Recent research has shed light on a critical issue affecting the shale gas industry: the erosion of surface pipelines caused by proppant flowback. This study, led by Shaoquan Huo from the Research Institute of Natural Gas Technology at PetroChina Southwest Oil and Gasfield Company, highlights the need for improved protective measures for pipelines used in shale gas extraction.
In the Sichuan Basin, surface pipelines made of L360N steel faced severe erosion, resulting in perforation failures within just five months of operation. The research team utilized a gas–solid two-phase flow jet erosion experimental device to assess the erosion resistance of L360N steel, various coatings, and ceramics under different impact velocities—15 m/s, 20 m/s, and 30 m/s. The findings revealed that as the flow velocity increased, so did the erosion depth and rate, peaking at 30 m/s. L360N steel exhibited a maximum erosion rate of 0.0350 mg/g and an erosion depth of 37.5365 µm, primarily due to the plowing action of solid particles.
The implications of this research are significant for the shale gas sector and related industries. As the demand for shale gas continues to rise, ensuring the integrity and longevity of pipelines is paramount. The study suggests that ceramic materials, which demonstrated superior erosion resistance compared to coatings, could be effectively used to protect vulnerable sections of pipelines, such as bends and tees. Huo noted, “The erosion resistance of ceramics was much better than that of coatings,” indicating a clear direction for material selection in pipeline construction and maintenance.
By implementing ceramic linings, companies could potentially reduce failure rates by more than 93%. This not only enhances safety but also minimizes costly downtime and repairs, directly impacting the bottom line for operators in the shale gas industry. The research provides a data-driven foundation for selecting protective materials, which could lead to more reliable and efficient shale gas extraction processes.
The findings are published in the journal ‘Materials’, emphasizing the importance of ongoing research in developing practical solutions for industry challenges. As operators look to optimize their operations, the insights from this study represent a valuable opportunity for innovation in pipeline protection and maintenance strategies.
