Predicting Casing Burst Strength
C-FER conducted a multi-phase study to advance the ability to predict the remaining casing burst strength for underground natural gas storage wells.
Three casing corrosion logging tools were tested to evaluate their performance in detecting and sizing various metal loss features on casing specimens.
Inspection tool technologies included:
Magnetic Flux Leakage
Ultrasonic
Magnetic Eddy Current
The remaining burst capacity of the logged pipes was estimated using both industry standard burst models and advanced finite element analysis that considered the detailed geometries of the defects.
Physical burst tests with capped ends were conducted on 20 specimens selected from the logged casing joints to benchmark the burst prediction models.
Additional FEA simulations were conducted to evaluate the effect of in-situ downhole load conditions on the remaining burst strength capacity of the corroded casing.
A reliability-based framework was outlined to address uncertainties with the casing integrity management decision making process.
The project was funded by the Pipeline Research Council International (PRCI) and the US Department of Transportation, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA). The full report and summary project presentation are available on the PHMSA website.
Gang, Tao, PhD, PEng
Senior Engineering Advisor
With over 16 years experience at C-FER, Gang Tao is currently a Senior Engineering Advisor in our Drilling and Completions department.
His experience includes downhole tubular design and integrity assessment, full-scale testing of tubulars and threaded connections, downhole inspection tool assessment, and corrosion assessment for downhole tubulars and pipelines.
