According to API RP 571, under the section "4.2.1.2 Brittle Fracture", the following conditions are explicitly identified as most critical for brittle fracture risk:
"Most processes run at elevated temperature, so the main concern is for brittle fracture during startup, shutdown, hydrotest, or other situations where equipment may be exposed to low temperatures."
"Equipment fabricated from materials susceptible to brittle fracture (e.g., carbon steel) is most vulnerable when exposed to low temperatures combined with high stress or pressure."
"A brittle fracture is characterized by a sudden and rapid crack propagation with little or no plastic deformation."
(Reference: API RP 571, Section 4.2.1.2 – Brittle Fracture)
Thus, while other options represent stress events, the main concern specifically noted by the standard is during start-up and shutdown—especially due to cooling and repressurization at low temperatures—making option A the most accurate choice.
