The most effective means for preventing stress corrosion cracking SCC are proper design, reducing stress, removing critical environmental contributors (for example, hydroxides, chlorides, and oxygen), and avoiding stagnant areas and crevices in heat exchanger where chlorides and hydroxides might become concentrated. Low alloy steel are less susceptible than high alloy steel, but they are subject to SCC in water containing chloride ions. Nickel based alloys are not affected by chloride or hydroxide ions.
