The Atlas cell test (NACE TM0174) and the autoclave test (NACE TM0185) are laboratory tests that are
regularly used to select internal linings for vessels and tanks used in processing oil and gas production
fluids. The results from the two tests are often quite different and in some notable instances the
correlation between Atlas cell test results and field performance is poor. This paper documents our
investigation of the various operational details of the Atlas cell test and their influence on the nature of
the cold wall effect created in the Atlas cell. A number of commonly used tank linings were evaluated
under Atlas cell conditions. The results are used to offer an explanation regarding some of the
contradictory behaviour of coatings in Atlas testing, autoclave testing, and field performance.