Difficulties in the Use of NACE MR0175/ISO 15156

From 1975 to 2003, guidelines and latest industry practices to avoid SSC in upstream H₂S-containing services have been published in NACE MR 0175.

Over those years, many changes have been made to the standard, culminating in its evolution to NACE MR0175/ISO 15156 seven years ago.

However, there have been difficulties for Owner/Operators in the application of and, for vendors, in meeting the requirements of the standard. There are those who are choosing to invoke NACE MR0175-2002, instead.

This paper will discuss some of the reasons why this is so, including the effects of changes in the sour service definitions.  Examples of exceptions taken will be examined.  And cost issues involved in meeting MR0175/ISO 15156 will be presented.