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Institute For Oil & Gas Training
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NACE MR0175/ISO 15156 Materials Selection for Sour Service Training Course

Duration
5 days
CPD hours
15
Language
English
Next date
09 Nov 2026
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Overview

The NACE MR0175/ISO 15156 Materials Selection for Sour Service Training Course by Institute For Oil & Gas Training develops the technical expertise required to apply NACE MR0175 Materials Selection principles when specifying metallic materials for oil and gas production equipment exposed to hydrogen sulphide environments. The course provides a structured understanding of sour service materials, material qualification, environmental assessment and ISO 15156 compliance to support safe and reliable engineering decisions across upstream oil and gas operations.

Hydrogen sulphide, commonly identified as H₂S, presents significant challenges for metallic materials used in wells, wellheads, pipelines, flowlines, pressure-containing equipment, production facilities and gas processing installations. Exposure to H₂S-containing production fluids increases the susceptibility of certain materials to cracking mechanisms, including sulphide stress cracking, hydrogen-induced cracking, stress-oriented hydrogen-induced cracking and stress corrosion cracking. These mechanisms create serious concerns for equipment integrity, personnel safety, environmental protection and production continuity.

Selecting materials for sour service requires more than identifying corrosion-resistant alloys or specifying conventional carbon steel grades. Engineering teams must understand the relationship between material composition, manufacturing processes, mechanical properties, heat treatment, hardness, operating stresses and the chemical characteristics of the service environment. Incorrect material selection introduces the risk of premature equipment deterioration, unplanned maintenance, production interruptions and costly asset replacement.

The course addresses the technical skills gap between general materials engineering knowledge and the specialist requirements associated with sour service applications. It examines the principles and practical requirements of ANSI/NACE MR0175 and ISO 15156, focusing on how engineering professionals evaluate H₂S environments, identify relevant damage mechanisms, select suitable materials and establish appropriate qualification and verification requirements.

Participants develop a detailed understanding of the three parts of ISO 15156. These cover general material principles and processing requirements, service environment assessment and material selection, and verification and qualification requirements. The course also explores the relationship between these requirements and established industry practices for material specifications, welding, manufacturing quality control and inspection.

Particular attention is given to the selection of carbon steels, low-alloy steels, stainless steels, duplex stainless steels, nickel-based alloys and other corrosion-resistant alloys. Participants examine the conditions governing their suitability for sour service, including H₂S partial pressure, temperature, pH, chloride concentration, elemental sulphur, material hardness and applied stress.

The NACE MR0175 Materials Selection programme also addresses the importance of accurate engineering documentation. Participants examine material specifications, technical datasheets, manufacturing certificates, qualification records and inspection documentation to establish a consistent approach to material selection throughout project execution and asset operation.

Delivered by Institute For Oil & Gas Training, this programme connects recognised industry standards with practical engineering requirements. It supports professionals responsible for materials selection, corrosion management, equipment specification, procurement, quality assurance and asset integrity. The emphasis is on developing the capability to make technically defensible material decisions, reduce sour service failure risks and maintain reliable equipment performance throughout the asset lifecycle.

Objectives

  • Explain the purpose, scope and application of ANSI/NACE MR0175 and ISO 15156 in oil and gas production environments.

  • Interpret the principal requirements of the three parts of ISO 15156 and understand their relationship with sour service materials selection.

  • Identify the principal characteristics of H₂S environments and assess their influence on metallic material performance.

  • Understand the mechanisms of sulphide stress cracking, hydrogen-induced cracking, stress-oriented hydrogen-induced cracking and stress corrosion cracking.

  • Evaluate environmental parameters influencing material suitability, including H₂S partial pressure, temperature, pH and chloride concentration.

  • Apply appropriate material selection principles to carbon steels, low-alloy steels, stainless steels and corrosion-resistant alloys.

  • Assess material hardness, chemical composition, mechanical properties and metallurgical characteristics in relation to sour service requirements.

  • Distinguish between material selection, material qualification, manufacturing verification and inspection requirements.

  • Evaluate the suitability of proposed materials against the applicable environmental limitations and standard requirements.

  • Understand laboratory testing methods used to evaluate resistance to cracking in H₂S environments.

  • Review material specifications, technical datasheets, manufacturing certificates and qualification documentation.

  • Identify potential non-conformities in material procurement and manufacturing activities.

  • Establish appropriate technical requirements for welding, fabrication, heat treatment and quality control.

  • Improve coordination between materials engineering, corrosion management, procurement, inspection and asset integrity functions.

  • Develop more consistent approaches to ISO 15156 compliance throughout engineering, procurement, construction and operational activities.

Training methodology

The NACE MR0175/ISO 15156 Materials Selection for Sour Service Training Course adopts a practical, engineering-focused delivery methodology that connects international standards with the challenges encountered in oil and gas production environments. Institute For Oil & Gas Training combines technical presentations, industry case studies, material selection exercises, group discussions and engineering scenarios to develop a comprehensive understanding of sour service requirements.

The programme begins by establishing the fundamental principles governing material behaviour in H₂S environments. Participants examine the relationship between service conditions, material properties and cracking mechanisms before progressing to the interpretation and application of relevant ISO 15156 requirements.

Standards Interpretation and Technical Presentations

Structured technical presentations explain the requirements and application of ANSI/NACE MR0175 and ISO 15156. Participants examine the purpose of individual standard provisions, material selection principles, environmental limitations and qualification requirements. Particular attention is given to understanding how these requirements influence engineering specifications, equipment selection and purchasing decisions.

Engineering Case Studies

Industry-based case studies demonstrate how incorrect material selection, unsuitable manufacturing conditions and inadequate environmental assessment contribute to sour service failures. Participants examine representative failures involving pipelines, pressure vessels, wellhead equipment, production tubing and other metallic components.

These case studies develop the ability to recognise failure mechanisms, assess contributing factors and identify appropriate preventive measures. Participants also explore how engineering decisions influence equipment reliability and long-term asset integrity.

Material Selection Exercises

Participants undertake structured exercises involving the selection of carbon steels, low-alloy steels and corrosion-resistant alloys for different sour service conditions. They evaluate environmental parameters, compare material limitations and establish whether proposed materials satisfy the relevant requirements.

Environmental Assessment Scenarios

Representative engineering scenarios examine the influence of H₂S partial pressure, temperature, pH, chloride concentration and other environmental variables on material suitability. Participants develop a systematic approach to assessing service severity, identifying relevant damage mechanisms and determining appropriate material selection requirements.

Qualification and Verification Activities

The methodology includes practical discussions concerning material qualification, hardness control, manufacturing documentation, welding requirements and laboratory testing. Participants examine how engineering teams establish evidence that selected materials and manufacturing processes satisfy applicable sour service requirements.

Collaborative Technical Discussions

Group exercises bring together different engineering perspectives, including materials engineering, corrosion management, procurement, inspection and quality assurance. These discussions demonstrate how coordinated technical decisions improve consistency between design specifications, procurement documents and operational requirements.

Practical Specification Reviews

Participants review representative material datasheets, equipment specifications and inspection records. They identify missing technical information, evaluate material restrictions and consider the documentation required to demonstrate appropriate material selection and qualification.

This combination of standards interpretation and practical application ensures that participants understand the requirements of NACE MR0175 and ISO 15156 and how to incorporate their principles into engineering workflows, project specifications and asset integrity management.

Organisational impact

Organisations operating in sour service environments require reliable materials engineering practices to protect critical equipment and maintain production continuity. Implementing the principles covered in the NACE MR0175 Materials Selection programme strengthens the technical basis of material selection and improves organisational control over corrosion-related risks.

Improved Sour Service Asset Integrity

A structured approach to material selection reduces the likelihood of specifying unsuitable metallic materials for H₂S-containing environments. A better understanding of cracking mechanisms and environmental limitations supports reliable material decisions for pipelines, wellheads, production equipment and pressure-containing systems. This strengthens asset integrity management and supports the long-term reliability of critical equipment.

Reduced Equipment Failure Risks

Understanding the conditions associated with sulphide stress cracking and hydrogen-induced cracking strengthens an organisation's ability to prevent material-related failures. Engineering teams develop a clearer basis for assessing proposed materials and identifying technical weaknesses before equipment enters service. This helps reduce exposure to premature deterioration, equipment damage and unplanned operational interruptions.

Stronger ISO 15156 Compliance

Improved familiarity with NACE MR0175 and ISO 15156 supports the consistent application of relevant material requirements. Organisations strengthen their internal engineering reviews, material specifications and technical approval processes through a better understanding of standard provisions, environmental limitations and qualification requirements.

More Effective Engineering Specifications

Accurate material specifications establish clear requirements for material grades, mechanical properties, hardness, manufacturing processes and inspection documentation. This improves communication between engineering teams, equipment manufacturers, suppliers and project contractors while reducing inconsistencies in technical requirements.

Improved Procurement Decisions

Procurement departments benefit from a stronger technical understanding of sour service material requirements. Better evaluation of supplier proposals, manufacturing certificates and material documentation reduces the risk of accepting products that do not satisfy specified engineering requirements. This strengthens purchasing decisions and improves control over supplier quality.

Reduced Maintenance and Replacement Costs

Appropriate material selection supports longer equipment service life and reduces avoidable maintenance arising from premature cracking and material deterioration. Better control of material suitability strengthens maintenance planning and reduces exposure to unplanned equipment replacement, repair activities and associated production losses.

Enhanced Operational and Personnel Safety

Material-related failures in H₂S environments create serious safety concerns. Improved material selection practices help organisations manage equipment integrity risks and reduce the likelihood of failures that threaten personnel, facilities and the surrounding environment. This supports safer operations and more effective management of sour service equipment.

More Consistent Quality Assurance

Understanding material verification and qualification requirements improves quality assurance activities throughout manufacturing and construction. Organisations gain stronger oversight of hardness testing, material traceability, heat treatment, welding documentation and inspection records. This promotes consistency in manufacturing verification and equipment acceptance processes.

Better Project Execution

Integrating sour service material requirements into engineering and procurement activities reduces inconsistencies between design specifications and purchased equipment. This supports more effective technical reviews, supplier evaluations and project handovers while improving coordination between engineering, procurement and construction teams.

Stronger Cross-Functional Coordination

The course develops consistent technical understanding across materials engineering, corrosion, inspection, procurement, quality control and operations departments. Improved communication between these functions supports coordinated decision-making, clearer technical responsibilities and more consistent management of sour service materials throughout the asset lifecycle.

Personal impact

The NACE MR0175/ISO 15156 Materials Selection for Sour Service Training Course strengthens the professional capabilities of engineers and technical specialists responsible for selecting, specifying, reviewing and maintaining materials used in sour service environments. Participants develop practical technical knowledge that supports their contribution to engineering decisions, material qualification and asset integrity management.

Specialist NACE MR0175 Knowledge

Participants develop a clearer understanding of the requirements and practical application of NACE MR0175 and ISO 15156. This strengthens their ability to interpret technical provisions, understand material selection limitations and apply relevant requirements to engineering decisions involving H₂S environments.

Advanced Materials Selection Capabilities

Attendees improve their ability to evaluate metallic materials according to their chemical composition, mechanical properties, hardness, manufacturing condition and environmental suitability. They develop a structured approach to comparing different material options and determining their suitability for specific sour service applications.

Better Understanding of H₂S Damage Mechanisms

Participants develop the technical knowledge required to recognise the conditions associated with sulphide stress cracking, hydrogen-induced cracking and other H₂S-related damage mechanisms. This improves their ability to contribute to corrosion assessments, material evaluations and equipment failure investigations.

Improved Technical Specification Skills

Attendees strengthen their ability to prepare and review material specifications, equipment datasheets and engineering documentation. They develop a clearer understanding of how sour service requirements influence material grades, manufacturing controls, hardness limitations and inspection criteria.

Greater Confidence in Engineering Reviews

The programme develops participants' ability to evaluate supplier submissions, identify material selection concerns and participate in technical clarification processes. They become better equipped to contribute to engineering design reviews, material approval activities and technical discussions with manufacturers and contractors.

Enhanced Qualification and Verification Knowledge

Participants understand the importance of qualification evidence, manufacturing controls and laboratory testing when assessing materials for H₂S service. This strengthens their ability to review technical documentation, interpret verification requirements and identify areas requiring additional engineering assessment.

Improved Cross-Departmental Communication

Attendees develop a broader understanding of the responsibilities of engineering, procurement, quality assurance, inspection and operations functions. This improves their ability to communicate material-related requirements, coordinate technical activities and contribute effectively to multidisciplinary project teams.

Professional Development

The specialist knowledge gained supports professional development in corrosion engineering, materials engineering, asset integrity, inspection, quality assurance and oil and gas project engineering. Participants strengthen their technical contribution to sour service projects, materials selection activities and operational integrity programmes.

Who should attend

  • Materials Engineers: Responsible for evaluating metallic materials and specifying suitable materials for sour service applications.

  • Corrosion Engineers: Involved in identifying corrosion threats, assessing H₂S-related damage mechanisms and developing corrosion management strategies.

  • Metallurgical Engineers: Responsible for evaluating material composition, mechanical properties, hardness and metallurgical suitability.

  • Pipeline Engineers: Involved in specifying and maintaining pipelines, flowlines and associated equipment exposed to sour production fluids.

  • Mechanical Engineers: Responsible for selecting, reviewing and maintaining pressure-containing equipment and mechanical components.

  • Asset Integrity Engineers: Involved in maintaining equipment reliability and managing material-related integrity threats throughout the asset lifecycle.

  • Inspection Engineers and Inspectors: Responsible for examining equipment condition, reviewing material records and identifying potential material degradation.

  • Materials and Corrosion Specialists: Seeking a deeper understanding of NACE MR0175 requirements and ISO 15156 compliance.

  • Welding Engineers and Welding Inspectors: Involved in assessing welding procedures, fabrication quality and metallurgical controls for sour service equipment.

  • Quality Assurance and Quality Control Professionals: Responsible for verifying manufacturing compliance, material traceability and inspection documentation.

  • Procurement and Supply Chain Professionals: Involved in purchasing sour service materials, evaluating technical bids and reviewing supplier documentation.

  • Project Engineers and Engineering Managers: Responsible for coordinating materials selection and engineering specifications during project development and execution.

  • Operations and Maintenance Managers: Overseeing the reliability, maintenance and safe operation of equipment exposed to H₂S environments.

  • Technical Managers and Engineering Supervisors: Responsible for establishing technical standards, reviewing engineering decisions and managing material-related operational risks.

Course outline

This module introduces the engineering principles governing material selection for oil and gas equipment operating in H₂S-containing environments. Participants examine the purpose and application of NACE MR0175 and ISO 15156, including the relationship between service conditions, material characteristics and equipment integrity.

The module establishes the technical foundation for understanding sour service materials and introduces the principal cracking mechanisms associated with exposure to hydrogen sulphide. Participants also examine the scope of the standard and its application to upstream production equipment and natural gas treatment facilities.

  1. ANSI/NACE MR0175 and ISO 15156

    • Establishes requirements and recommendations for metallic materials used in H₂S-containing oil and gas production environments.

    • Addresses the selection and qualification of materials resistant to cracking associated with hydrogen sulphide exposure.

    • Covers relevant equipment used in drilling, well construction, production, transportation and natural gas treatment.

    • Provides a framework for evaluating material suitability according to defined environmental and application conditions.

    • Supplements applicable equipment design codes, material specifications and other relevant engineering requirements.

    Learning Outcomes

    • Explain the purpose and application of NACE MR0175 and ISO 15156.

    • Identify equipment and applications covered by the standard.

    • Describe the characteristics of H₂S-containing production environments.

    • Differentiate between sweet service and sour service applications.

    • Recognise the main metallic material groups used in sour service.

    • Explain the relationship between material selection and equipment integrity.

    • Identify the principal cracking mechanisms associated with H₂S exposure.

This module examines the environmental conditions that influence material performance in sour service applications. Participants learn how operating parameters affect material suitability and how environmental severity influences the selection of appropriate metallic materials.

The module also provides a detailed examination of H₂S-related cracking mechanisms. Particular attention is given to sulphide stress cracking, hydrogen-induced cracking, stress-oriented hydrogen-induced cracking, stepwise cracking and soft-zone cracking. Participants examine how environmental conditions, material properties and applied stresses interact to influence failure susceptibility.

  1. ISO 15156-2

    • Addresses service environment assessment and material selection for H₂S-containing oil and gas production environments.

    • Provides requirements and recommendations for evaluating environmental conditions and their influence on material suitability.

    • Covers carbon and low-alloy steels, cast irons, corrosion-resistant alloys and other applicable metallic materials.

    • Addresses relevant environmental severity considerations and material selection limitations.

    • Establishes guidance for assessing the applicability of selected materials to defined operating conditions.

    Learning Outcomes

    • Evaluate the principal environmental parameters affecting material suitability.

    • Explain the significance of H₂S partial pressure in sour service assessment.

    • Assess the influence of temperature, pH and chloride concentration.

    • Identify the principal H₂S-related cracking mechanisms.

    • Explain the relationship between material properties and environmental severity.

    • Recognise conditions that increase susceptibility to cracking.

    • Interpret environmental information for engineering material selection.

    • Establish a structured basis for evaluating sour service conditions.

This module focuses on selecting metallic materials suitable for defined H₂S-containing environments. Participants examine the properties, advantages, limitations and application requirements of carbon steels, low-alloy steels, stainless steels, duplex stainless steels and nickel-based corrosion-resistant alloys.

The module explores how metallurgical characteristics, chemical composition, heat treatment, hardness and manufacturing processes influence material performance. Participants also examine the distinction between selecting materials from recognised standard requirements and qualifying alternative materials for specific applications.

  1. ISO 15156-1

    • Establishes general principles and material requirements for metallic materials used in H₂S-containing oil and gas production environments.

    • Addresses material selection and qualification principles for cracking-resistant metallic materials.

    • Includes requirements relating to material composition, mechanical properties and processing.

    • Provides guidance on material qualification using documented field experience and laboratory testing.

    • Requires appropriate consideration of material suitability for the intended service environment.

    Learning Outcomes

    • Compare the properties and limitations of common sour service materials.

    • Select suitable carbon and low-alloy steels for defined service conditions.

    • Evaluate stainless steels and corrosion-resistant alloys for H₂S environments.

    • Explain the influence of hardness, heat treatment and microstructure.

    • Understand the material qualification requirements of ISO 15156.

    • Distinguish between standard-listed materials and alternative material qualification.

    • Review material specifications against relevant environmental limitations.

    • Identify material characteristics requiring additional engineering verification.

This module examines how organisations establish and verify the suitability of materials intended for sour service applications. Participants explore the relationship between material selection, manufacturing quality, testing requirements and engineering documentation.

The module introduces recognised laboratory testing methods used to assess material resistance to cracking in H₂S environments. It also examines hardness testing, material traceability, welding controls, heat treatment, manufacturing inspection and qualification documentation. The emphasis is on ensuring that the materials supplied and installed satisfy the applicable technical requirements.

  1. NACE TM0177

    • Defines laboratory test methods for evaluating metallic materials exposed to environments containing hydrogen sulphide.

    • Addresses resistance to sulphide stress cracking and related forms of cracking.

    • Includes testing approaches involving stressed specimens and controlled environmental exposure.

    • Supports material evaluation and qualification activities for sour service applications.

    • Provides a technical basis for assessing material resistance to cracking under specified test conditions.

    Learning Outcomes

    • Explain the purpose of material verification and qualification.

    • Identify recognised laboratory testing methods for sour service materials.

    • Understand the application of NACE TM0177.

    • Interpret the role of hardness and mechanical property testing.

    • Evaluate material manufacturing and inspection documentation.

    • Understand the importance of welding and heat treatment controls.

    • Identify potential material non-conformities.

    • Establish appropriate documentation requirements for material verification.

The final module integrates the technical principles covered throughout the programme into practical engineering and project applications. Participants examine how sour service material requirements are incorporated into equipment specifications, engineering reviews, procurement activities and operational integrity programmes.

The module focuses on establishing consistent material selection processes throughout the asset lifecycle. Participants review representative engineering scenarios involving wells, pipelines, production equipment and processing facilities, considering how environmental assessment, material selection, qualification and verification requirements work together to support ISO 15156 compliance.

  1. ISO 21457

    • Provides guidance on materials selection and corrosion control for oil and gas production systems.

    • Identifies corrosion mechanisms and environmental parameters relevant to materials selection.

    • Addresses pipelines, piping, equipment, utility systems and injection systems associated with hydrocarbon production.

    • Supports the evaluation of material performance limitations and corrosion control requirements.

    • Complements application-specific materials selection requirements established under other relevant standards.

    Learning Outcomes

    • Apply NACE MR0175 and ISO 15156 principles to practical engineering situations.

    • Integrate sour service material requirements into project specifications.

    • Review material datasheets and technical procurement documentation.

    • Evaluate proposed material substitutions and technical deviations.

    • Understand supplier verification and material approval requirements.

    • Improve coordination between engineering, procurement, inspection and operations.

    • Establish documentation practices supporting ISO 15156 compliance.

    • Incorporate material selection requirements into asset integrity management.

    • Develop a systematic approach to managing sour service material risks.

Certificate

Upon successful completion of the NACE MR0175/ISO 15156 Materials Selection for Sour Service Training Course, attendees receive a Certificate of Completion from Institute For Oil & Gas Training.

The certificate recognises participation in the professional development programme and completion of its training requirements. Attendees are required to meet the institute's minimum attendance requirement and participate in the scheduled course activities to qualify for the certificate.

The Certificate of Completion confirms participation in this specialist training programme. It does not represent an independent professional certification, formal ISO qualification or accreditation as a NACE or AMPP-certified specialist.

Course dates

  • Europe

    Middle East

    Asia

    Africa

    North America

    Online

    Fee: £4,000

  • Europe

    Middle East

    Asia

    Africa

    North America

    Online

    Fee: £4,000

  • Europe

    Middle East

    Asia

    Africa

    North America

    Online

    Fee: £4,000

  • Europe

    Middle East

    Asia

    Africa

    North America

    Online

    Fee: £4,000

Fees include tuition, course materials and refreshments. Need different dates or a different city? Ask about your preferred date.

Frequently asked questions

What is the main purpose of the NACE MR0175/ISO 15156 Materials Selection for Sour Service Training Course?

The course develops the technical knowledge required to select and qualify metallic materials for oil and gas equipment operating in H₂S-containing environments. It covers environmental assessment, cracking mechanisms, material properties, corrosion-resistant alloys, qualification requirements and ISO 15156 compliance.

Who should attend this NACE MR0175 Materials Selection course?

The programme is designed for materials engineers, corrosion engineers, metallurgical engineers, pipeline engineers, mechanical engineers, inspection specialists, welding engineers, quality assurance professionals, procurement personnel and asset integrity managers. It is also suitable for technical managers involved in equipment specifications and sour service engineering decisions.

What standards and testing methods are covered during the course?

The course examines ANSI/NACE MR0175 and the ISO 15156 series, including its material requirements, environmental assessment, selection and qualification principles. It also introduces NACE TM0177 for sulphide stress cracking evaluation, NACE TM0284 for hydrogen-induced cracking assessment and ISO 21457 for materials selection and corrosion control in oil and gas production systems.

Does the course cover practical material selection for H₂S environments?

Yes. Participants examine practical engineering scenarios involving carbon steels, low-alloy steels, stainless steels, duplex stainless steels and nickel-based corrosion-resistant alloys. They evaluate environmental parameters, material properties, hardness, manufacturing requirements and qualification documentation to understand how appropriate materials are selected for specific sour service conditions.

Will participants receive a certificate after completing the course?

Yes. Participants receive a Certificate of Completion from Institute For Oil & Gas Training upon successfully completing the programme. Attendees must satisfy the institute's minimum attendance requirement and participate in the scheduled training activities to qualify for the certificate.

Next: 09 Nov 2026

4 dates available

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