[en] Experimental results for corrosion fatigue crack growth in several different ferritic pressure vessel steels including A533-B and A508-III exposed to simulated PWR primary water at 288⁰C are described. Since relatively little influence of environment was detected in low-frequency tests on these materials, in contrast with data reported from another laboratory, specimens have been exchanged and tested in each laboratory. These results are described, and possible reasons for the observed differences when each tested the same material are discussed. The environmental influence on corrosion fatigue crack growth is analyzed on the basis of a model of a sequence of protective oxide rupture/repassivation events during fatigue cycling. The repassivation kinetics and the controlling electrochemical factors are judged to be of crucial significance in determining the extent of environmental enhancement of fatigue crack growth

[en] This short paper reviews some of the work in the United Kingdom concerned with the problem of life prediction at elevated temperature. It includes detailed examination of creep-fatigue failure, thermal shock failure and the development of cracks at elevated temperature

[en] Corrosion resistance of martensitic stainless steels has been investigated in laboratory studies under a wide range of CO₂ partial pressures, chloride contents, and temperatures using autoclave equipment. Most of the laboratory data are reported in the form of weight loss of corrosion coupons exposed for a specific period of time, and such localized degradation as crevice corrosion or pitting is qualitatively assessed. this article focuses on that material's resistance to CO₂ corrosion and sulfide stress cracking (SSC), and on its use in threaded and premium threaded connections. The materials used in these laboratory studies were AlSl 410, 420, or 13 Cr stainless steel, and very little difference exists in the weight loss corrosion behavior among them. Laboratory data also suggest that at low CO₂ partial pressures (<120 psi) a negative influence of CO₂ pressure on corrosion resistance is indicated in the presence of high temperatures and chlorides. However, the influence of CO₂ partial pressure on corrosion behavior of 13 Cr stainless steel is generally thought to be less than the combined influences of chloride content and temperature. Thus, it is appropriate first to consider the influences of chloride content and temperature on the corrosion resistance of 13 Cr stainless steel in aqueous solutions containing CO₂

[en] A general description of creep and plastic deformation based on overlay models is presented. This includes the description of time effects during plastic deformation at room temperature. A detailed procedure to obtain the model parameters is also discussed. The description has been evaluated for a large number of uniaxial and biaxial load histories on thin-walled tubes. The materials involved are a 2 1/4 Cr-1 Mo steel stabilized with niobium (WN 1.6770) and a 304 stainless steel (WN 1.4948). The theoretical predictions of the plastic deformations are found to be sufficiently accurate. The evaluation of the phenomenological description for creep shows a fairly good agreement with the real creep deformation process. Special attention requires the description of softening due to microstructural changes

[en] This paper reports that Midland and Scottish Energy Ltd. (MSE) has placed Emerald oil field on stream in the U.K. North Sea with a floating production unit. Initial production, from two satellite wells, will be used to commission facilities. Three water injection wells have been unplugged and are ready for start-up. MSE will place a central cluster of wells-five producers and one water injector-on stream during the next few weeks. Production will build to an expected 25,000 b/d from 35 million bbl of reserves. Field development has undergone an unusually large number of setbacks and changes

[en] This paper reports that WGM, an affiliate of Williams Cos., Tulsa, owner of two large U.S. interstate gas pipeline networks, has explained a special independent producer program (IPP) to Midcontinent operators. Centerpiece of the IPP is a netback price program WGM contends will give small independents a chance to obtain higher prices for their production and compete with majors and large independents by pooling supplies. Some industry analysts see large market aggregators, especially those affiliated with pipelines as the big winners in the aftermath of Order 636, the huge Federal Energy Regulatory Commission rulemaking designed to unbundle pipeline gas transportation services and complete the transition to a deregulated gas industry in the U.S

[en] This paper reports that Canada's natural gas surplus will persist at least through 1995, although the gap between production and deliverability will narrow. Meantime, prices will slowly rise, the Canadian Energy Research Institute (CERI) predicts. The Calgary firm says surplus productive capacity will fall to 426 bcf in 1992 from 874 bcf in 1990. Those volumes amount to 12% and 25%, respectively, of deliverability. Prices for a processing plant's outlet stream, pegged at $1.38 (Canadian)/Mcf in 1991, will inch up to $1.53 in 1994, then climb to $1.69 in 1995, all in current dollars. Prices will firm as a reduced surplus reduces sales competition among producers. Increasing sales as a result of expanded export pipeline capacity will be a major factor in reducing surplus capacity. The study says after 1995 increased drilling will raise productive capacity and create some downward pressure on prices

[en] This paper reports that smaller fields and rising production costs have made reliable reservoir characterization more critical than ever. Advances in computer graphics systems, especially the use of 3D imaging software, help geoscientist better understand formations. Visual user interface systems and advanced workstations with 3D graphics capabilities help users better interpret seismic data. The use of visualization techniques with stratigraphic interpretation and data management software allows a geoscientist to experiment with a number of possible scenarios on screen. The following applications represent a small portion of the wide range of systems available to explorationists and geoscientist

[en] Bangladesh is moving to expand its natural gas infrastructure in response to rising domestic demand. This paper reports that Bangladesh natural gas demand is expected to rise to 700-850 MMcfd in the next few years from the current level of about 500 MMcfd, the Prime Minister Khaleda Zia

[en] This paper reports that Phillips Petroleum Co. has an active drilling program in northern Cook inlet 35 miles west of Anchorage, including delineation of an oil field of undetermined size. Phillips is drilling the well from its Tannic platform, built in 1968 to develop North Cook Inlet gas field. Phillips said it might drill another well in March 1993. A plan Phillips field with the state said the company has the capability of drilling 12 oil wells from the Tyonek platform. Depending on results of the 2 Sunfish well, the 12 wells could be drilled from 1992 through March 1995 at a rate of one well about every 75 days, the company said