API-5CT Qualification of TCT Tubing: A Breakthrough in OCTG Technology

After years of relentless innovation, design iterations, and overcoming challenges, CRA-Tubulars BV is on the cusp of a major milestone: qualifying their Titanium Lined Composite Tubing (TCT) as a proprietary grade under the API-5CT standard. This article explores the unique advantages of TCT, its potential to revolutionize the Oil Country Tubular Goods (OCTG) market, and the exciting journey toward its qualification.

What is TCT?

TCT is a hybrid OCTG technology that combines the strength of a composite outer layer with the corrosion resistance of a titanium liner. The composite provides structural integrity, while the titanium acts as a permeation barrier, preventing gases from entering the composite matrix and causing explosive decompression or micro-leaks through the tubing wall.

Key Features of TCT:

1. Corrosion Resistance:?The titanium liner forms a titanium dioxide film, which is extremely durable and ceramic-like. This protective layer significantly enhances the tubing's lifespan.
2. Smooth Surface:?TCT's inner surface is five times smoother than chrome alloys, leading to a 12-15% increase in production flow volume under similar conditions.
3. Strength and Weight:?TCT boasts twice the strength of equivalent metal alloys at only 40% of their weight. Its thermal coefficient is also just 33% of that of metal alloys, reducing stress and load forces on the tubing.
4. Low Heat Conductivity:?Particularly beneficial for Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) wells, TCT's heat conductivity is about 33% of solid metal alloy tubing, making it comparable to double-walled and vacuum-insulated tubing but at a lower cost.

The Path to API-5CT Qualification

The team at CRA-Tubulars , consisting of industry veterans and subject matter experts, is confident in TCT's design and strength for deployment in CCUS wells and traditional oil and gas wells. The product's properties?and response from both IOC’s and NOC’s?suggest it could disrupt the metal alloy OCTG market.

Compliance and Testing:

• API-5CT Dimensions:?TCT fully complies with API-5CT dimensions, matching the internal and external diameters of equivalent metal tubing.
• Due to the design, as a hybrid composite tubing, some API-5CT requirements cannot be met. For instance charpy test on composite or Titanium are not useful as they are for metal alloys.
• Temperature Testing:?Beyond standard API-5CT temperature testing, TCT has undergone additional testing at -35°C, simulating liquid carbon injection well conditions. This rigorous qualification was added by Shell under their Game Changer program, indicating their support and belief in TCT as a cost-effective alternative to Chrome 25 metal alloy.

Benefits for End Users

For end users, TCT offers several practical advantages:

• Ease of Handling:?Lighter than high-chrome or nickel alloys?enhances crew safety.
• Compatibility:?No specialized running or intervention tools are required for TCT deployment. Standard intervention procedures, including acid stimulations and methanol treatments, can be applied with minor adjustments.
• Stress Cracking Corrosion risk:??TCT's?composite outer layer completely eliminates?the?risk of?unnoticed or not observed?steel splinter embedding?assuring longer life cycle in the well.

Looking Ahead

With the anticipated completion of API-5CT qualification by the end of summer 2024, TCT is poised for trials with operators worldwide. CRA-Tubulars BV’s innovative solution promises to deliver significant improvements in performance, cost efficiency, and safety in the OCTG sector.

Conclusion

CRA-Tubulars BV's Titanium Lined Composite Tubing (TCT) represents a significant leap forward in OCTG technology. Its unique blend of strength, corrosion resistance, and smoothness, combined with the practical advantages for end users, positions TCT as a disruptive force in the industry. As we await its full qualification under API-5CT, the future of well completion and production looks brighter than ever.

For more information, please contact CRA-Tubulars BV or visit our?website.

Connect with our experts to learn how TCT can transform your well operations. Follow CRA-Tubulars BV on LinkedIn for the latest updates on our innovative solutions and industry insights.

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