Special Metals-Corrosion-resistant Alloys For Oil and Gas Production

C O R R O S I O N R E S I S T A N T
A L L O Y S
F O R
O I L
A N D
G A S
P R O D U C T I O N
Part 1:
MANUFACTURING AND QUALITY CONTROL

An overview of the facilities and systems that make up
the worlds leading producer of corrosion- resistant alloys.
Page 3
Part 2:
MATERIALS SELECTION
The capabilities of the industrys broadest selection of corrosion-resistant alloys.
Page 11
Part 3:
EFFECTS OF WELL ENVIRONMENTS

Why nickel alloys are needed to resist corrosion in
aggressive well fluids.
Page 29
Part 4:
CORROSION TESTING
A compilation of corrosion data in environments relevant to oil and gas drilling and production.
Page 35
Publication No. SMC - 013

Copyright 2003 by Special Metals Corporation
INCONEL , INCOLOY , MONEL , INCO -WELD , 625LCF , 725,
800HT and 925 are trademarks of the Special Metals Corporation group
of companies.
The data contained in this publication is for informational purposes only and
may be revised at any time without prior notice. The data is believed to be
accurate and reliable, but Special Metals makes no representation or warranty
of any kind (express or implied) and assumes no liability with respect to the
accuracy or completeness of the information contained herein. Although the
data is believed to be representative of the product, the actual characteristics or
performance of the product may vary from what is shown in this publication.
Nothing contained in this publication should be construed as guaranteeing the
product for a particular use or application.
P A R T
INCONELfi Ni-Cr Alloys

INCONEL Ni-Cr-Fe Alloys
INCONEL Ni-Cr-Mo Alloys
INCOLOY Fe-Ni-Cr Alloys
MONEL Ni-Cu Alloys
INCO-WELD Welding Products
The Special Metals Group of companies was created in 1998, when Special Metals Corporation
of New Hartford, New York acquired Inco Alloys International Inc., including its Huntington Alloys and Wiggin
Alloys divisions. With a history of alloy invention and production going back some 100 years, our new company
continues to provide solutions to your difficult materials problems through such time-tested products as our worldrecognized INCONEL, INCOLOY and MONEL alloys.
Todays Special Metals is a world leader in the invention, production and supply of the high-nickel, highperformance alloys used for the difficult jobs in engineering. These alloys are highly engineered to offer a superior combination of heat resistance, high temperature corrosion resistance, toughness and strength and are used in
the worlds most technically demanding industries and applications. Special Metals offers the largest range of nickel-based alloys and product forms, as well as cobalt-based alloys, to more than 10 worldwide markets. We produce
nickel alloys in all standard mill forms, from large ingots and billets to plate, sheet, strip, tubing, bar and wire, the
latter of which includes core and filler wires for welding products. The company has manufacturing and research
facilities in the USA and Europe, sales offices in North America, Europe and Asia, and a distribution network
including most of the industrialized countries of the world.
Contact any of our offices listed on the last page of this publication or visit the SMC website,
www.specialmetals.com, for more information on our company and our products.
Melting furnaces
include this vacuum-induction

furnace with its sophisticated
control system. Melting under
vacuum excludes contaminants
and produces alloys of precise
composition.
Electroslag remelting
enhances the structure and

purity of the metal. The operation is carried out under strict,
computerized control.
This two-high/four-high
reversing mill is used for primary breakdown of alloy

ingots. The mill has computerized controls and can generate
up to 10 million pounds
(44MN) of separating force.
Computer-controlled extru-
sion presses produce seamless

tubulars of up to 10 in
(250mm) outside diameter.
M A N U F A C T U R I N G
A N D
Q U A L I T Y
C O N T R O L
Natural gas continues to be one of the worlds most abundant

sources of energy. Increasingly, the recovery of new gas is
from deep formations that pose hostile environments for
downhole tubulars and other well components. In the past,
the selection of metallic materials for oil and gas wells was
a relatively straightforward proposition. Standard grades of
low-alloy and carbon steels were specified for drilling and
production tubulars with a few stainless steels and nickel
alloys in common use for special applications such as valves
and instrumentation. Today, materials selection for drilling
and completion of wells can be a complex task involving
high financial and safety risks. This situation is brought
about by several factors, including
1. deeper wells involving higher temperatures and pressures,
2. enhanced recovery methods such as steam or CO2 injection,
3. increased weight considerations, especially offshore, and
4. the need for greater corrosion resistance in wells containing hydrogen sulfide (H2S), carbon dioxide (CO2), and
chlorides (Cl-).
Materials selection is especially critical for sour gas wells those containing H2S. Environments in sour wells are
extremely corrosive to metals, and H2S is highly toxic. In
some sour environments, corrosion can be controlled by
using inhibitors along with carbon steel tubulars. However,
inhibitors involve continuing high cost and may be unreliable, especially at higher temperatures. Adding corrosion
allowance to the tubing wall increases string weight and
reduces interior dimensions. In many cases, the preferred
alternative in terms of life-cycle economy and safety is the
use of a corrosion-resistant alloy (CRA) for tubulars and
other well components.
A resistant alloy eliminates inhibitors, lowers weight,
A N D
Q U A L I T Y
C O N T R O L
improves safety, eliminates or minimizes workovers, and

reduces downtime.
For many decades, Special Metals has been the worldwide
leader in the development and application of corrosionresistant alloys, and the company is at the forefront in applying CRA technology to drilling and production of sour wells.
Before that involvement, Special Metals had been a longtime supplier of nickel alloys for a range of corrosive or high
temperature applications in hydrocarbon and petrochemical
processing.
+ 7 Extruded tube shells
are cold worked to final size

on drawbenches or rotatingdie tube reducers.
8+ 9
Oil-country tubular
goods are produced in wide

ranges of diameters, wall
thicknesses and lengths.
10 + 11
Special Metals quality
control system includes extensive laboratory facilities with

state-of-the-art equipment
such as scanning electron
microscopes (10) and atomicabsorption spectrophotometers
(11).
11
10
12+ 13
Ultrasonic (12) and
eddy-current (13) testing are

part of the stringent quality
13
control applied throughout production.
9
12
A N D
Q U A L I T Y
C O N T R O L
The MONEL, INCONEL and INCOLOY alloys invented

by the company have long service histories in such diverse
applications as drill collars, piping systems and valves, heat
exchangers, process vessels and pyrolysis furnaces.
Special Metals has manufacturing facilities and research
laboratories in the USA and the UK. The facilities are
unsurpassed in the production of high-performance alloys.
They are fully integrated for complete product control and
traceability from acquisition of raw materials through
melting, hot working, cold working and shipment of finished goods. Strict quality control is built into all processing, a result of long experience in meeting the most stringent of materials requirements in the aerospace and
nuclear industries. Impeccable material identification and
carefully maintained computer records enable complete
traceability of production history for many years.
The initial alloying and melting greatly influence quality,
and Special Metals has melting and remelting facilities
that span the range of modern technology. Included are
vacuum induction melting and air melting in conjunction
14
Long lengths mean less
with argon-oxygen decarburization (A.O.D.). Vacuum
threading and fewer joints in
and electroslag remelting are used for even more precise
tubing strings.
control of composition and microstructure.

Special Metals markets a range of alloys for sour-well
components. The product line constitutes the broadest
selection of CRA materials available from any supplier. It
is a single source for alloys that deliver high performance
in any known environment from bottom hole, to wellhead, to processing plant. Included are alloys strengthened
by heat treatment as well as by cold work. Product forms
range
from
small-diameter
tubing
and
wire to 20,000 lb (9000 kg) ingots for large forged components such as block master valves. A full selection of
matching and overmatching welding products are available.
10
P A R T
MATERIALS SELECTION
The broad line of corrosion-resistant alloys produced by

Special Metals serves as a single source of materials for
applications ranging from bottom hole to flare stack.
Above. The critical outer

portion of the Gullfaks A
flare boom is made of
INCONEL alloy 625.
Right. Submarine oil hose

for connection from supertankers to on-shore tank
farms in Saudi Arabia.
Connections are secured
with MONEL alloy 400
nuts and bolts.
12
M A T E R I A L S
S E L E C T I O N
Selection of materials for downhole service in a sour

well is governed by a complex set of factors. Operating
temperatures can be as high as 800C (1470F). The hot
gas is corrosive, and the marine atmosphere presents its
own aggressive problems. High-temperature strength,
corrosion-resistance, ease of fabrication and readily
available welding products to match the base materials
are all important considerations. As in materials selection
for any application, the goal is to use a material that performs successfully while providing optimum economy.
The material must provide the required physical and
mechanical properties while resisting the particular
environment of the well involved. And, expected
changes in the well environment over time, such as
increased chloride level, must also be considered.
Other important environmental factors to consider are
dissolved acid gases (CO2 and H2S) in the liquid phase,
chloride ions from salt or brine, temperature, and pressure. In some formations, the presence of elemental sulfur is a further factor. The level of dissolved gases
depends on the partial pressure of each gas above the
liquid phase and on the temperature. Bottom-hole pressure normally increases with depth, and bottom-hole
temperatures can be 500F (260C) or more in deep
Above. Special Metals supplies materials for the most severe sour well conditions.
wells.
Materials for downhole tubulars and other components
for oil and gas production span a wide range of grades
and compositions. As corrosion-resistance increases, so
Below. Welding MONEL alloy 400 sheet onto steel riser pipes for an offshore
production platform. Used in the splash zone, the alloy is resistant to mussel
build-up. Operators report no difficulty in clearing other types of marine fouling.
too does the complexity of the material, from plain carbon steel to martensitic stainless steel (e.g., 13%
chromium steel), duplex (ferritic/austenitic) stainless
steel (e.g., 22% chromium/5% nickel), fully austenitic
stainless steel (e.g., 28% chromium/32% nickel), and
nickel alloys of various compositions. In nickel alloys
used for oil-country tubular goods, the levels of nickel,
chromium and molybdenum act as primary determinants of corrosion-resistance.
Relatively small amounts of other elements including
copper, niobium, tungsten, aluminum and titanium may
have significant effects on corrosion-resistance or
strength.
13
Above. 60 tonnes of
Right. An offshore block
INCONEL alloy C-276
master valve made of
tubular product was speci-
INCOLOY alloy 925. The
fied for this sea-water
valve body was forged from
cooled, interstage and after
a 20,000 lb (9000 kg) ingot.
cooler fabricated by Hick
INCOLOY alloy 925 was
Hargreaves & Co. Ltd.,
selected for its strength and
Bolton, England, for
corrosion- resistance dur-
Marathon Oil U.K. Ltd.
ing normal service and for
These 15 m diameter ves-
its ability to meet fire-
sels are for use on the East
resistance standards. The
Brae gas condensate pro-
alloy has the high-tempera-
duction platform in the
ture strength and stability
North Sea, to support gas
to comply with API RP 6F,
recompressors capable of
Fire Test for Valves. Among
delivering 9.6 million m3
the requirements is the abil-
per day at 350 bar pres-
ity to withstand 2000F
sure.
(1095C) internal temperatures with no leakage. (ABB

Vetco Gray, Inc.)
14
M A T E R I A L S
S E L E C T I O N
ALLOYS FOR DOWNHOLE TUBULARS
Special Metals manufactures oil-country tubular goods

(OCTG) that withstand the most severe conditions in oil and
gas fields around the world. These highly alloyed materials
permit safe, economical production from reservoirs with
extremes of temperature, pressure, and H2S content.
INCONEL alloys C-276, G-3 and 050, and INCOLOY
alloys 825 and 028 are most often chosen for the optimum
combination of corrosion-resistance and economy. These
alloys, along with a wide selection of other corrosion-resistant materials, are available in a variety of different forms for
downhole accessories and surface equipment. Plain-end
Above. INCOLOY alloy
tubulars and coupling stock are produced in diameters, wall
800HT used for the top sec-
thicknesses and yield strengths for most tubing and casing

requirements.
tion of a flare tower

for the Norne Field.
Shown here under assembly at
the Leirvik Sveis yard
on the island of Stord,
Norway.
Below. A drain caisson

(47 meters long, weighing 41
tonnes) for an offshore gas
platform, made of 26 mm double-clad steel plate, with a 2
mm cladding of MONEL alloy
400 on either side of the steel.
15
M A T E R I A L S
Above. A selection of valve

components for offshore
service, weld-overlaid with
INCONEL alloy 625. This
use of corrosion-resistant
alloy overlays on steel components offers a cost-effective alternative to solid
alloy construction.
Right. INCOLOY alloy 925
fasteners, 4-16 mm diameter, are used in intelligent
pigs for automated
pipeline inspection procedures; particularly in areas
of high H2S which could
lead to sulfide stress cracking in conventional steels.
16
S E L E C T I O N
INCOLOY alloy 825, a nickel-iron-chromium alloy with

additions of 2.2% copper and 3.0% molybdenum, resists oxidizing and reducing acids, chloride-ion stress-corrosion
cracking, pitting and intergranular corrosion. The molybdenum addition is especially effective in increasing an alloys
resistance to sour well environments. INCOLOY alloy 825
is a solid- solution alloy (not strengthened by heat treatment)
that can be strengthened by cold work to minimum yield
strengths
(0.2%
offset)
up
to
125,000
psi
(862 MPa). INCOLOY alloy 825 could be considered for

service in well environments where stainless steels would be
susceptible to chloride stress cracking, pitting, or crevice
corrosion. Depending on specific strength level and temperature, the alloy has been shown to be resistant to stress-corrosion cracking at H2S partial pressures up to about
Above. MONEL alloys 400
Below. INCOLOY alloy 925
and K-500 are used in well-
completion tubing, 8.5 in (216
head hardware, pumps and
mm) diameter, 0.75 in (19
valves.
mm) wall, 110 ksi

(758 MPa) yield strength.
1000 psi (7 MPa). The usual maximum service temperature
Available in lengths up to 30
is about 350F (175 C).
ft (9.14 m).
INCONEL alloy G-3, a nickel-chromium-iron alloy with

additions of 2.0% copper and 7.0% molybdenum, is similar
to INCOLOY alloy 825 in nickel and chromium contents,
but has approximately double the molybdenum. INCONEL
alloy G-3 is a solid-solution alloy that can be cold worked
to minimum yield strengths (0.2% offset) up to 130,000 psi
(900 MPa). With its higher molybdenum, INCONEL alloy
G-3 offers greater resistance to sour environments than
INCOLOY alloy 825.
17
M A T E R I A L S
S E L E C T I O N
Right. An Otis Versa-Trieve
Depending on such factors as strength level, temperature,
production packer for use in
and presence of free sulfur, INCONEL alloy G-3 is resistant
intermediate pressure wells,

and extensively used in sand
to cracking at H2S partial pressures up to about 2500 psi (17
control applications.
MPa). In the upper regions of H2S content, service tempera-
Internal, flow-wetted components, such as the main man-
ture would be limited to about 350F (175C) although high-
drel, have been made of
er temperatures are possible at lower H2S levels.
INCOLOY alloy 925.
INCONEL alloy C-276, a nickel-molybdenum-chromium

alloy with additions of iron (6%) and tungsten (4%), is used
in the most severe sour well environments including those
having free sulfur. Its molybdenum content of 16% is the
highest commercially available in oil-country tubular
goods, offering the maximum resistance to environments
containing H2S. The solid-solution alloy can be cold
worked to high strength levels and is available with minimum yield strength (0.2% offset) of 150,000 psi (1034
MPa). Depending on the combination of specific yield
strength, temperature, and free-sulfur presence, lNCONEL
alloy C-276 is resistant to cracking at H2S partial pressures
up to about 10,000 psi (70 MPa). The alloy has shown
resistance to sour environments at temperatures up to 500F
(260C).
ALLOYS FOR DOWNHOLE ACCESSORIES AND SURFACE EQUIPMENT
The many different downhole components - hangers, valves,

pumps, packers, wirelines, mandrels, screens, landing nipples, etc - needed to complete and produce a well face the
same environment as the tubing string. Although some components may be under lower stress or have less critical functions, all downhole hardware in a sour well must have adequate resistance to the environment. The same alloys
Far Right. Otis SP-1 nonelastomer, flapper-type,
used for tubulars are also used for other downhole compo-
tubing-retrievable sub-sur-
nents. In many cases, however, a different alloy is more
face safety valves are used
appropriate for reasons of specialized properties, economy,
to shut off the flow of oil or

gas from the producing tubing string. These surface
controlled valves have been
made with components of
INCOLOY alloy 925.
18
or ease of fabrication.
Left. Fasteners of various

nickel alloys provide
strength and corrosionresistance in critical oilfield connections
Below. MONEL alloys 400,

R-405 and K-500 are standard materials for valves,
valve actuators and pumps
in oil field and processing
applications.
19
Left. A single point mooring

buoy where the mating surBelow. INCOLOY alloy 25-6MO was used to fabricate this desalination unit for an
faces of the universal joint
offshore platform. The unit was fabricated by KGD Industrial Services Ltd.
are overlaid with
(Hereford, England) for Alfa Laval Desalt (Copenhagen, Denmark)
INCONEL alloy 625 for

resistance to stress-corrosion cracking and crevice
corrosion.
Below. An onshore terminal

where LPG is compressed
and cooled from 133 to
26C in batteries of aircooled INCOLOY alloy 825
heat exchangers set 25
meters high in piperacks
where wind speeds can
exceed 120 mph.
20
M A T E R I A L S
For example, high strength is obtained in tubulars by cold

working, but parts of heavy or non-uniform cross section
cannot be strengthened by cold working. Such components
need to be made of an alloy that can be strengthened by a
precipitation hardening (age hardening) heat treatment.
Special Metals markets the broadest range of corrosionresistant alloys in the industry. All are produced to the high
S E L E C T I O N
INCONEL alloy 725HS, a high-strength version of

INCONEL alloy 725.
INCONEL alloy X-750 is a nickel-chromium alloy similar
to INCONEL alloy 600 but made age-hardenable by additions of aluminum and titanium for higher strength in addition to corrosion resistance.
standards of quality and performance applied to CRA tubing
INCONEL alloy 050, an alloy with excellent resistance to
and casing, and are manufactured in a full range of standard
stress-corrosion cracking, particularly in sour gas environ-
mill forms including pipe, tubing, rounds, flats, hexagons,
ments, used for downhole tubing in oil and gas extraction.
wire, plate, sheet, strip, and forging stock. From this exten-
INCOLOY alloy 800 is a solid-solution nickel-iron-
sive product line the best alloy can be selected in the required
chromium alloy with good strength and resistance to gen-
form for virtually any downhole or wellhead component.
eral corrosion in many environments. It is also available as
MONEL alloy 400, a solid-solution nickel-copper alloy
INCOLOY alloys 800H and 800HT for higher strength at
with moderate strength and high corrosion- resistance, is

especially resistant to sea water and brines.
MONEL alloy R-405 is a free-machining version of
MONEL alloy 400.
MONEL alloy K-500 is a high-strength, age-hardenable
version of MONEL alloy 400.
INCONEL alloy 600 is a solid-solution nickel- chromium
alloy with good strength and resistance to general corrosion
in a variety of environments.
INCONEL alloy 625, a solid-solution nickel- chromiummolybdenum-niobium alloy, has high strength and outstanding resistance to general corrosion, pitting, crevice
corrosion, and stress-corrosion cracking.
INCONEL alloy 718, an age-hardenable nickel-chromium-iron alloy containing significant amounts of niobium,
molybdenum, titanium, and aluminum, combines good
corrosion-resistance with extremely high strength.
temperatures over 1100F (590C).

INCOLOY alloy 925, an age-hardenable nickel-ironchromium-molybdenum-copper alloy, has the corrosionresistance of INCOLOY alloy 825 along with high
strength achieved by heat treatment. The alloy was developed especially for sour-well components that cannot be
strengthened by cold working.
INCOLOY alloy 25-6MO, a solid-solution nickel-ironchromium alloy with a substantial (6%) addition of molybdenum, is especially useful to resist pitting and crevice corrosion in media containing chlorides, such as sea water.
INCOLOY alloy 27-MO, a solid-solution nickel-ironchromium alloy with a substantial (7%) addition of
molybdenum, is a higher alloyed version of INCOLOY
alloy 25-6 MO.
INCOLOY alloy 028, a corrosion-resistant austenitic
stainless steel used for downhole tubing in oil and gas
extraction operations.
INCONEL alloy 725, an age-hardenable nickel-chromium-molybdenum-niobium alloy, combines the excellent

corrosion-resistance of INCONEL alloy 625, including
resistance to the effects of H2S, with high strength obtained
by heat treatment instead of cold work.
21
M A T E R I A L S
WHERE THE ENVIRONMENT IS

AGGRESSIVELY CORROSIVE
For These Components
Specify These Proven Alloys
Bellows expansion
joints
INCOLOY alloy 825

MONEL alloy 400
INCONEL alloys 625, 625LCF & X-750
CHEMICAL COMPOSITIONS, %*, OF NICKEL ALLOYS

FOR OIL-COUNTRY APPLICATIONS (cont. p.21)
Element
Downhole tubing, casing INCOLOY alloys 825 & 028

and couplings
INCONEL alloys C-276, G-3 & 050
Nickel
Drill collars
MONEL alloy K-500
Chromium
Drill pipe
INCOLOY alloy 825
Iron
Fasteners
Fittings
Filters and separators
INCOLOY alloy 925

MONEL alloy K-500
INCONEL alloys 725,725HS, 686,
& X-750
INCOLOY alloy 825
INCONEL alloy 625
MONEL alloy K-500
INCOLOY alloys 825 & 27-7 MO
S E L E C T I O N
Copper
MONEL
alloy 400
UNS N04400
MONEL
alloy R-405
UNS N04405
MONEL
alloy K-500
UNS N05500
INCONEL
alloy 600
UNS N06600
INCONEL
alloy 625
UNS N06625
63.0 min
63.0 min
63.0 min
72.0 min
58.0 min
14.9-17.0
20.0-23.0
2.5
2.5
2.0
6.0-10.0
5.0
28.0-34.0
28.0-34.0
27.0-33.0
0.5
Molybdenum
8.0-10.0
Niobium
3.15-4.15
Aluminum
2.30-3.15
0.40
Titanium
0.35-0.85
0.40
0.024
0.025-0.060
0.01
0.015
0.015
Tungsten
1.0
Sulfur
Flare booms
INCONEL alloy 625
Cobalt
Flare stack tips
INCOLOY alloys 800HT & DS
Carbon
0.3
0.3
0.25
0.15
0.10
Hangers
INCOLOY alloy 925

INCONEL alloys 725, 725HS, & 718
Manganese
2.0
2.0
1.5
1.0
0.50
Silicon
0.5
0.5
0.5
0.5
0.50
Heat exchangers
INCOLOY alloys 825, 800HT,

27-7MO, & 25-6MO
INCONEL alloy 625
MONEL alloy 400
Phosphorus
0.015
Boron
Vanadium
INCOLOY alloy 825

MONEL alloy 400
INCONEL alloy 625
Nitrogen
Instrumentation tubing
Landing nipples
INCONEL alloy 725 & 725HS

INCOLOY alloy 925
Packers
INCOLOY alloy 925

INCONEL alloys 718, 725, & 725HS
* single values are maximum quantities except as indicated
Polished-bore receptacles INCONEL alloys 718 & 725

(PBRs)
INCOLOY alloy 925
Pumps
INCOLOY alloy 925

INCONEL alloy 718
MONEL alloys 400, R-405 & K-500
Rig leg cladding
MONEL alloy 400
Riser pipe cladding
MONEL alloy 400

INCOLOY alloy 825
Sea-water piping
MONEL alloy 400

INCONEL alloy 625
INCOLOY alloys 825, 25-6MO,
& 27-7 MO
Side-pocket mandrels
INCONEL alloy 725

INCOLOY alloy 925
Springs
INCONEL alloys X-750 & 725
Sucker rods
INCONEL alloy 718

MONEL alloys 400 & K-500
Tool joints
INCOLOY alloy 925

MONEL alloy K-500
Tubing calipers
MONEL alloys 400 & K-500
Valves
INCOLOY alloys 825 & 925

INCONEL alloys 625, 718 & 725
MONEL alloys 400, R-405 & K-500
Wire lines
INCOLOY alloys 825, 25-6 MO,

& 27-7 MO
Flattening tests can be used to evaluate the quality

of downhole tubulars.
CHEMICAL COMPOSITIONS, %, OF NICKEL ALLOYS FOR OIL-COUNTRY APPLICATIONS
INCONEL
alloy 718
UNS N07718
INCONEL
alloy
725/725HS
UNS N07725
INCONEL
alloy G-3
UNS N06985
INCONEL
alloy C-276
UNS N10276
INCONEL
alloy X-750
UNS N07750
50.0-55.0
55.0-59.0
44 nom
57 nom
17.0-21.0
19.0-22.5
21.0-23.5
14.5-16.5
18.5 nom
9 nom
18.0-21.0
4.0-7.0
5.0-9.0
(continued)
INCONEL
alloy 050
UNS N06950
INCONEL
alloy
25-6 MO
UNS N08925
INCONEL
alloy
27-7 MO
UNS S31277
INCONEL
alloy 028
UNS No8028
INCONEL
alloy 800
UNS N08800
INCONEL
alloy 825
UNS N08825
INCONEL
alloy 925
UNS N09925
70.0 min
50.0 min
24.0-26.0
26.0-28.0
30.0-34.0
30.0-35.0
38.0-46.0
42.0-46.0
14.0-17.0
19.0-21.0
19.0-21.0
20.5-23.0
26.0-28.0
19.0-23.0
19.5-23.5
19.5-22.5
46 nom
Balance
39.5 min
22.0 min
22.0 min
0.30
1.5-2.5
0.50
0.5 max
0.8-1.5
0.5-1.5
0.6-1.4
0.75
1.5-3.0
1.5-3.0
2.80-3.30
7.0-9.5
6.0-8.0
15.0-17.0
8.0-10.0
6.0-7.0
6.5-8.0
3.0-4.0
2.5-3.5
2.5-3.5
4.75-5.50
2.75-4.0
0.50
0.70-1.20
0.5
0.20-0.80
0.35
0.40-1.00
0.15-0.60
0.2
0.1-0.5
0.65-1.15
1.0-1.7
2.25-2.75
0.15-0.60
0.6-1.2
1.9-2.3
0.015
0.010
0.03
0.03
0.01
0.03
0.03
0.01
0.03
0.0015
0.03
0.03
1.5
3.0-4.5
0.4
1.0
5.0
2.5
1.0
0.08
0.03
0.015
0.01
0.08
.02 max
0.02
0.020
.03 max
1.10
0.05
0.03
0.35
0.35
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0 max
1.0
3.00
2.5 max
1.5
1.0
1.0
0.35
0.20
1.0
0.08
0.50
1.0 max
0.05
0.5
1.0 max
1.0
0.5
0.5
0.015
0.015
0.04
0.04
.03 max
0.045
0.03
.03 max
0.03
0.006
0.35
0.10-0.20
0.3-0.4
PHYSICAL PROPERTIESa OF NICKEL ALLOYS FOR OIL-COUNTRY APPLICATIONS

Youngs
Density
Coefficient
Modulus
Specific Heat
Btu/
lb.F
J/
kg.C
0.102
179
221
30.1
8.19
0.300
INCONEL alloy 725HS

INCONEL alloy X-750
Thermal
Electrical
Conductivity
Resistivity
Btu.in/
ft2.h.F
W/m.
C
ohm.
cmil/ft
ohmm
427
8.8
15.8
151
21.8
329
0.547
0.102
427
8.7
15.7
151
21.8
307
0.510
1.002
0.100
419
8.3
14.9
121
17.5
370
0.615
1.010
0.106
444
7.9
14.2
103
14.9
620
1.03
208
1.0006
0.098
410
7.4
13.3
68
9.8
776
1.29
29.0
200
1.0011
0.104
435
8.0
14.4
79
11.4
751
1.25
8.30
29.6
204
<1.001
7.5
13.0
688
1.14
0.300
8.30
29.6
204
<1.001
7.5
13.0
688
1.14
0.299
8.28
31.0
214
1.0035
0.103
431
7.5
13.5
83
12.0
731
1.22
INCONEL alloy G-3
0.294
8.14
28.9
199
0.108
452
8.1
14.6
69
10.0
INCONEL alloy C-276
0.321
8.89
29.8
205
0.102
427
7.2
13.0
68
9.8
739
1.23
INCONEL alloy 050
0.303
8.39
27.9
192
7.5
13.5
INCOLOY alloy 27-7 MO
0.289
8.02
27.7
191
1.004
0.109
454
15.8
17.8e
70
10
604
1.00
Alloy
lb/in3
g/cm3
106psi
GPa
MONEL alloy 400
0.318
8.80
26.0
179
MONEL alloy R-405
0.318
8.80
26.0
179
MONEL alloy K-500
0.305
8.44
26.0
INCONEL alloy 600
0.306
8.47
31.1
INCONEL alloy 625
0.305
8.44
INCONEL alloy 718
0.296
INCONEL alloy 725
Magnetic
Permeabilityb
d
of Expansionc
10-6/
10-6/
1.0002
INCOLOY alloy 25-6MO
0.290
8.03
27.6
190
1.005
0.12
500
8.8
9.9e
116
16.7
480
0.80
INCOLOY alloy 028
0.290
8.03
29.0
200
0.11
460
8.3
14.9
79
11.4
560
0.93
INCOLOY alloy 800
0.287
7.94
28.5
197
1.014
0.11
460
9.0
16.2
80
11.5
595
0.989
INCOLOY alloy 825
0.294
8.14
29.8
205
1.005
0.105
440
8.5
15.3
77
11.1
678
1.13
701
1.17
INCOLOY alloy 925

0.292
8.08
29.2
201
1.001
0.104
435
8.2
14.8
a Room-temperature values except for thermal expansion.

b H=200 oersted (15.9kA/m).
c Between room temperature and 600F (315C).
d May be ferromagnetic at room temperature; Curie temperature varies from slightly below to somewhat over room temperature.
e Between room temperature and 750F (400C).
23
Below. The QATARGAS
Right. 7-inch (178 mm)
project, in the Persian Gulf,
diameter INCOLOY alloy
is probably the largest
825 threaded tubing for the
investment in energy out of
Phase 2 downhole require-
the Middle East. INCONEL
ments of the QATARGAS
alloy 625 was specified for
project. (Grant Prideco,
Phase 1 piping systems at
Inc., Houston)
the wellheads, on the utility

processing platform, and for
inter-platform systems carried by bridges. INCOLOY
alloy 825 tubing was specified for Phase 2 for its
proven track record as a
downhole tubular product in
oil and gas fields worldwide.
24
M A T E R I A L S
S E L E C T I O N
TYPICAL MECHANICAL PROPERTIES FOR OIL COUNTRY TUBULAR GOODS

Yield Strength*
Tensile Strength*
Hardness,
Rockwell**
Elongation
Alloy
ksi
MPa
ksi
MPa
Max. for sour well

service
INCONEL alloy G-3
125
862
130
896
13
C39 max.
INCONEL alloy C-276
125
862
130
896
13
C45 max.
INCONEL alloy 050
125
862
130
896
13
C38 max.
INCOLOY alloy 028
110
758
130
896
15
C33 max.
INCOLOY alloy 825
110
758
130
896
16
C35 max.
INCOLOY alloy 925
110
758
140
965
18
C38 max.
*Other strength levels available on request. **Condition and hardness limitations as stipulated by NACE MR0175.
TYPICAL MECHANICAL PROPERTIES FOR AGE-HARDENED CORROSION-RESISTANT ALLOY BAR

Yield Strength
Tensile Strength
Elongation
Hardness*
Alloy
ksi
MPa
ksi
MPa
Rockwell
MONEL alloy K-500
95
655
130
896
20
C35
INCONEL alloy 718
120
827
150
1034
20
C40
INCONEL alloy 725
120
827
150
1034
20
C40
INCONEL alloy 725HS
149
1029
199
1372
22
C43
INCONEL alloy X-750
110
758
165
1138
20
C35
INCOLOY alloy 925
110
758
140
965
15
C38
*Condition and hardness limitations as stipulated by NACE MR0175.
TYPICAL MECHANICAL PROPERTIES FOR ANNEALED CORROSION-RESISTANT ALLOYS

Yield Strength
Tensile Strength
Elongation
Hardness
Alloy
ksi
MPa
ksi
MPa
Rockwell
MONEL alloy 400
35
214
80
552
40
B65
INCONEL alloy 600
45
310
95
655
40
B80
INCONEL alloy 625
80
552
135
931
45
B95
INCONEL alloy C-276
60
414
115
793
50
B90
INCOLOY alloy 25-6MO
48
331
100
690
42
B88
INCOLOY alloy 27-7 MO
60
415
120
830
50
B90
INCOLOY alloy 800
35
214
85
586
45
B70
INCOLOY alloy 825
45
310
100
690
45
B85
25
M A T E R I A L S
S E L E C T I O N
WEIGHTS AND PRESSURE RATINGS OF TUBING AND CASING (cont. on p.23)

Nominal Weight,
Outside Diameter
in
mm
23/8
60.3
27/8
31/2
Above. A 236 ft (72 m) flare
73.0
88.9
101.6
Wall Thickness
in
mm
Threads and
Coupling
lb/ft
kg/m
Calculated Plain -End Weight

INCOLOY alloy 825,
INCONEL alloy C-276
INCONEL alloy G-3
lb/ft
kg/m
lb/ft
kg/m
0.190
4.83
4.60
6.85
4.60
6.85
5.02
7.47
0.254
6.45
5.80
8.63
5.97
8.88
6.52
9.70
0.336
8.53
7.70
11.46
7.59
11.30
8.29
12.34
0.217
5.51
6.40
9.52
6.38
9.49
6.97
10.37
0.276
7.01
7.80
11.61
7.95
11.83
8.68
12.92
0.308
7.82
8.60
12.80
8.76
13.04
9.56
14.23
0.340
8.64
9.50
14.14
9.54
14.20
10.42
15.51
0.440
11.18
11.65
17.34
11.87
17.66
12.96
19.29
0.254
6.45
9.20
13.69
9.13
13.59
9.97
14.84
0.289
7.34
10.20
15.18
10.27
15.28
11.22
16.70
0.375
9.52
12.70
18.90
12.98
19.32
14.17
21.09
0.476
12.09
15.80
23.51
15.95
23.74
17.41
25.91
0.262
6.65
11.00
16.37
10.85
16.15
11.85
17.63
tower with stack and flare-
0.330
8.38
13.40
19.94
13.42
19.97
14.65
21.80
tip components of
0.415
10.54
15.89
23.65
16.49
24.54
18.01
26.80
0.500
12.70
19.00
28.28
19.40
28.87
21.18
31.52
0.271
6.88
12.60
18.75
12.70
18.90
13.87
20.64
0.290
7.37
13.50
20.09
13.52
20.12
14.76
21.97
0.337
8.56
15.50
23.07
13.54
23.13
16.97
25.25
mounted above a cone of
0.430
10.92
19.20
28.57
19.40
28.87
21.18
31.52
INCOLOY alloy DS.
0.500
12.70
21.60
32.14
22.17
32.99
24.20
36.01
0.560
14.22
24.60
36.61
24.45
36.39
26.70
39.73
INCOLOY alloys 800HT Below. An Indair flare at the

and 825.
works of the fabricator, F.
Atkinson Ltd., Nottingham,
41/2
114.3
England. The tulip is made of

INCOLOY alloy 800HT,
51/2
65/8
26
127.0
139.7
168.3
177.8
0.253
6.43
13.00
19.35
13.31
19.81
14.53
21.62
0.296
7.52
15.00
22.32
15.43
22.96
16.85
25.08
0.362
9.19
18.00
26.79
18.61
27.69
20.32
30.24
0.422
10.72
20.80
30.95
21.41
31.86
23.38
34.79
0.478
12.14
23.20
34.53
23.96
35.66
26.16
38.93
0.500
12.70
24.10
35.86
24.94
37.11
27.23
40.52
0.560
14.22
27.00
40.18
27.55
41.00
30.08
44.76
0.275
6.98
15.50
23.07
15.92
23.69
17.38
25.86
0.304
7.72
17.00
25.30
17.50
26.04
19.11
28.44
0.361
9.17
20.00
29.76
20.56
30.60
22.45
33.41
0.415
10.54
23.00
34.23
23.39
34.81
25.53
37.99
0.288
7.32
20.00
29.76
20.23
30.11
22.09
32.87
0.352
8.94
24.00
35.72
24.47
36.42
26.72
39.76
0.417
10.59
28.00
41.67
28.70
42.71
31.33
46.62
0.475
12.06
32.00
47.62
32.39
48.20
35.36
52.62
0.272
6.91
20.00
29.76
20.28
30.18
22.15
32.96
0.317
8.05
23.00
34.23
23.49
34.96
25.64
38.16
0.362
9.19
26.00
38.69
26.63
39.63
29.08
43.28
0.408
10.36
29.00
43.16
29.81
44.36
32.55
48.44
0.453
0.498
11.51
12.65
32.00
35.00
47.62
52.09
32.87
35.89
48.92
53.41
35.89
39.18
53.41
58.31
0.540
13.72
38.00
56.55
38.66
57.53
42.21
62.82
*Based on 87.5% remaining body wall
WEIGHTS AND PRESSURE RATINGS OF TUBING AND CASING (continued)

Yield Strength:110,000 psi (758 MPa)
Outside Diameter
Collapse
Pressure*
Internal Yield
Pressure*

Collapse
Pressure*
Internal Yield
Pressure*

Collapse
Pressure*
Internal Yield
Pressure*
in
mm
1000 psi
MPa
1000 psi
MPa
1000 psi
MPa
1000 psi
MPa
1000 psi
MPa
1000 psi
MPa
23/8
60.3
16.13
111.2
15.40
106.2
17.90
123.4
17.50
120.7
18.47
127.4
18.20
125.5
21.01
144.9
20.59
142.0
23.88
164.7
23.39
161.3
24.83
171.2
24.33
167.8
26.72
184.2
27.23
187.7
30.36
209.3
30.95
213.4
31.58
217.7
32.19
222.0
27/8
31/2
41/2
51/2
65/8
73.0
88.9
101.6
114.3
127.0
139.7
168.3
177.8
14.55
100.3
14.53
100.2
16.07
110.8
16.51
113.8
16.56
114.2
17.17
118.4
19.09
131.6
18.48
127.4
21.70
149.6
21.00
144.8
22.56
155.6
21.84
150.6
21.04
145.1
20.62
142.2
23.91
164.9
23.43
161.5
24.87
171.5
24.37
168.0
22.94
158.2
22.77
157.0
26.07
179.8
25.87
178.4
27.11
186.9
26.90
185.5
28.52
196.6
29.46
203.1
32.41
223.4
33.84
233.3
33.70
232.4
34.82
240.1
13.53
93.3
13.97
96.3
14.89
102.7
15.87
109.4
15.33
105.7
16.51
113.8
16.67
114.9
15.89
109.6
18.94
130.6
18.06
124.5
19.56
134.9
18.78
129.5
21.05
145.1
20.62
142.2
23.92
164.9
23.44
161.6
24.87
171.5
24.37
168.0
25.85
178.2
26.18
180.5
29.38
202.6
29.75
205.1
30.55
210.6
30.94
213.3
11.06
76.3
12.61
86.9
12.03
82.9
13.33
91.9
12.33
85.0
14.40
99.3
16.65
114.8
15.88
109.5
18.92
130.5
18.05
124.5
19.53
134.7
18.77
129.4
20.46
141.1
19.97
137.7
23.24
160.2
22.69
156.4
24.17
166.7
23.60
162.7
24.06
165.9
24.06
165.9
27.34
188.5
27.34
188.5
28.44
196.1
28.44
196.1
9.21
63.5
11.59
79.9
9.89
68.2
13.17
90.8
10.09
69.6
13.70
94.5
10.68
73.6
12.41
85.6
11.60
80.0
14.10
97.2
11.88
81.9
14.66
101.1
14.34
98.9
14.42
99.4
15.84
109.2
16.38
112.9
16.31
112.5
17.04
117.5
19.01
131.1
18.39
126.8
21.61
149.0
20.90
144.1
22.47
154.9
21.74
149.9
19.80
136.5
19.25
132.7
22.50
155.1
21.88
150.9
23.40
161.3
22.75
156.9
23.97
165.3
23.96
165.2
27.24
187.8
27.22
187.7
28.31
195.2
26.83
185.0
5.84
40.3
9.74
67.2
6.05
41.7
11.07
76.3
6.16
42.5
11.51
79.4
8.85
61.0
11.40
78.6
9.48
65.4
12.95
89.3
9.66
66.6
13.47
92.9
13.47
92.9
13.94
96.1
14.82
102.2
15.84
109.2
15.25
105.1
16.47
113.6
17.00
117.2
16.25
112.0
19.32
133.2
18.46
127.3
20.09
138.5
19.20
132.4
19.02
131.1
18.40
126.9
21.68
149.5
20.91
144.2
22.48
155.0
21.75
150.0
19.80
136.5
19.25
132.7
22.50
155.1
21.88
150.9
23.40
161.3
22.75
156.9
21.88
150.9
21.56
148.7
24.86
171.4
24.50
168.9
25.86
178.3
25.48
175.7
5.63
38.8
9.63
66.4
5.89
40.6
10.94
75.4
5.99
41.3
11.38
78.5
7.48
51.6
10.64
73.4
7.89
54.4
12.09
83.4
8.00
55.2
12.58
86.7
11.10
76.5
12.63
87.1
12.08
83.3
14.36
99.0
12.39
85.4
14.93
102.9
14.54
100.3
14.52
100.1
16.06
110.7
16.51
113.8
16.55
114.1
17.17
118.4
4.03
27.8
8.37
57.7
4.17
28.8
9.51
65.6
4.20
29.0
9.89
68.2
6.73
46.4
10.23
70.5
7.02
48.4
11.62
80.1
7.09
48.9
12.09
83.4
10.16
70.1
12.12
83.6
10.99
75.8
13.77
94.9
11.25
77.6
14.32
98.7
13.20
91.0
13.80
95.2
14.55
100.3
15.68
108.1
14.95
103.1
16.31
112.5
2.98
20.5
7.48
51.6
2.98
20.5
8.50
58.6
2.98
20.5
8.84
61.0
4.44
30.6
8.72
60.1
4.65
32.1
9.91
68.3
4.69
32.3
10.30
71.0
6.23
43.0
9.95
68.6
6.45
44.5
11.31
78.0
6.49
44.7
11.76
81.1
8.53
58.8
11.22
77.4
9.11
62.8
12.75
87.9
9.27
63.9
13.26
91.4
10.78
74.3
12.46
85.9
11.71
80.7
14.16
97.6
12.00
82.7
14.72
101.5
13.03
89.8
13.69
94.4
14.31
98.7
15.56
107.3
14.72
101.4
16.18
111.6
15.11
104.2
14.85
102.4
16.76
115.6
16.87
116.3
17.26
119.0
17.55
121.0
*Based on 87.5% remaining body wall
27
M A T E R I A L S
S E L E C T I O N
SPECIFICATIONS AND DESIGNATIONS

FOR NICKEL ALLOYS USED IN OIL-COUNTRY APPLICATIONS
Alloy
MONEL alloy 400
MONEL alloy R-405
N04405
MR-01-75
ASTM
B 127
B 163-165
B 366
B 564
B 725
B 730
B 751
B 775
B 829
B 164
MONEL alloy K-500
N05500
MR-01-75
B 865
INCONEL alloy 600
N06600
MR-01-75
INCONEL alloy 625
N06625
MR-01-75
INCONEL alloy 718
N07718
MR-01-75
B 163
B 166-168
B 366
B 516-517
B 564
B 751
B 775
B 829
B 366
B 443-444
B 446
B 564
B 704-705
B 751
B 775
B 829
B 637
B 670
SB-163
SB-166-168
SB-366
SB-516-517
SB-564
SB-751
SB-775
SB-829
SB-366
SB-443, 444
SB-446
SB-564
SB-704-705
SB-751
SB-775
SB-829
SB-425
SB-637
INCONEL alloy 725
N07725
MR-01-75
B 805
INCONEL alloy X-750
N07750
MR-01-75
B 637
SB-443, 444
SB-446
SB-637
INCONEL alloy G-3
N06985
MR-01-75
INCONEL alloy C-276
N10276
MR-01-75
INCONEL alloy 050

INCOLOY alloy 800
N06950
N08800
MR-01-75
MR-01-75
INCOLOY alloy 825
N08825
MR-01-75
INCOLOY alloy 925
N09925
MR-01-75
B 366
B 581, 582
B 619
B 622
B 626
B 751
B 775
B 829
B 366
B 564
B 574, 575
B 619
B 622
B 626
B 751
B 775
B 829
B 163
B 366
B 407-409
B 514, 515
B 564
B 751
B 775
B 829
B 163
B 366
B 423-425
B 564
B 704, 705
B 751
B 775
B 829
8926
MR-01-75
N08028
MR-01-75
INCOLOY alloy
25-6MO
INCOLOY alloy 028
UNS
N04400
NACE
MR-01-75
B 366
B 472
B 625
B 649
B 673, 674
B 677
B 751
B 775
B 804
B 829
B 668
B 709
ASME
SB-127
SB-163-165
SB-366
SB-564
SB-751
SB-775
SB-829
SAE AMS
4544
4574,4575
4675
4730, 4731
7233
SB-164
4674
7234
4676
SB-366
SB-582
SB-619
SB-622
SB-626
SB-751
SB-775
SB-829
SB-366
SB-582
SB-619
SB-622
SB-626
SB-751
SB-775
SB-829
SB-163
SB-366
SB-407-409
SB-514, 515
SB-564
SB-751
SB-775
SB-829
SB-163
SB-366
SB-423-425
SB-564
SB-704, 705
SB-751
SB-775
SB-829
SB-423-425
SB-564
SB-366
SB-625
SB-649
SB-673, 674
SB-677
SB-751
SB-775
SB-804
SB-829
SB-668
SB-709
BS
3072-3076
DIN
17743
17750-54
Werkstoff Nr.
2.4360
VdTV
263
3072-3076
17743
17752-54
17742
17750-54
2.4375
2.4816
305
5540
5580
5665
5687
7232
3072-3076
5581
5599
5666
5837
5869
3072
3074
3076
17744
17750-52
2.4856
499
5589, 5590
5596, 5597
5662-5664
5832
5962
2.4668
5542
5582, 5583
5598
5667-5671
5698, 5699
5747
HR505
2.4669
17744
17750-52
2.4619
17744
17750-52
2.4819
400-12.98
5766
5871
3072-3076
470
1.4876
412
1.4529
1.4563
P A R T
EFFECTS OF
WELL
ENVIRONMENTS
E F F E C T S
O F
W E L L
E N V I R O N M E N T S
Corrosive well environments degrade materials in three general
corrosion operate by different mechanisms. Pitting occurs
ways:
when a point location becomes anodic to the surrounding
1. Weight-loss corrosion, in which the metal surface is more or

less uniformly attacked.
2. Pitting
or
crevice
metal, resulting in continuing corrosion penetration at the

anodic point. Crevice corrosion takes place when the concentration of metallic ions or oxygen is different in a
corrosion,
in
which
metal
loss is highly localized.

3. Environment-induced cracking, in which brittle fracture
occurs with no significant metal loss.
crevice (or under a deposit) than in the surrounding environment. Such localized corrosion can be particularly likely on materials such as stainless steels that form protective,
passive surface films. Chloride ions in the environment can
accumulate and penetrate the passive film to allow corro-
WEIGHT-LOSS CORROSION (GENERAL CORROSION)
sion at the area of film removal. Nickel alloys also form
The complexity of a material affects its resistance to weight-loss
passive films. However, chromium and molybdenum,
corrosion. Carbon dioxide dissolved in the liquid phase creates
especially the latter, are highly effective in preventing
an acidic solution that can cause rapid weight-loss corrosion of
localized corrosion. Nickel alloys used for downhole appli-
carbon steels, even at relatively low temperatures. Chlorides and
cations generally contain sufficient molybdenum and
H2S increase the corrosivity of the solution. Martensitic stain-
chromium to avoid pitting and crevice corrosion.
less steels are also susceptible to weight-loss corrosion, especially at high temperatures with chlorides or H2S present.
ENVIRONMENT-INDUCED CRACKING
Duplex and austenitic stainless steels have higher resistance to
The combined effects of stress and certain corrosive environ-
weight-loss corrosion. Nickel alloys generally show complete
ments
resistance to weight-loss corrosion even under conditions of
mass loss but by brittle fracture at stress levels substantially
high temperatures and high concentrations of chlorides and
under a metals yield strength. Tubing strings are unavoidably
H2S.
under high stress, and sour wells present a corrosive environ-
When dissimilar metals are in contact while exposed to an aque-
ment that can induce cracking. In deep, sour gas wells, the
ous environment, galvanic effects can cause or alter corrosion
avoidance of environmental cracking is often the primary con-
reactions. The less noble metal in the galvanic couple is corrod-
sideration in materials selection. The problem is compounded
ed at a higher rate than would occur if the metal were exposed
by several interacting factors. As well depth increases, more
alone. The effect is more pronounced if the surface area of the
strength is required in the tubing string, and, in general, metals
less noble metal is small in relation to the more noble metal. In
are more susceptible to cracking as their strength and hardness
general, nickel alloys and austenitic stainless steels are similar
increase. To that situation is added that both stress and
enough in corrosion potential that galvanic corrosion is not a
aggressiveness of environment increase with depth.
serious problem when couples are formed within or between the
Materials selection is critical. It must be determined with
two materials groups. However, galvanic corrosion is a possi-
certainty that the selected material will not undergo cracking
bility when highly alloyed materials are connected to carbon
in the particular well environment. Failure of tubing by envi-
steels, alloy steels, or martensitic stainless steels.
ronmental cracking can be sudden, with no foretelling evi-
LOCALIZED CORROSION
dence such as wall thinning by corrosion.
Pitting and crevice corrosion have similar consequences:

localized destruction of metal. However, the two forms of
30
can
cause
failure
of
metals
not
by
Weight-corrosion, also
called general corrosion,

results in nearly uniform deterioration of a metals surface.
2
Pitting is localized pene-
tration, normally at many different sites. The metal between

pits is relatively unaffected
although pits may become
connected as attack progresses.
Crevice corrosion under
removed bolts.
31
Crevices and surface
deposits can result in different

concentrations
of dissolved matter, such
as metal ions, leading to
accelerated local
corrosion.
6
6
+ 7 Stress-corrosion crack-
ing in stainless-steel vessel

and tube.
32
E F F E C T S
O F
W E L L
Magnified (100X) appearance of stresscorrosion cracking.
In sour wells, environmental cracking can occur by two different mechanisms: hydrogen embrittlement and stress corrosion.
Hydrogen embrittlement involves a cathodic reaction in
which hydrogen ions are reduced to elemental hydrogen.
Hydrogen ions may result from galvanic corrosion of connected dissimilar metals or from acidizing operations performed on the reservoir. In sour wells, however, the major
source is usually dissolved H2S in well fluids. Elemental
hydrogen absorbed by a metal can lower ductility to the
point where the metal becomes embrittled. If the metal is
under sufficient stress, cracking results. Such cracking in
H2S environments is termed sulfide stress cracking (SSC).
Hydrogen embrittlement and SSC are essentially low-temperature phenomena with maximum severity occurring in
the room-temperature range.
Stress corrosion involves an anodic reaction in which a crack
is initiated and propagated in stressed metal by dissolution of
metal ions. Metal loss continues at the leading edge of the
crack until brittle fracture occurs. Such stress-corrosion
cracking (SCC) can be caused by various media. In sour
wells, SCC can result from two corrosive species:
chloride ions and H2S. Chloride SCC normally is not
a problem with ferritic materials and nickel alloys. Austenitic
stainless steels, especially those of relatively low nickel content, can suffer chloride SCC at
33
E F F E C T S
O F
W E L L
temperatures as low as 140F (60C) and become more susceptible at higher temperatures.
Stress-corrosion cracking induced by H2S is similar to chloride SCC but affects a broader range of materials, including
nickel alloys. This form of environmental cracking is often
the major factor in overcoming the effects of sour well environments on materials. The potential for SCC becomes
greater with higher temperatures and concentrations of H2S
and
with
the
presence
of
chloride
ions
and elemental sulfur. Extremely hot and sour wells require

corrosion-resistant alloys with high contents of nickel,
chromium and molybdenum.
Virtually all metallic materials are susceptible to
SSC or SCC in sour environments, although the conditions
for susceptibility vary widely. A major factor is the concentration of dissolved H2S, which increases with partial pressure of the gas. Low-alloy and carbon steels are vulnerable
to SSC at partial pressure of H2S as low as about 0.05 psi
(345 Pa). By definition (NACE MR-01-75) a well with a
The classic indicator of susceptibility to chloride-ion stresscorrosion cracking is the boiling 42% magnesium chloride
test.
The test has shown that alloys containing more than about
45% nickel are immune to chloride stress cracking.
partial pressure of H2S greater than 0.05 psi (345 Pa) is designated as sour. If a well is sour, downhole components
must be made of a corrosion-resistant alloy that will resist
the particular sour conditions.
34
P A R T
CORROSION TESTING
C O R R O S I O N
T E S T I N G
Nickel alloys used for downhole service do not undergo

localized corrosion or chloride-ion stress corrosion cracking
in sour well environments and experience only slight weightloss corrosion. Levels of C02 and chlorides important factors in evaluating stainless and carbon steels are generally
negligible when nickel alloys are considered. Environmental
cracking induced by H2S, either sulfide stress cracking (SSC)
or stress-corrosion cracking (SCC), is the operative mode of
potential failure for nickel alloys.
Most nickel alloys are resistant to SSC and SCC with the
degree of resistance depending on alloy composition,
strength level, stress level, temperature, and amount of H2S in
the environment. Laboratory tests using different combinations of those variables can determine conditions under which
alloys do or do not suffer cracking. Two widely used tests are
the C-ring test and the slow-strain-rate test. Both tests involve
exposure of specimens to simulated sour well environments,
but at stress levels substantially higher than normal service
conditions.
The C-ring test uses a specimen made from a portion of tubing cross section with circumferential stress applied by a
tightened bolt. A formula is used to relate deflection of the Cring to axial tensile yield strength of the material. A stress
equal to 100% of yield strength (0.2% offset) is frequently
2
applied. The stressed C-ring is exposed to a sour environment and periodically inspected for cracking.
A standard environment for SSC is the NACE
Solution, which is stipulated by test standards of
the National Association of Corrosion Engineers. It consists
of 5% sodium chloride and 0.5% acetic acid in distilled water
saturated with hydrogen sulfide. The NACE test (TM-01-77)
is conducted at room temperature and atmospheric
36
+ 2 + 3 Alloys are evaluat-
ed in a fully equipped corrosion laboratory that includes

autoclaves for testing at high
pressures and temperatures.
Alloys are exposed to vari-
ous corrosive environ-ments in

the laboratory to predict their
performance under service
conditions.
+6+7+
Special Metals maintains

extensive computerized corrosion data in both proprietary
and commercial systems. Test
results such as slow-strain-rate
data can be presented by com-
puter.
37
C O R R O S I O N
T E S T I N G
pressure. The alloy C-rings are often galvanically coupled to

carbon steel to expose the specimen to hydrogen that evolves
as the steel corrodes. Stressed C-rings, normally not coupled
to steel, are also used in autoclave tests to determine resistance to SCC at high temperatures and pressures.
The slow-strain-rate test determines resistance to SCC. A
tensile specimen is exposed to the sour environment while
being subjected to stress that produces a constant, slow rate
of strain. The results are normally compared with a slowstrain rate test performed in air at the same strain rate.
Differences between the two tests in time to fracture, percent
elongation, and percent reduction of area indicate the effect
of the sour environment on the material. Ratios of test-solution values to air values are often used as gauges of a materials performance. Because the slow-strain-rate test causes
continual rupturing of any passive films on the specimen, it
may be more severe than the C-ring test.
Another test sometimes used to evaluate materials in sour
environments is the constant-load test. The specimen is
exposed to the environment while under an unvarying tensile load.
The accompanying tables and charts indicate the resistance
of Special Metals products to various environments in different test types. In the slow-strain-rate tests, the strain rate
was 4x10-6 s-1 unless otherwise noted. Test solutions were
made up with distilled water along with amounts of corrosive species as described with the test results.
As shown by the results of tests in environments containing
elemental sulfur, wells in sour formations that also contain
free sulfur are especially harsh environments. The presence
of free sulfur can deduct 50F (30C) or more from the temperature capability of an otherwise resistant alloy.
38
C-ring specimen used to determing resistance to sulfide stress cracking and stress-corrosion cracking,
10
12
10
Slow-strain-rate specimen
used to detemine resistance to

sulfide stress cracking and
stress-corrosion cracking.
11
Apparatus for sulfide
stress-cracking testing (NACE

test).
11
12
Apparatus for slow-strain-
rate testing.
39
C-RING TESTS IN NACE SOLUTIONa

Yield Strength
(0.2% Offset)
Material
Condition
Alloy
Simulated
Well Age
1000 psi
MPa
Hardness, Duration,
RC
Days
Sulfide
Stress
Cracking
INCONEL alloy 625
Cold Worked
Cold Worked
Cold Worked
None
None
None
125.0
160.0
176.0
862
1103
1214
30.5
37.5
41
42
10
6
No
Yes
Yes
INCONEL alloy 718
Age
Age
Age
Age
Age
None
None
None
None
None
120.0
130.0
134.0
139.0
156.0
827
896
924
958
1076
30
37
38.5
38
41
42
42
42
42
60
No
No
No
No
No
INCONEL alloy 725
Cold Worked
None
Age Hardened
None
Age Hardened
None
Age Hardened
600F (315C)/1000h
Age Hardened
None
Age Hardened
None
Cold Worked & Aged
None
90.0
117.6
128.6
130.8
132.9
133.0
137.8
621
811
887
902
916
917
950
25
37
40
41.5
36
39
39
30
30
30
30
42
30
42
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
INCONEL alloy G-3
Cold
Cold
Cold
Cold
Cold
Cold
Worked
Worked
Worked
Worked
Worked
Worked
600F
600F
600F
600F
600F
600F
(315C)/1000h
(315C)/1000h
(315C)/1000h
(315C)/1000h
(315C)/1000h
(315C)/1000h
119.4
132.3
135.3
136.9
137.7
181.7
823
912
933
944
949
1253
26
30
31
-
43
43
43
30
30
30
No
No
No
No, Nob
No, Nob
No, Yesb
INCONEL alloy C-276
Cold
Cold
Cold
Cold
Worked
Worked
Worked
Worked
600F
600F
600F
600F
(315C)/1000h
(315C)/1000h
(315C)/1000h
(315C)/1000h
126.6
155.1
166.8
188.7
873
1069
1150
1301
32
38
35
43
43
43
43
43
No
No
No
No
INCOLOY alloy 825
Cold Worked
Cold Worked
None
None
138.0
147.0
952
1014
30
33
42
42
No
No
INCOLOY alloy 925
Age Hardened
Cold Worked
Cold Worked &
Cold Worked &
Age Hardened
Cold Worked
Cold Worked &
Cold Worked &
Cold Worked &
None
None
None
None
(260C)/500h
(260C)/500h
(260C)/500h
(260C)/500h
(260C)/500h
114.0
139.0
176.0
186.0
113.5
139.5
176.0
180.0
185.5
786
958
1214
1282
783
962
1214
1214
1279
38
35.5
43.5
46
38
35.5
43.5
44
46
42
42
42
42
42
42
42
42
42
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Hardened
Hardened
Hardened
Hardened
Hardened
Aged
Aged
Aged
Aged
Aged
500F
500F
500F
500F
500F
a Room-temperature tests at 100% of yield strength in 5% NaCl plus 0.5% acetic acid saturated with H S. All specimens were coupled to
2
carbon steel.
b
40
Duplicate test specimens.
C O R R O S I O N
WEIGHT-LOSS TESTSa
IN H2S ENVIRONMENTS
WEIGHT-LOSS TESTSa
IN FREE-SULFUR ENVIRONMENTS
Corrosion Rate
Corrosion Rate
H2S
Pressure
300F(149C) 400F(204C)
Alloy
psi
kPa
mpy mm/y
10
50
100
69
345
690
0.0
0.3
0.1
10
50
100
69
345
690
INCOLOY alloy 925
10
50
100
INCONEL alloy 718
Alloy
T E S T I N G
Test Mediab
mpy
mm/y
mpy
mm/y
INCONEL alloy C-276
A
B
0.2
0.1
0.005
0.003
0.000
0.008
0.003
0.1
0.4
0.2
0.003
0.010
0.005
INCONEL alloy 625
A
B
0.7
0.2
0.018
0.005
0.1
0.4
0.1
0.003
0.010
0.003
0.1
0.5
0.5
0.003
0.013
0.013
INCOLOY alloy 925
A
B
1.1
1.2
0.028
0.030
69
345
690
0.1
0.4
0.1
0.003
0.010
0.003
0.1
0.5
0.4
0.003
0.013
0.010
INCOLOY alloy 825
A
B
1.1
1.6
0.028
0.041
AISI Type 316

10
50
100
69
345
690
3.0
0.7
0.1
0.076
0.018
0.003
0.3
2.3
1.2
0.008
0.058
0.030
A
B
3.9
4.5
0.099
0.114
MONEL alloy K-500
10
50
100
69
345
690
27
78
221
0.69
1.98
5.61
1.1
113
169
0.28
2.87
4.29
9Cr/1Mo Steel
50
100
345
690
206
299
5.23
7.59
278
172
7.06
4.37
INCONEL alloy 625
INCOLOY alloy 825
a
b
Autoclave tests of 15-day duration on unstressed coupons.

Solution A: 15% NaCl plus 200 psi (1380 kPa) H2S Plus
100psi (690 kPa) C02 plus 1 g/L of sulfur at 450F (232C).
Solution B: 25% NaCl plus 200psi (1380 kPa) H2S Plus
100psi (690 kPa) C02 Plus 1 g/L of sulfur at 400F (204C).
Autoclave tests of 14-day duration in 15% NaCl/distilled water

with total gas pressure of 1000 psi (6.9 MPa) consisting of
500 psi (3.4 MPa) C02 plus N2 and H2S.
STRESS-CORROSION-CRACKING TESTSa IN FREE-SULFUR ENVIRONMENT
Alloy
Material
Condition
Yield Strength
(0.2% Offset)
1000 psi
Stress-Corrosion Cracking
Mpa
350F
(177C)
375F
(191C)
400F
(204C)
INCONEL alloy 718
Age Hardened 130.3
898
Yesc
INCONEL alloy 625
Cold Worked
Cold Worked
144.0
160.0
993
1103
No
No
Yes
Yes
INCONEL alloy C-276
Cold
Cold
Cold
Cold
127.0
155.0
167.0
168.0
876
1069
1151
1158
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Worked
Worked
Worked
Worked
425F
(218C)
450F
(232C)
475F
(246C)
5OOF
(26OC)
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
Yes
a C-ring autoclave tests of 14-day duration at 100% of yield strength in 25% NaCl plus 0.5% acetic acid plus 1 g/L sulfur plus 120 psi (827
kPa) H2S.
b One of two specimens cracked.
c At 275F (135C),
41
C O R R O S I O N
42
T E S T I N G
STRESS-CORROSION-CRACKING TESTSa
IN HIGH-TEMPERATURE SOUR ENVIRONMENTS
Yield Strength
(0.2% Offset)
1000 psi
MPa
128.0
177.1
128.0
177.1
125.0
160.0
176.0
883
1221
883
1221
862
1103
1214
37
41
37
41
30.5
37.5
41
A
A
B
B
C
C
C
15
15
15
15
42
42
42
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Age Hardened
Age Hardened
Cold Worked
120.0
134.0
197.0
827
924
1358
30
38.5
37.5
C
C
C
42
42
20
No
No
Yes
INCONEL alloy G-3
Cold
Cold
Cold
Cold
Cold
Cold
Cold
Cold
Cold
Worked
Worked
Worked
Worked
Worked
Worked
Worked
Worked
Worked
133.5
133.5
137.5
137.5
183.3
133.5
133.5
137.5
183.3
920
920
948
948
1264
920
920
948
1264
33
33
30
30
38
33
33
30
38
D
D
D
D
D
E
E
E
E
60
120
90
120
120
60
120
120
120
No
No
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
No
INCONEL alloy C-276
Cold Worked
Cold Worked
194.7
194.7
1342
1342
43.5
43.5
A
B
15
5
No
No
INCOLOY alloy 825
Cold Worked
Cold Worked
Cold Worked
131.0
138.0
147.0
903
952
1014
30
30
33
A
C
C
15
42
42
Yes
No
No
INCOLOY alloy 925
Cold Worked &

Age Hardened
Cold Worked &
Age Hardened
Cold Worked
Cold Worked &
Cold Worked &
166.0
133.5
185.5
114.0
139.0
176.0
185.5
1145
783
1279
786
958
1214
1279
40.5
38
46
38
35.5
43.5
46
A
B
B
C
C
C
C
15
15
15
42
42
42
42
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
No
INCONEL alloy 625
Cold
Cold
Cold
Cold
Cold
Cold
Cold
INCONEL alloy 718
Worked
Worked
Worked
Worked
Worked
Worked
Worked
Aged
Aged
Aged
Aged
Test
Mediab
Stress
Duration, Corrosion
Days
Cracking
Hardness,
RC
Alloy
Material
Condition
a Autoclave tests on C-ring specimens stressed at 100% of yield strength.

b Test Media:
A = 15% NaCl plus 200 psi (1380 kPa) H2S PIUS 100 PSi (690 kPa) C02 plus 1 g/L of suifur at 450F (232C).
B = 25% NaCl plus 200 psi (1380 kPa) H2S PIUS 100 PSi (690 kPa) C02 plus 1 g/L of sulfur at 400F (204C).
C = 15% NaCl saturated with H2S plus 1000 psi (6.9 MPa) gas phase of 1% H2S, 50% C02, 49% N2 at SOOF
(260C).
D = 25% NaCl plus 100 psi (690 kPa) H2S plus 200 psi (1380 kPa) C02 at 400F (204C).
E = Same as D but at 425F (218C).
43
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Special Metals Corporation

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Affiliated Companies
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A-1 Wire Tech, Inc.
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DAIDO-SPECIAL METALS
Ltd.
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Daido Building
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Minato-ku, Tokyo 105, Japan
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Special Metals-Corrosion-resistant Alloys For Oil and Gas Production

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C O R R O S I O N R E S I S T A N T

MANUFACTURING AND QUALITY CONTROL

EFFECTS OF WELL ENVIRONMENTS

Publication No. SMC - 013

INCONELfi Ni-Cr Alloys

include this vacuum-induction

enhances the structure and

reversing mill is used for primary breakdown of alloy

sion presses produce seamless

Natural gas continues to be one of the worlds most abundant

A resistant alloy eliminates inhibitors, lowers weight,

improves safety, eliminates or minimizes workovers, and

+ 7 Extruded tube shells

are cold worked to final size

goods are produced in wide

Special Metals quality

control system includes extensive laboratory facilities with

Ultrasonic (12) and

eddy-current (13) testing are

control applied throughout production.

The MONEL, INCONEL and INCOLOY alloys invented

Long lengths mean less

with argon-oxygen decarburization (A.O.D.). Vacuum

threading and fewer joints in

and electroslag remelting are used for even more precise

control of composition and microstructure.

The broad line of corrosion-resistant alloys produced by

Above. The critical outer

Right. Submarine oil hose

Selection of materials for downhole service in a sour

Right. An offshore block

INCONEL alloy C-276

master valve made of

tubular product was speci-

INCOLOY alloy 925. The

fied for this sea-water

valve body was forged from

cooled, interstage and after

a 20,000 lb (9000 kg) ingot.

cooler fabricated by Hick

INCOLOY alloy 925 was

Hargreaves & Co. Ltd.,

selected for its strength and

Bolton, England, for

corrosion- resistance dur-

Marathon Oil U.K. Ltd.

ing normal service and for

These 15 m diameter ves-

its ability to meet fire-

sels are for use on the East

resistance standards. The

Brae gas condensate pro-

alloy has the high-tempera-

duction platform in the

ture strength and stability

North Sea, to support gas

to comply with API RP 6F,

Fire Test for Valves. Among

delivering 9.6 million m3

the requirements is the abil-

per day at 350 bar pres-

ity to withstand 2000F

(1095C) internal temperatures with no leakage. (ABB