Whitepaper: Rapid Gas Decompression (RGD) Tests Involving Hydrogen Sulfide

At the 2016 Oilfield Engineering with Polymers conference in London, Element’s demonstrated that H2S is a more hostile gas than CO2 towards housed elastomeric seals subjected to repeated pressure cycling in Rapid Gas Decompression (RGD) tests. This is believed to be a consequence of its higher solubility.

Before this work, there was no information in the public domain about sour RGD resistance, making this one of the last unexplored areas in oilfield polymer testing. Now, for the first time, you can read our technical whitepaper on the study methodology and results, as well a conclusions and next steps for industry to continue making advancements in the field of rapid gas decompression testing. 

Download the full whitepaper here

In Need of Sour RGD Testing?

If you are in need of Sour RGD testing, please note that Element will be repeating the sour RGD tests mentioned in this paper, along with an appropriate non-sour control test. We are looking to seal manufacturers, suppliers and other interested parties who would like to participate in this testing program.

The purpose of this is study is to identify the performance of materials in true sour RGD conditions. This is an opportunity to cost-effectively expose compounds to harsh RGD test conditions, which we believe is unique within the market at the current time.