MSIP ® - mitigation of stress corrosion cracking

Stress Corrosion Cracking (SCC) as a result of excessive tensile stress is a recognized problem which can compromise nuclear plant safety and availability. MSIP® (Mechanical Stress Improvement Process) is a patented, permanent solution for mitigating SCC in Nuclear Plant piping weldments.

MSIP® is accepted by the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission as a stress improvement process for mitigation of stress corrosion cracking in both boiling water reactor (BWR) and pressurized water reactor (PWR) plants. MSIP® is also used to prevent SCC in RBMK piping welds.

Contact: Michael Frankle | 412-586-1810

How It Works

Stress Corrosion Cracking occurs when three conditions are present:

Susceptible material
Tensile stresses
Harsh environment

At least one of these three contributing factors must be eliminated to mitigate SCC.

MSIP® uses a hydraulically operated clamp to contract the pipe on one side of the weldment. This removes tensile residual stress from the vulnerable area and generates a more favorable compressive stress pattern in its place. The result is prevention and permanent mitigation of SCC without the need for relief request.