Corrosion-resistant alloys

The incentive to use corrosion-resistant alloy (CRA) production tubing has grown as bottomhole temperatures have steadily increased above 325F, as corrosion control costs have grown, and as many operations have sprung up in remote sites with limited accessibility.

The use of corrosion-resistant alloys in oil-field applications has increased during the past 10 years and continues to grow despite the fact that these alloys are relatively expensive when compared to carbon steel. CRA production tubulars can be purchased relatively easily, but because the industry purchased relatively easily, but because the industry does not have extensive experience with these alloys and there aren’t any industry standards, there is a continuing risk of encountering manufacturing or service problems.