Research on online inspection technology for wellhead equipment based on phased array ultrasonic testing

For major oil fields under PetroChina, the wellhead equipment is usually abundant and diverse, selected based on the depth of the reservoirs and the extraction processes. During service, wellhead equipment is prone to erosion and corrosion, which can lead to safety risks such as leaks. Therefore, corrosion detection of high-risk wellhead equipment in service is crucial for ensuring the safe operation of these devices. Considering the operating conditions and structural characteristics of wellhead equipment, the applicability of various non-destructive testing methods was compared, and a defect detection scheme for wellhead equipment, primarily based on phased array ultrasonic testing(PAUT), was determined. Using PAUT technology, an online inspection was conducted on the wellhead equipment of 10 oil and gas wells in the Keshen block of Tarim Oilfield, which were prone to corrosion. It was found that in two of these wells, the passage and flange end surface of the production wing connection short section were both corroded, with the corrosion groove having a depth of approximately 5.0 mm and a width of approximately 50 mm. The on-site inspection results validated the feasibility of applying PAUT for online inspection of wellhead equipment.