4th Annual
Pipeline Crack Forum
Managing Circumferential SCC
November 13, 2025
Whitehall Hotel in Downtown Houston
Organized by Blade Energy Partners and Clarion Technical
Circumferential stress corrosion cracking (C-SCC) is a type of environmentally assisted cracking characterized by cracks oriented predominantly around the circumference of the pipe, typically driven by axial rather than hoop stresses. While C-SCC definitions exist (CEPA/CSA SPE-225.7.22, and API 1176), there is no established set of criteria in the pipeline industry for managing C-SCC, as there is for axial SCC. However, some success has been found in managing C-SCC by means of developing global and site-specific screening criteria. In both cases, in-line inspection data sets play a central part in identifying sites for excavations.
Although C-SCC is much less common than axial SCC, it can lead to significant integrity risks. This forum will focus on disseminating known and emerging factors on C-SCC formation, growth, and assessment by in-line inspection.
Pipeline Integrity Management