Which service is least likely to promote cracking in equipment?

When considering the various services and their propensity to promote cracking in equipment, evaluating the nature of each solution is critical. Aqueous solutions tend to be less aggressive in terms of causing cracking because they often have a lower potential for creating corrosive environments compared to more aggressive chemicals. They also typically do not introduce additional stresses to the material that facilitate cracking.

Sulfuric acid, particularly at higher concentrations, is known for its aggressive corrosive nature and can lead to stress corrosion cracking in certain materials. This makes it more likely to promote cracking compared to aqueous solutions or other less corrosive substances.

High temperature steam may lead to issues such as oxidation or erosion rather than cracking directly, but it can still contribute to degradation of materials under certain conditions.

Chlorinated solvents can induce stress corrosion cracking in susceptible materials, especially at elevated temperatures or concentrations.

Thus, the service least likely to promote cracking in equipment is an aqueous solution, as it generally provides a milder environment that is less conducive to such damaging phenomena.