Erosion Test Facility
Problem:
Business requirement for a Test Facility for their Downhole Gas Compressors, for design proving needs. The test facility was required to provide a high pressure and temperature environment with the capability to inject sand for the evaluation of the compressor chains erosion resistance.
Solution:
In 2014 CET designed, assembled and commissioned a self-contained test loop system for the assessment of solid and liquid particle erosion.
The test loop included provisions to install 3 downhole gas compressors, which provide the motive flow, a downhole electronics module and a calibrated sand injection and recovery system. The flow loop was designed to examine particle impact erosion on the downhole compressor modules in contaminated gas flow environment.
Additionally, the test facility had a control suite capable of fully characterising the compressors and/or the downhole electronics.
Results/Benefits:
Subsequent to the commissioning the test facility was used to characterise erosion and fouling of the downhole compressor designs including an investigation into impeller materials and coatings that could extend the deployed life under different operating conditions.
| Architecture | Test loop with multi stage compressor |
| Process media | Air |
| Solid particles | Sand |
| Inlet pressure | 80barg |
| Maximum operating temperature | 120°C |
| Maximum operating pressure | 12barg |
Note: TPG D&T business was dissolved in 2017. Its core Technical Team, who pioneered this project formed C2 Technology, to continue D&T’s business of developing innovative technologies for energy industry.
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