Research Categories / Materials

Offshore Operators Committee (OOC) Advanced Well Control Joint Industry Project

This technology provides a method to potentially reduce the environmental impact of a source control incident when capping stacks cannot be deployed. Applicability includes situations when capping stack deployment operations are compromised, e.g., wellhead damage, excessive connection point debris, environmental challenges. The polymer plug well control concept can be used to stop the uncontrolled flow of hydrocarbons to the environment after a loss of well control (LOWC) incident. It could be used as an alternative to capping stacks.

SUBSEA BOLTS PERFORMANCE AND CRITICAL DRILL-THROUGH EQUIPMENT FASTENER STUDY known commonly as “Subsea Bolts Performance” or “Subsea Bolt Study”

The overall objectives of this research is to advance the understanding of subsea fastener performance and to determine the optimal material properties requirements for subsea fastener applications for harmonization across industry standards. Review the global industry codes and identify any existing global standards or regulations with underlying failure mechanisms for subsea bolt technology. Identification of the similarities and differences in global industry standards and regulations as related to fastener systems worldwide.

Engineered Composite Repair Joint Industry Project

The United Kingdom, Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is conducting research in a Joint Industry Project (JIP) aimed at improving the collective knowledge and understanding of the long-term integrity of engineered composite repairs. BSEE has a goal set in 2015 in the BSEE Annual report to obtain more information on the use of engineered composite repairs and their long term use in the field. BSEE will obtain data that is currently limited to the JIP and will be able to ensure research is focused to obtain data critical to the field. 

HPHT Phase II - API 17TR8 (Evaluation of Pressure Rating Methods Recommended by API RP 17TR8)

The original objective was to evaluate testing alternatives during Phase I of the effort; during Phase II of the effort a determination of alignment in failure effects analysis modeling and actual component failure was requested. Loading factors were considered. This report is for Phase II of the effort.  BSEE had questions about methods used for qualification of subsea designs for high pressure/high temperature applications (above 15,000 psi or 350 degrees F).  Pressure was of particular concern.

BSEE Integrity Management Process – Tension Leg Platforms

The Contractor is to make recommendations by which BSEE can evaluate current Industry inspection processes, reporting, and monitoring system methods. In addition, the Contractor is to propose a plan of action concerning the four (4) critical areas of focus:

  1. Tendon Integrity Management 
  2. Tendon Life Extension 
  3. Fatigue of "Uninspectable" Tendon Components 
  4. Understanding the "Uninspectable" Tendon Components 

Liner Seal & Cement Studies

The primary objective of this proposal is to study "fitness for service" of the sealing assemblies and cement systems in shallow well designs by conducting scaled laboratory testing, leakage modelling and risk assessment. This project will conduct research to assess best practices and develop recommendations to BSEE and industry on the development of industry standards, regulations, and operational procedures to ensure that current cement system and sealing assemblies are "fit for service" to minimize Loss of Well Control incidents in shallow offshore applications.

Root Cause Analysis Workshops and Follow-on Study on Subsea Bolts Performance and Critical Drill-Through Equipment Fasteners

The National Academy of Science (NAS) through the National Academy of Engineering (NAE) and the National Materials and Manufacturing Board (NMMB) set to the parameters of a possible academics' root cause analysis (RCA) series of workshops and follow-on study to address issues and advance the understanding of subsea connector performance and determine the optimal material properties and coating requirements associated with fasteners used in critical safety components and equipment in offshore and natural gas subsea operations.

Wellbore Thermal Shock Technology

The objective of this project was to conduct research on the thermal effects on wells and the risk of these as related to well integrity (specifically on well barriers) and potential solutions to these risks. The contractor evaluated the effects of thermal shock on OCS well integrity and identified ways to mitigate those effects.

Composite Repair Guideline Document for Nonmetallic Repairs for Offshore Applications

The study aims to develop a Composite Repair Guideline Document for Nonmetallic Repairs for Offshore Applications including a state-of-the-art assessment of current repair technology and full-scale testing to support the effort. This study will address performance issues related to both offshore and onshore pipeline-related facilities. 
 

Determination of Fracture/Fatigue-Fracture Behavior of Equipment Constructed with Cladded Weld Materials

This project will define a general approach to, and advance development of, a useful predictive computer-modeling tool for analyzing failure modes of cladded materials used in oil and gas operations. It will develop and validate a constitutive model to define fatigue and fracture behavior of cladded pipe under deep-water conditions. The failure prediction tool will predict fatigue and fracture performance of cladded weld materials in equipment used in high pressure (15 ksi) and high temperature (>350℉) (HPHT), corrosive environment (H2S, Cl, S and CO2).

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