Material selection for downhole completions in the oilfield is one that is critical to the economic success of a project on a long-term basis. In the past, the selection of downhole tubulars has been routine and basic, with most operators selecting carbon steel as standard procedure. Today, a paradigm shift from the use of traditional carbon steel to 13 percent chrome (13Cr) is taking place as we utilize tools of economics, corrosion engineering, and field data. We also place special emphasis on case-by-case histories of material performance for each well.

Factors to be considered in the decision making process in selecting materials for sweet corrosive environments include:

  • Field Data (Current and Historical)

  • Corrosion Engineering

  • Economics

This paper takes an objective look at the field experiences, conditions, and economics involved in making a materials selection. Of all elements considered, economics is the main driving force. This paper will focus on four case histories from the Gulf of Mexico and inland Louisiana with various temperatures, pressures, chloride content, CO2 content, and production rates. These case histories, along with proven long term experience will help set the stage for further usage of 13Cr.

Subject
Costs, Water, Materials, Corrosion rate, Flow velocity, Reservoirs, Tubing, Wellheads, Downtime, Corrosion inhibitors, Carbon steel, Corrosion protection, Oil
Keywords:
CO2 corrosion, decision making process, economics, field experience, flowchart, gas wells, 13Cr
© 1995 Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP). All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of AMPP. Positions and opinions advanced in this work are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of AMPP. Responsibility for the content of the work lies solely with the author(s).
1995
Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP)
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