromise the structural integrity of your vessel in a dangerously short amount frame.

The application of NACE SP0170 is vital for several reasons:

Engineers and inspectors search for the NACE SP0170 PDF because it provides the specific "how-to" for preventing this specific type of failure. It isn't just theoretical; it is a practical guide.

Here is what you will find inside the document: