COURSE OVERVIEW:

Material selection and failure analysis for oil field equipment are critical competencies required to ensure the integrity of assets operating in some of the world’s most demanding environments. This course provides a comprehensive technical framework for choosing the right alloys, polymers, and composites to withstand the corrosive and high-pressure conditions of upstream and downstream operations. Participants will explore the chemical and mechanical properties of materials and how they interact with hydrocarbons, sour gases, and brine.

The scope of this training bridges the gap between material science and practical field engineering.

Coverage includes the selection criteria for casing, tubing, valves, and downhole tools, focusing on resistance to Hydrogen Induced Cracking (HIC) and Stress Corrosion Cracking (SCC). Emphasis is placed on international standards such as NACE MR0175/ISO 15156, which govern the use of materials in H2S-containing environments, and the economic balance between initial material costs and total lifecycle reliability.

Furthermore, the course addresses the forensic methodologies used to investigate equipment failures. Trainees will learn how to interpret fracture surfaces, identify various forms of localized corrosion, and utilize non-destructive and destructive testing to determine the root cause of a failure. By mastering these analytical techniques, engineers can implement effective material upgrades and preventive measures that significantly reduce the risk of environmental incidents and costly production outages.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

After completion of this course, the participants will be able to:

• Evaluate the mechanical properties of oilfield steels, including yield strength and toughness.
• Apply NACE MR0175/ISO 15156 standards for material selection in sour service.
• Distinguish between the performance of carbon steels and Corrosion-Resistant Alloys (CRAs).
• Identify the primary mechanisms of oilfield corrosion including CO2 and H2S attack.
• Execute a systematic failure investigation following an equipment breakdown.
• Analyze fracture surfaces to differentiate between fatigue, brittle, and ductile failures.
• Select appropriate coatings and liners to extend the life of stationary equipment.
• Assess the impact of temperature and pressure on the degradation of elastomers and seals.
• Utilize Non-Destructive Evaluation (NDE) techniques to detect sub-surface material defects.
• Interpret Metallurgical Test Reports (MTR) to verify material compliance.
• Implement cathodic protection strategies to mitigate external corrosion in pipelines.
• Recommend material upgrades based on the results of root cause failure analysis.
• Calculate the remaining life of components based on observed corrosion rates.

TARGET AUDIENCE:

This course is specifically designed for Materials Engineers, Asset Integrity Specialists, Mechanical Engineers, and Maintenance Managers involved in the design and upkeep of oilfield hardware.

TRAINING COURSE METHODOLOGY:

A highly interactive combination of lectures, discussion sessions, and case studies will be employed to maximise the transfer of information, knowledge, and experience. The course will be intensive, practical, and highly interactive. The sessions will start by raising the most relevant questions and motivating everybody to find the right answers. The attendants will also be encouraged to raise more of their questions and to share in developing the right answers using their analysis and experience. There will also be some indoor experiential activities to enhance the learning experience. Course material will be provided in PowerPoint, with necessary animations, learning videos, and general discussions.

The course participants shall be evaluated before, during, and at the end of the course.

COURSE CERTIFICATE:

National Consultant Centre for Training LLC (NCC) will issue an Attendance Certificate to all participants completing a minimum of 80% of the total attendance time requirement.