Jul 2 2013
A leading oil & gas metallurgical testing laboratory in Houston has expanded its corrosion testing capabilities. Extensive investments have been made in the Exova Houston lab including new high pressure / high temperature (HPHT) autoclaves, slow strain rate frames and state of the art electrochemical testing capability.
The expansion in capabilities and capacities has been made in response to increased global emphasis on tackling the problem of pipeline corrosion – an issue that costs the oil and gas industry millions of dollars annually.
The new autoclaves will enhance Exova Houston’s capability of HPHT testing services by a third, increasing testing pressure capability up to 10,000psi.
The electrochemical cell addition will allow more sophisticated test procedure parameters to be utilized for optimal simulation of corrosive environments and conditions.
This investment was announced in late 2012, and was prompted initially by the rising demand for corrosion testing in the Gulf of Mexico region.
Bobby Archibald, vice president, US, Materials, Oil & Gas, said: “Exova Houston has seen increased demand thanks the exploration of oil and gas in the Gulf of Mexico in more hostile environments, at higher pressures and in increasingly sour environments.
“The expanded lab will provide a vital source for developing new materials to help our customers meet these increasing demands.”
The lab is a recognised world-leader in corrosion testing and consulting, and along with Exova’s facilities in Sandnes, Crema, Abu Dhabi, the UK and Singapore, is part of a global network of specialist laboratories operating in the oil and gas sector.
Along with the latest equipment to be installed at Exova Houston, the investment will cement the lab’s place in the US oil & gas testing sector, providing customers with services including corrosion testing for sour and non-sour applications; hydrogen testing; pitting; a full range of SCC tests; mechanical testing and full fracture mechanics capabilities.