In a previous paper a new type of laboratory test facility was introduced, that enables
experimental modeling of rotating and fixed pump components respective electrochemical and
mechanical wear. This paper discusses the results of experiments conducted in order to
investigate the effects of temperature, sand volume fractions and heat treatment of a forged
chromium nickel steel on erosion/corrosion resistance. This steel is commonly used as screw
material of twin screw pumps used in the oil and gas production industry. The steel was tested
“as delivered” as well as in heat treated versions in order to examine the effect that a change
of the microstructure has on the material’s wear. It will be shown, that one of the heat treated
versions of the chromium nickel steel has a higher wear resistance at high sand volume
fractions than the “as delivered” steel. This difference in wear resistance is not recorded at low
sand loads where the corrosion is the prevailing factor for wear. As a result for the selection of
twin screw pump materials in the oil and gas industry, the wear resistance of steel heat
treatments will be discussed with respect to the hydrocarbon reservoir composition they will be
exposed to.