Application
Gas wellhead maintenance

Customer
North Sea Operator

Product or Service Supplied
Computational prediction of seal performance and lifetime ELASTEQ software.

Problem
Methanol is introduced into a gas wellhead for a short period of time to dissolve any methane hydrates that might have formed. This methanol treatment can cause as much as 80% swell on one of the elastomer types commonly available in oil field applications. The strength of elastomer seals is significantly reduced during the methanol soak period and any housing movements can easily damage the seal.

Objectives
To establish procedures for methanol treatment, which do not put the seals at risk.

Approach
ELASTEQ software was used to model the swell of elastomer seals, including safety valve flapper seals, in methanol.

Outcome/Benefits
Methanol treatment procedures were drawn up based on the computed results. These allow the methanol treatment to be carried out without damaging the downhole elastomer seals.

For more information, search our site for your specific interest or contact us about your problems.