Erosive Wear Resistance of a Pipeline Section (API 5L-X52) by Solid Particle (Al2O3)

This study focused on determining the mechanical behavior and wear resistance of a carbon steel pipeline, API 5L-X52, subjected to solid particle erosion. It analyzed the erosion rate and mass loss when impacted at different angles of incidence. Erosion by solid particles is a common failure mode in various industries, especially mining, marine, oil and gas, leading to significant cost losses. In the oil and gas industry, pipelines serve as vital conduits for material transportation and are most susceptible to different types of erosion. Test materials, API X-52 steel and abrasive particles, were characterized using techniques such as SEM and EDS to determine their chemical composition and physical properties. Several tests were performed at a particle velocity of 24 m/s and room temperature, with the angle of incidence ranging from 15° to 90°, using an erosive tribometer designed based on the ASTM G-76 standard. The erosion rate and mass loss were calculated and evaluated to understand the mechanical behavior and wear process, along with profilometry analysis of the wear scars on each specimen. The wear behavior and the angle of incidence exhibiting the most severe wear were also determined.