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Fracture Resistance of Casing Steels for Deep Gas Wells

  • Physical & Mechanical Metallurgy
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Summary

When considering the fracture resistance of high strength casing that may be used for deep gas well interests onshore or offshore, it is important that the casing meet minimum performance criteria. With this in mind, a program surveying the strength and fracture resistance limits of high strength low alloy casing steels was undertaken. Fracture mechanics concepts were used to define minimum required casing steel fracture toughness. Results showed many of the available high strength casing grades with inadequate fracture resistance. To provide high strength casing with sufficient fracture resistance, a fracture control plan was developed. At the start, the low energy ductile tearing model was applied relating fracture toughness to cleanliness and sulfur content. A criterion for casing steel selection with sufficient fracture toughness was developed providing needed reliability. This criterion is applied, using normal mill inspection as required in the API casing specifications, a Charpy impact test, and the sulfur cleanliness level.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Materials Science and Engineering Department of the Westhollow Research Center at the Shell Development Company, Houston, Texas, USA

    J. D. Burk (research engineer)

Authors
  1. J. D. Burk
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Additional information

Dr. James D. Burk received his Ph.D. in Metallurgical Engineering from the University of Illinois-Urbana.

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Burk, J.D. Fracture Resistance of Casing Steels for Deep Gas Wells. JOM 37, 65–70 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03257518

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03257518

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