Tubing inspection technology encompasses a range of services and standards to ensure the integrity and performance of oil and gas well tubular. Tubulars, such as tubing and sucker rods, are critical components that line the wellbore and facilitate hydrocarbon production. Rigorous inspection and repair protocols are essential to mitigate risks, extend component life, and optimize operational efficiency.
Tubing inspection technology mainly follows API (American Petroleum Institute) and premium thread standards to conduct comprehensive on-site services at the base. These services include cleaning, non-destructive testing, thread repair and processing, thread sandblasting, end upsetting, hydrostatic testing, painting, stenciling, and other repair procedures.
Industry Standards
The key industry standards governing inspection and repair are API Spec 5CT (10th Edition) for casing and tubing, API Spec 5B (16th Edition) for thread compounds, API Spec Q1 (9th Edition) for quality management systems, and API Spec Q2 (2nd Edition) for service quality. Regional standards like Q/SY TZ 0267-2015 for API tubing repair, Q/SY TZ 0439-2015 for repaired tubing in pipelines, and Q/SY TZ 0474-2016 for 13Cr premium thread tubing repair also apply.
Non-destructive testing (NDT) methods play a crucial role in its inspection. ASTM A370-2022 provides standard test methods and definitions for mechanical testing of steel products. ASTM E213-2022 outlines ultrasonic examination practices for metal pipe and tubing, while ASTM E570-2020 covers flux leakage examination of ferromagnetic steel tubular to detect defects. ASTM E709-21 serves as a guide for magnetic particle examination, another widely used NDT technique.
Additional relevant standards include SY/T 5991-2016 for thread protectors and GB/T 19830-2017 for steel pipes used as casing and tubing in the petroleum and natural gas industries. These standards ensure consistent quality and performance across its inspection and repair lifecycle.
Tips:
One key consideration is the difference between API regular and premium (gas-tight) threads. Regular API threads use a triangular thread seal on the flanks without metal-to-metal sealing surfaces or shoulders. They offer lower manufacturing and repair costs, faster makeup/breakout speeds, and general sealability, making them suitable for oil well operations without stringent gas-tight requirements.
In contrast, premium (gas-tight) threads feature specialized shoulder and seal surfaces. The threads primarily contain thread compounds and provide makeup torque, while sealing occurs through compression and micro-deformation between the external thread seal surface and the internal shoulder seal surface. These threads offer superior sealability and connection reliability but have higher manufacturing and repair costs. They are commonly used in gas wells, oil/gas commingled wells, and operations requiring stringent gas-tight integrity.
Adhering to these comprehensive standards and employing advanced Tubing inspection technologies allows operators to reuse equipment, maximize cost savings, mitigate risks, and ensure safe and efficient hydrocarbon production operations.
Vigor will provide you with a reliable solution, Please contact us at info@vigorpetroleum.com.
