Rapid Gas Decompression (RGD) Testing

在石油和天然气部门内，快速的气体减压(RGD)测试一直是一个被误解的现象——部件l now.

Staying at the forefront of the O&G industry developments and advancements, Element offers Rapid Gas Decompression testing to help manufacturers and users of elastomers better understand the behavior of this material in true sour RGD conditions.

What is Rapid Gas Decompression?

Caused by corrosive hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide gases, Rapid Gas Decompression causes deterioration and failures of elastomeric components, putting valuable equipment and resources at risk. Because of their constant pressure fluctuations, seals are most vulnerable to RGD. When they are compressed, gases seep into the interior of the seal, where they remain until pressure is released. When this happens, the gas is forced to escape through the most readily available channel, often resulting in ruptures and failures of seals and other components.

RGD Testing for O-Rings using Hydrogen Sulfide

Previously, Rapid Gas Decompression testing had only been performed using carbon dioxide gas. While these are valuable results to have, Element has developed a procedure for testing O-rings with Hydrogen Sulfide (H₂S), a highly corrosive gas that provides a more accurate simulation of real-world conditions. This method subjects seals to both H₂S and a control (non-sour) gas to evaluate how sour gases affect the rate of rapid gas decompression.

The RGD test is conducted by applying cyclic pressure inside a pressure vessel at High Temperature/High Pressure (HT/HP) conditions, using different gas concentrations. The cycle length is varied during the test, with predetermined dwell and vent periods. This is a new and innovative method, allowing the sector access to RGD testing in sour environments for the first time.

For more information about this test, and to request a quote for this new service,speak to an expert today.