Root Cause Analysis for the Oil & Gas Industry

When asset failure strikes in oil and gas operations, you need rapid, comprehensive analysis backed by proven expertise. Element's root cause analysis services combine advanced testing capabilities with highly accessible expert metallurgists and engineers to deliver detailed insights that minimize downtime and protect your business. From immediate failure investigation through to litigation support, we provide end-to-end partnership with established chain-of-evidence procedures and global laboratory support.

root cause analysis for oil and gas industry

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What is Root Cause Analysis for the Oil & Gas Industry?

Root cause analysis is a systematic process of identifying the primary cause of equipment or component failure. At Element, we provide comprehensive failure analysis services specifically tailored to oil and gas industry challenges, from pipeline failures to drilling equipment breakdowns.

The first step to root cause analysis is to develop a thorough understanding of the failed component’s service environment. We can then advise on preventative and corrective actions.

Since polymeric materials such as elastomers, thermoplastics, and composites are widely used in oilfield equipment, we specialize in non-metallic failure analysis.

Materials testing scientist using microscope for quality analysis at Element laboratory

What Can Element Offer You For Root Cause Analysis for the Oil & Gas Industry?

Key tests offered

Element's qualified metallurgists, chemists, materials scientists, and engineers analyze failures through multiple modes, including fractography, investigative chemistry, and residue analysis, each with distinct characteristics that inform our understanding of the failure mechanism.

Fractography services:
- Fatigue fracture analysis, examining all three stages: crack initiation (Stage I), propagation (Stage II), and final separation (Stage III), with particular attention to fatigue striations in high-cycle fatigue
- Cleavage examination, analyzing river patterns, feather markings, and chevron patterns characteristic of low-energy fractures
- Dimple rupture analysis for overload failures, focusing on microvoid coalescence patterns
- Decohesive rupture investigation for cases involving hydrogen embrittlement, stress corrosion cracking, and creep
Investigative chemistry services for material composition
- Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR Analysis)
- Gas Chromatography/Mass Selective Detection (GC/MSD)
- Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)with Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectrometry (EDS)
- Optical Emission Spectrometry (OES)
- Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC)
Residue analysis for mysterious stains, discolorations, deposits or evidence of corrosion
Expert witness services for litigation support

Components and materials we test

We analyze a comprehensive range of metallic and non-metallic materials including wrought metals, cast metals, powder metals, steels, aluminum, nickel, titanium, copper, magnesium, molybdenum, carbon steel, polymers, rubbers, elastomers, and composites. Our expertise spans upstream, midstream, and downstream applications.

Methods and solutions offered

Our approach combines detailed forensic inspection, component measurement, material characterization, and material-fluid compatibility assessment. We employ chain-of-evidence procedures and provide comprehensive documentation to support potential litigation needs.

Cutting-edge equipment we use

Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR Analysis)
Gas Chromatography/Mass Selective Detection (GC/MSD)
Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) with Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectrometry (EDS)
Optical Emission Spectrometry (OES)
Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC)

Which labs we offer this service at

Our expert team operates from energy hubs across the world, providing global access to our end-to-end capabilities. Find out where your nearest energy hub is on our Locations Page.

Standards we test to and materials we test

These are our most prevalent requests. Don't see what you're looking for? Contact us!

ASTM E860

ASTM E1188

ASTM E1492

Your Challenges, Our Solutions

Time pressure for answers

When your key assets fail, we provide rapid, comprehensive analysis to identify root causes and recommend corrective actions, minimizing future production losses.

Preventing future equipment failures

Our detailed insights and recommendations help you implement preventive measures, reducing the risk of recurring failures and protecting your investment.

Legal and liability concerns

With established chain-of-evidence procedures and expert witness services, we support you through any potential litigation with detailed technical documentation.

Complex analysis requirements

Our multi-disciplinary team uses advanced analytical techniques including FTIR, GC/MSD, SEM/EDS, and metallurgical examination to tackle failures from material defects to environmental damage, delivering clear, actionable insights backed by comprehensive documentation.

Why Choose Element

Element materials testing engineer operating precision measurement equipment for quality analysis

Global expertise, local support

Direct access to testing experts and our worldwide network of laboratories with global capacity and local service delivery

Comprehensive, multi-modal analysis capabilities

Advanced testing equipment and multi-disciplinary expertise. Unique combination of materials selection, manufacturing process, and fracture mechanics knowledge for comprehensive solutions.

Legal support ready

Established procedures and expert witness services for litigation support

Industry-specific knowledge

Deep understanding of oil and gas sector challenges and requirements

Frequently asked questions

What techniques do you use to analyze unknown residues or deposits on components?

We use a combination of analysis techniques including SEM/EDS for elemental composition, XRD for identifying specific compounds, and FTIR for analyzing residues with high carbon levels or those too thin for SEM/EDS analysis. For in-depth analysis, we combine stereomicroscopy, SEM analysis, and metallurgical examination to determine if residues are surface deposits or sub-surface corrosion products.

How do you approach non-metallic failure analysis for oil and gas components?

Our approach starts with gathering critical field data including component location, function, material specifications, service conditions (fluids, temperature, pressure, duration), and design conditions. We then conduct forensic inspection, component measurement, material characterization, material-fluid compatibility assessment, and machining for test specimens as needed.

What are the main fracture modes you analyze and what do they indicate?

We analyze four principal fracture modes: fatigue fracture (showing characteristic striations from repetitive loading), cleavage fracture (exhibiting river patterns and chevron markings), dimple rupture (indicating overload through microvoid coalescence), and decohesive rupture (showing evidence of atomic bond weakening through processes like hydrogen embrittlement or stress corrosion cracking).