Novel non-magnetic steel for high-performance drilling and logging operations

Abstract

The paper presents the results of realized project aimed on development of the Russian non-magnetic steel for borehole equipment. Development specialists of high-tech equipment for the RF fuel and energy complex (FEC) have noted the complete dependence on deliveries of foreign non-magnetic steels from EU countries, China, USA. This dependence on delivery of import products increases the risks of both operating activity (due to trade restrictions) and economical efficiency of the FEC enterprises (Russian ruble exchange rate grew by ~30 % to Euro in 2020). It concerns users of mineral resources, oil service companies, developers and manufacturers of high-tech equipment for boreholes drilling as well geophysical researches. Possibility of establishment of non-magnetic steel production in Russia was analyzed, the plan for realization of this project was prepared, the technical and project risks were evaluated, the industrial demand for non-magnetic steel was assessed, the industrial technical requirements and testing techniques were developed. The cooperation chain including purchaser, manufacturer of bar products of non-magnetic steel and producer of non-magnetic steel itself was formed in 2020. Three pilot melts of non-magnetic steel (totally 18 t) were conducted and bars of different diameters (from 35 to 140 mm) were forged. The plant laboratorial testing displayed the following bar parameters: yield strength 1,093 MPa; tensile strength 1,155 MPa; impact energy 242 J. This steel as also characterized by resistance to intergranular corrosion. Relative magnetic permeability made 1.003. The laboratorial tests were conducted in accordance with ASTM techniques. The following equipment range was fabricated: non-magnetic subs Flow-Sub, non-magnetic heavy-weight drill collars etc. At present time the field testing takes place in the oil and gas provenances of Western Siberia, Yamal and in Volga-Ural region within the framework of drilling of oil and gas wells.