Erskine Field HPHT Workover and Tubing Corrosion Failure Investigation

Abstract

Abstract The first workover of a UK North Sea ‘high pressure high temperature’ (HPHT) production well was successfully completed in August 1999. The workover in Texaco’s Erskine field resulted from failure of the duplex stainless steel production tubing in the through water zone. The workover benefited from detailed planning and peer reviews to identify necessary contingencies and technologies. The tubing failure investigation is summarised. The failure was attributed to external chloride stress corrosion cracking in the calcium chloride packer fluid resulting from air ingress to the annulus.