Vallourec Group

IQPC HPHT Casing and Tubing – Standards

and Specifications

Stuart Cole Technical Manager September 2011

Vallourec Group

Introduction

HPHT wells are now being developed by a larger number of operators.

Casing and connections provide the barriers to maintain well integrity. Material and Connection Selection depend on the risk profile

The optimum value is defined by the operator following the assessment of the risks.

This presentation gives a brief overview of the selection, qualification and manufacturing of both the pipe and connections, including additional aspects that should be included for HPHT wells.

VALUE = RETURN RISK

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HPHT Materials Current Standards/Specifications for tubulars ● Manufacturing Standards:

• ISO 11960/ API 5CT 8th Edition • ISO 13680/ API 5CRA

– Both standards give the details of the chemistry, mechanical performance and states data on how it is to be manufactured

– PSL levels to designate the quality standards that the pipe is produced too

● Specifications • Proprietary supplier specifications • Customer specifications

– These can take into account unique aspects requested by the customer or provided by the supplier

● Design • ISO 10400

– Provides the formulas for the pipe performances

However no specification or standards are tailored to meet HPHT requirements, therefore a combination of specifications is required

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HPHT Materials

Design 1. Select material that provides required level of corrosion performance 2. Simulations provide mechanical performance required , for HPHT wells

non-standard tubulars are required to meet the requested load cases 3. An iterative process with compromises is demanded for the casing

selection i.e. 9 5/8” 53.5# with 8.5” drift, may not suitable due to reduction in safety factors, therefore alternative options are needed:

Specifications

● Within each specifications there are tolerances/variations • Manufacturing (PSL level, Length, wall thickness, drift value) • Quality Control (NACE corrosion testing, NACE A/ NACE D)

● Each operator needs to discuss with the supplier to agree of the specifications used for the manufacture of the pipe

● Optimising the specification can provide an enhanced product from the current specifications

During the design and specification phase each of the above

criteria needs to be considered. This can provide an enhanced product providing greater value for HPHT wells.

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Utilise Non-Standard pipe dimensions, 10” 73.9# with 8.5” drift and 90%min wall, 9 7/8” 66.9# with 8.5” drift and 90% min wall

Modify steel grades: Sour service, high collapse, CRA, restricted yield strength range (7ksi)

Update/modify calculation input values Utilise modified calculations for pipe performance i.e. ISO 10400 collapse value

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HPHT Materials – Risk Reduction

1. Qualification tests - Materials ● Material Qualification Tests can be customer-specific. ● Typically, a major oil company requests the following tests:

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Localised Corrosion Tests Four-Point Bent Beam Tests Slow Strain Tests

Tensile Tests @ Elevated Temperature NACE A , D –in standard + field-specific solutions Providing both Pass /Fail and K1SSC result

Collapse testing

2. Manufacturing HPHT plan Develop specific plan with Supplier

Detail knowledge to enhance Quality assurance and performance properties

Include customer specific requirements i.e. Marking, Inspection, Dimensional control including wall thickness, drift Additional testing Connection datasheets Pipe datasheets

Utilise the enhanced specification levels within the standards Inspection level to be performed i.e. API 5CT PSL level 2/3 Unique Quality plan developed