Qualification and application of a novel in-situ punch shear test cell for polymer material testing under severe environmental conditions

A novel high temperature and high pressure materials test system, a so-called in-situ punch shear test cell, has been developed to qualify materials for reliable service in harsh environments representative of those typically encountered in oil and gas operations. Conventionally, materials are first exposed in harsh environments, then removed from the aging fluids for mechanical testing. This practice can lead to generating unrealistic (often optimistic) mechanical properties. In this project the intern will deploy the novel test cell and conduct series of tests, first to qualify the device and validate test processes and measurements, and second, to conduct a series of tests with polymer materials under test conditions that are of high relevance to the industrial partner. University researchers and partner engineers will collaborate with Innotech Alberta, where testing will be completed using facilities apt for safely handling potentially hazardous materials. The project will conclude with compiling documentation from the experimental study that will be used for an industry collaborative development of a standard in ASTM International.

Faculty Supervisor:

Pierre Mertiny

Student:

Partner:

Flexpipe;InnoTech Alberta

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Manufacturing; Mining; Other services (except public administration); Professional, scientific and technical services; Transportation and warehousing

University:

University of Alberta

Program: