Abstract
The idea is to use 3D printing technology to design and manufacture wedge wire laterals of sand filters with non-metallic material to withstand the filter operating conditions of treated seawater for oil and gas fields and reservoirs. The design of the laterals is unique and can't be achieved with conventional nonmetallic manufacturing methods due to wedge wire laterals design specifications. This modification will resolve major corrosion challenges, sand migration and meeting water quality specifications in addition to enormous cost savings compare to existing metallic materials.
Wedge wire laterals WWL of filters are designed to remove particulates from fluids to prevent contamination, media passing or damage to downstream industrial processes, equipment and oil and gas reservoirs. WWL is the main element for the filtration process and any failure or leaks will lead to media passing and affect to all downstream piping, equipment's and meeting water quality specification.
The existing materials is stainless steel 316 and it's has frequent failures, corrosion and pitting even before the T&I due date, as shown in below picture. The design of the laterals is unique and can't be achieved with traditional manufacturing methods of nonmetallic materials due to laterals technical specifications.
