November 7, 2000

Topic: Material Selection for Deep Water Wellhead Applications

With the discovery of oil and gas in deep waters the material selection process becomes difficult and complicated as compared to similar equipment on the surface. The costs associated with a material failure in deep waters are expensive and have many environmental implications. Historically, materials were needed to handle corrosive service consisting only of H2S, CO2 and Chlorides. With deeper wells being drilled, chemicals are required to minimize paraffin, asphaltene, hydrates, scale, biocides and corrosion. Many of these chemicals however have adverse effects on metallic and non-metallic materials. The problem is compounded when materials have to be selected to handle produced fluids, chemicals, and the effects of hydrogen embrittlement from the cathodic protection system. This discussion will cover approaches taken for selecting materials for these critical applications.

Manuel Maligas

Manuel Maligas is a Senior Materials Technology Specialist for the Petroleum Equipment Division of FMC Corporation. For the past 17 years at FMC he has been involved in material/process selection and development of materials for oil field applications. He has been a member of ASM for 33 years and also member of NACE and API. He has served as chairman of the Akron, Ohio chapter of ASM and membership chairman of the Houston Chapter. He has been chairman of various technical societies such as NACE and API 6A Materials Task Group. He holds a Bachelor degree in Metallurgical Engineering and a Master of Science in Metallurgical Engineering and Materials Science from Youngstown State University. He has published numerous technical papers on materials and weld overlays for use in corrosive sour service. He was elected Fellow of ASM International in 1999.