CS124 – Ferralium 255 – Autoclave

The degrading of elastomeric materials used for gas lift hose linings, hose coupling seals, wellhead seals, umbilical and downhole safety valve and pump seals on offshore oil and gas platforms can present severe operational problems and costly loss of production.

BP Research Centre at Sunbury have recently begun a programme of testing, and subsequent evaluation of mechanical properties and dimensional stability, of a number of elastomers in a wide variety of wellhead seal environments using a special test rig, the main components of which is a large autoclave manufactured in FERRALIUM 255 (UNS S32550, Alloy 255, DIN 1.4507, ASTM F61). The photograph shows the autoclave with its threaded closure member and associated control and monitoring equipment. Included in the list of wellhead environments are hydrocarbons, hydrogen sulphide, carbon-dioxide, and a number of potentially aggressive fluids such as brine, scale inhibitors, corrosive inhibitors and bactericides; the autoclave can be pressured to 20,00 psi and operated at 200^oC but normally will function at around 5,000 psi and 80^oC. FERRALIUM 255 super duplex stainless steel was chosen for its high strength and ability to resist the wide range of conditions involved in the tests.

If you’d like more information regarding Ferralium 255, please get in touch with a member our expert team today.