Investigations of polyethylene of raised temperature resistance service performance using autoclave test under sour medium conditions

Abstract

The chapter deals with the performance evaluation of the polyethylene of raised temperature resistance (PE-RT) and polyethylene (PE) using autoclave test under sour oil and gas medium conditions. The analyses of performance changes showed that PE-RT has good media resistance at 60°C. As the temperature increases, its mechanical properties decrease, accompanied by an increase in weight. Comparative analyses showed that no matter what temperature conditions are, PE-RT media resistance is better than PE80. The better media resistance of PE-RT depends on its higher degree of branching. Short branches are distributed between the crystals to form a connection between the crystals, thereby improving its heat resistance and stress under high-temperature conditions. PE-RT forms an excellent three-dimensional network structure through copolymerization, ensuring that it has better media resistance than PE80. However, the mechanical performance will be attenuated due to the high service temperature.