SwRI: Materials Performance and Characterization facilities

The environmental performance of materials laboratories are primarily focused on applied corrosion research and testing. The laboratories at Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) also address materials and electrochemistry needs associated with fuel cells and hydrogen storage. The laboratories have more than 10,000 sq.ft. of space with a high bay area and two separate facilities to handle hazardous chemicals and gases.

Annex A houses a number of high-pressure, high-temperature autoclaves with the ability to monitor electrochemical conditions. Autoclave capabilities include stirring and pressure ratings up to 20,000 psi at 650°F. There are several constant and cyclic loading test frames as well as slow strain rate (SSR) systems for stress corrosion cracking studies. The SSR systems include capabilities for testing at ambient temperature and pressure, and in high pressure-high temperature environments. The rated pressure and temperature of the autoclave vessels employed for SSR work are 2,000 psi and 500?F, respectively. Annex B is a brand new facility that is well equipped to conduct full scale testing in hazardous conditions including H₂S and high pressure-high temperature environments.

The laboratories also include:

• Facilities for conducting cyclic atmospheric corrosion tests, studying microbiologically influenced corrosion 

• Facilities for investigating surface phenomena using advanced equipment such as Scanning Kelvin Probe, Raman spectrometer, and capillary electrophoresis 

The laboratories have a history of constructing and operating unique test systems customized for specific applications, such as:

• Nuclear reactor pressure vessel

• Steam generators

• Oil and gas tubular coupling stock

• Pipeline microbiologically influenced corrosion. 

Some of the test facilities include:

• High-pressure, hazardous gas facility

• Testing facility for fuel cell stacks under controlled humidity conditions

• Constant and variable load test frames for long-term stress corrosion cracking and corrosion fatigue testing

SSR test frames with testing capabilities in high pressure-high temperature simulated environments		Sulfide stress cracking test frames for testing of internally-pressurized tensile mini-pipe specimens
Alloy C-276 autoclaves with stirring capabilities that are pressure rated to 2,000 psi at 450°F		High pressure-high temperature autoclave equipment including 316L SS, Alloy C-276 and Titanium vessels. Pressure rating up to 20,000 psi at 650?F.
Overview of Annex B with capabilities for full scale testing in hazardous conditions including H2S and high pressure-high temperature environments. Tests performed include API 16C for Choke and Kill lines and electrical cables for submersible oil well pumps.		Containment vessel for full scale testing of internally pressurized components including API 16C. Containment vessel has a pressure rating of 900 psi.

SwRI also has ready access to extensive solution and surface analytical facilities elsewhere.

For more information about materials performance and characterization facilities at SwRI or how you can contract with SwRI, please contact Steve Clay at sclay@swri.org or (210) 522-2348.