Floating production platforms for oil and gas commonly utilize flexible risers. These multi-layered pipes contain carbon steel wires to provide both hoop strength and axiaf strength. Aggressive production environments containing hydrogen sulfide necessitate the selection of steels that meet the requirements of MR0175. The wires have been tested for use in sour gas environments in accordance with NACE and API requirements. Modifications to the sour service testing methods which were made to meet the requirements of API 17J, Draft Specification for Unbended Flexible Pipe, are discussed and the results are summarized.
Keywords: hydrogen sulfide, H2S, hydrogen induced cracking, HIC, sulfide stress cracking, SSC, sour gas, flexible pipe, carbon steel, wire, floating production.