High Density Polyethylene Liner: Successful Alternative Against Corrosion and Wear Problems in Production Tubing of Mature Fields in Colombia

Abstract

Abstract The production tubing in wells of mature fields in Ecopetrol located in the Middle Valley of Magdalena has shown a run life between 180 and 300 days. The main failures are due to corrosion and abrasive wear or friction mechanisms that, according to root cause analysis (RCA), could be the result of exposing the carbon steel to aggressive fluid, production sand and contact with sucker rod (beam pumping-BP or progressive cavity pumping-PCP). Taking into account the positive experience previously obtained at field test and extended use of the HDPE liner in flow and collector lines with corrosion and abrasion problems, this work presents the results evidenced in laboratory evaluation and demonstration trial of the HDPE (High Density Polyethylene) liner to mitigate premature failures and prolong run life of production tubing.