The company has now tested a WAAM downhole component to the API 5C5:2017 CAL-IV standard. This is an American Petroleum Institute standard for testing casing and tubing connections in the petroleum and natural gas industries. It’s a rigorous and demanding standard, as it evaluates the performance of tube connections under load, particularly in high-pressure or high-temperature wells. Given the significant consequences of tube failure in oil and gas exploration and processing, these tests are critical. They assess whether connections are fit for purpose, going beyond simple tensile testing to include evaluations of torsion, internal and external pressure, compression, temperature gradients, strain, cyclic loading, and more.
The company tested a “9 5/8” 53.5 ppf VAM 21 x 7” 32 ppf 125 ksi VAM 21 WAAM-printed cross-over.” While the specifics may sound complex, it essentially refers to a type of tube. The company tested this 3D-printed tube at 95% of its Actual Yield Strength, which for such tubes could range from 80 to 140 ksi. The tube was subjected to combined tension and compression (~500 tons), with both internal pressure (~1000 bars or 15,000 psi) and external pressure (~600 bars or 8,500 psi). These rigorous tests were conducted at both ambient temperature and elevated temperatures.
Tartar said, “Vallourec’s WAAM cross-over passed these critical tests with success. This demonstrates that WAAM compares with conventional materials from Casting, Rolling, Forging and will gradually be an alternative for engineers all over the world!¨
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