Explosive decompression damages

EXPLOSIVE DECOMPRESSION DAMAGE IN ELASTOMERIC FLEXIBLE CONNECTIONS... 

The problem of explosive decompression damage to oilfield flowline equipment prompted the development of James Walker s FR58/90 fluoroelastomer. The research, development and field testing of Union seals made of this material is described. The Anson Superseal has now been approved and accepted by major operators for sour gas explosive decompression service. 2 refs. 

Values from high-pressure permeation tests can give useful information regarding the selecting of elastomer types to withstand potential explosive (rapid gas) decompression damage (Sections... 

Explosive Decompression in Solid Elastomer Sections—The Nature of ED Damage... 

FIGURE 23.14 Explosive decompression (ED) damage in a fluoroelastomer O-ring seal section left and miscellaneous samples of a nonfluorinated oil-field elastomer right obtained using pressure vessels such as those shown in Eigure 23.15. 

Ways to Lessen Risk of Explosive Decompression (ED) Damage for Sealing Elastomers in Service... 

B.J. Briscoe and S. Zakaria et al. Imperial College London-UK, "Role of Interfacial Quality on Gas Induced damage of Elastomer Composites" Presented at "Explosive Decompression Seminar" June 4, 1990 Red bank NJ, USA. Dan Hertz, Seals Eastern Inc Energy Group Educational Symposium, September 24-25,1991. 

Explosive decompression in pressurized hose and seals can result in damage only after several decompression cycles, i.e. as a result of fatigue. Tests were made42 which produced fracture surfaces similar to those from explosive decompression and the importance of maximum strain, temperature, void size and void position was highlighted. 

Potential energy Rupture of pressure vessels, pipes or ducts. Bulkhead rupture. Consider issues such as pressure vessel containment, damage to areas subjected to very high/low temperature, explosive decompression, etc. 

SAFETY PROFILE Liquid air can cause dssue damage due to low temperature. Personnel exposed to compressed air may develop caisson disease (the bends, the chokes) if decompression is too rapid. Moderate explosion hazard when containers under pressure are shocked or exposed to heat or flame. Flammable materials, e.g., ethyl ether, hydrocarbons, or charcoal, which have been in contact with liquid air may explode very easily. Ordinary oxidation is greatly accelerated in compressed air. Moderately dangerous disaster hazard can react vigorously with reducing materials. 

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