This paper describes the results of a laboratory study evaluating cracking resistance of 4130 (UNS G41300), 13Cr-L80 (UNS S42000), and two modified “13-5-2” type 13Cr alloys (UNS S41426) with 110 ksi (758 MPa) specified minimum yield strength in three different oil and gas well environments. Sulfide stress cracking resistance was evaluated using tensile specimens stressed to 90% actual yield strength and double cantilever beam specimens. Three environments were evaluated that included: (a) NACE Solution A with 15 psia (0.1 MPa) H2S; (b) a simulated oil well with 100,000 mg/L Cl−, pH 4.5, 0.5 psia (3.5 kPa) H2S; and (c) a simulated gas well with 1,000 mg/L Cl−, pH 3.5, 0.5 psia (3.5 kPa) H2S. These three environments were used for tests at both room temperature and at 40 °F (5 °C). Also, the oil well and gas well simulated environments were tested using both an acetate and bicarbonate buffer solution for pH control.

Cracking and corrosion observations are reviewed and implications of alloy sour service limits, effect of temperature, and effect of buffering agent in laboratory testing are discussed. Findings of the current study are compared with previously presented studies to confirm or challenge assumptions on the role of temperature and buffering systems.

Subject
Pits, Environmental cracking, Test methods, Materials, Sodium chloride, Bicarbonates, Corrosion cracking, Acetates, Acidity, Pitting, Environments, Sulfide stress cracking, Martensitic steel
Keywords:
Sulfide stress cracking, 4130, modified 13Cr, 13Cr-L80, oil well, gas well, subsea temperature
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2011
Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP)
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