I'm looking for a fluid for pressure testing tools like water based inhibitors for tools 1

[johnchrc]

I can't seem to find a fluid to use to shop test downhole tool assemblies to working pressure (5 to 10 ksi), hold for 1/2 hour and drain before storing or packing to ship. Most of the materials we use are alloy steel but they have HNBR and Viton seals as well. I need a fluid that wont damage seals if contacted or trapped in pockets in the tool that might not drain. I'm worried about corrosion on a critical surface or hardening the seals after draining. I was thinking about 100% glycol but I'm not sure if it will cause the steel to rust. How much better is it than water?

The fluid is just for pressure testing or functioning the tool for QC after assembly. Short term storage possibly or off to job site. I know the glycol wont affect the HNBR, or Viton seals from testing. I'm sure there are hundreds of shops that use inhibited water for assembly testing for the exact same application but I don't know what vendor sells it.

Does anyone have a recommendation for an water/inhibitor mix that is safe for pressure testing sealed connections and steel?

Note that the parts are already phosphated. So they already have a protective coating for storage. However, phosphate will rust as soon as the oil is wiped from the matrix or if left outside in the Houston elements. I don't feel comfortable using just water that could be trapped in a confined area of a tool with many tortuous flowpaths and pockets that would be very hard to drain.

Comments...

Does anyone have a recommendation? We quit using antifreeze because of the reaction with seals and amine inhibitors. I have searched the web but found nothing for this application. I would blow it out with air but I don't think it would be effective. This should be simple but it is giving me fits. Help would be greatly appreciated.

- CJ

 

[CoryPad]

You should be looking into metalworking fluids that are water soluble and have a little corrosion inhibitor in them. Here are some places to start:

http://www.cimcool.com/msds-pif/metalworking-fluids/

http://www.castrol.com/en/b2b/home/solutions/castrol-top-products/metalworking-fluids.html

http://www.houghtonintl.com/en-us/products/metalprotecting/Pages/default.aspx

http://www.fuchs.com/fuchs_industrial_corrosion_preventatives.php

http://www.quakerchem.com/product/corrosion-preventives/

 

[johnchrc]

Do you have experience with my application? I'm going to be in contact with seals and that reaction is what is hard to determine based on previous problems with the additives in the antifreeze and seals.

I'll check it out. If it is being used for same application that would alleviate my concerns. I don't want this to come back and bite me in the rear.

Regards,

- CJ

 

[EdStainless]

There are many water soluble corrosion inhibitor additives.
Ask the suppliers about testing for compatibility with various elastomers.

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Plymouth Tube

 

[johnchrc]

I am. The Test Bay staff is wants a fluid now.

- CJ

 

[johnchrc]

Specs
• Must be compatible with HNBR and Viton Seals
• Compatible with ferrous and non-ferrous metals (primarily alloy steel with phosphate coating and 13Cr with QPQ)and High Cr and Nickel Based Alloys
• Colored, not clear to distinguish it from water.
• Reusable. We will need to purchase or rent recycling equipment.
• Inhibits rust where fluid doesn’t drain from tool. There are tortuous flow paths that make it hard for water to drain before packing for shipment to well site or storage and it must evaporate or [i[/indent]prevent corrosion
• Made for hot, humid Houston environment for some short term storage.
• Don’t care about coating and adding long-term protection as much as preventing corrosion due to the fluid used to pressure test.
• Hydrotest pressure range ~ 10,000 to 15,000 psi at ambient temp
• Need least expensive option available for two 330 gallon storage containers.
• Must wash easily and not become gummy or sticky like cosmoline.
• Safe to work with exception of gloves to protect skin and safety glasses to keep from splashing in eye.
• Dye won’t harm hydraulic pump or cause needle valve to stick
- Using Hydratron 2370 pump? My guess is it is air driven , hydraulic output


- CJ

 

[Nicknackwhack]

Hi

Presume you are talking about using TEG,

As long as the compression process didn't heat it to the extent that you had a chemical breakdown of the TEG there would not be any corrosion of the steel

http://www.dow.com/ethyleneglycol/about/properties.htm

as you can see it has a very low conductivity

Shows rates at varying TEG levels

http://www.nace.org/cstm/Store/Product.aspx?id=6627d26e-105a-df11-a321-005056ac759b

Hope this helps