Engineering Lab Services
The Viking Laboratory provides fit-for-service evaluations, testing and analysis for evaluating complex downhole failures, pipeline failure investigations and forensic services for midstream and downstream clients and also provides services to the renewable energy sector.
Our lab is centrally located in Houston with easy Hot Shot access.
Our Services
Metallurgical Laboratory Testing Services
Materials, Corrosion & Engineering Mechanics
Failure Analysis Lab Services
Field Inspections
Modeling & Technology Lab Services
The Viking Laboratory is a full-service metallurgical testing laboratory offering a wide range of engineering and testing services.
Viking engineers and subject matter experts have the capability of designing and constructing customized fit-for-purpose testing fixtures and apparatuses based on extensive modeling and industry experience.
Additionally, Viking Laboratory is proudly a failure investigation, integrity and material testing company accredited to ISO/IEC 17025:2017.
Metallurgical Laboratory Testing Services
Viking metallurgical testing services capabilities include:
Chemical Analysis
Mechanical Testing
Tensile Testing
Hardness Testing
Materials Chemical Analysis
Metallographic Evaluations
Fracture Surface Evaluations
Microstructural Characterization
Customized Testing
Materials, Corrosion & Engineering Mechanics Lab Service
Viking Engineers have extensive experience in supporting material selection for diverse industries, based on design, environment and application conditions. Our services include material recommendations review, material evaluations, sour service evaluation and testing, welding engineering, material compatibility assessment and material specification development.
We can perform corrosion studies in local settings (i.e., specific equipment), or wide field studies (i.e., oil and gas fields, facilities). We undertake our analysis with a holistic and integrated approach that includes multidisciplinary review of all factors contributing to the corrosion risk, from the operational and corrosive environment conditions to the material qualities.
Viking engineers are also capable of undertaking any type of Engineering Mechanics assessment by using commercial software packages (i.e., TDAS® , WELLCAT™ ,FEA Software ABAQUS ®, OLGA ®, OLI ®) or proprietary in-house developed models.
Viking engineers and metallurgists are also knowledgeable in the areas of:
Fit-for-service Evaluations
Microstructural Characterization
Materials Selection
Corrosion Testing
Fracture Surface Evaluation (SEM/EDS Fractography Evaluations)
Mechanical Testing (Tensile, Hardness, CVN)
Fracture Mechanics
Fracture Mechanics Testing (KIC, JIC, J-R)
Our Materials, Corrosion & Engineering Mechanics Services
Metallics and Non Metallics Materials Selection
Field Corrosion Studies
Fit-for Service Assessment
Integrity Assessments
Life Extension Engineering Assessments
Failure Analysis Lab Services
Viking Laboratory can help solve some of the most complex failures in the industry by offering a multi-disciplinary team of engineers. Collaboration with experts in other disciplines is required in certain circumstances to integrate the analysis of the evidence with a quantitative understanding of the different factors contributing to the observed material failure (i.e., state of stress, environment and background information on the design, manufacture, and service history of the failed component or system).
Viking Laboratory can also provide expertise from sample collection and courtroom expert witness, if necessary. In addition, we can help our clients avoid future problems by providing design modifications based on the failure causes.
Our services include conducting analyses on failed pipelines, downhole equipment, pressure vessels or any other critical structural component from any industry.
Our team of scientists and engineers can perform metallurgical evaluations, fracture surface evaluations, FEA, Root Cause Analysis (RCA) and a wide range of integrity assessments.
The Viking Team also leverages and applies lessons learned from the proprietary Viking Failure Investigation Database that contains findings from over 500 independent failures.
Our Failure Analysis Lab Services
Forensic Engineering
Field Investigation
Legal support / Expert Witness
Root Cause analysis
Sample Collection
Proprietary Failures Database
Fit-for Purpose Evaluations
Field Inspections
Viking engineers, metallurgists, and technicians, possess the knowledge, experience, and state of the art equipment to perform field inspections, such as:
In-situ metallography (replica testing)
Positive Material Identification (PMI) by Optical Emission Spectroscopy
Hardness testing
Non-Destructive Testing (NDT)
Visual examination
Magnetic Particle Inspection (MPI)
Liquid Dye Penetrant (LDP)
Ultrasonic Testing (UT)
Modeling & Technology Lab Services
Viking Laboratory leverage from the expertise of Viking Engineering subject mater experts in the areas of:
Finite Element Analysis (FEA)
Fracture Mechanics
Fatigue Analysis
Thermal-Hydraulic Flow Modeling
Production Engineering and
Corrosion and Erosion Modeling
Thermodynamic Modeling
Viking’s Modeling and Technology Team develops fit-for-purpose software solutions and customized testing to solve very complex engineering problems, including failure investigations in legal cases.
Viking’s Team has developed in-house software models for different clients in the following areas:
Corrosion Modeling for Specific Field Applications
Materials Selection based on Erosion, Corrosion, and Sulfide Stress Cracking Performance.
Corrosion / Erosion Tool for Production Optimization
Fracture Mechanics Calculations.
Our Modeling & Technology Lab Services
Finite Element Analysis (FEA)
Thermo-hydraulic Modeling
Corrosion and Erosion Modeling
Fracture Mechanics Modeling
Fatigue and Stress Analysis
Thermodynamic Modeling
Fit-for-Purpose Software Design
Equipment Sneak Peeks
Dive into our YouTube channel for exclusive previews of the latest lab equipment we use for failure analyses. From surface grinders to Charpy impact testers, we take you behind the scenes to witness our high-tech lab equipment.
Consult Our Specialist
Operations Manager
Erika Alvarez is an operations, engineering, and project management professional with over 19 years of experience spanning engineering design, supply chain analysis, project delivery, production management, quality management, and organizational improvement.
Phone: 281.870.8455
Lab Metallurgical Specialist
Cesar has half a decade of experience working in RD and metallurgical labs across Houston. He is currently pursuing a degree in Engineering and Material Science.
Phone: 281.870.8455
Related Resources
So your pipe burst, your pump shaft snapped, or your welded joint split, and you need to figure out why and how to fix it. The next steps you take can make the difference between finding answers and leaving the mystery unsolved until the next failure.
We have many options for conducting root cause analyses (RCA) including TapRooT™ and CAST/STPA. The method described here is the method developed by GATE to simplify the analysis while maintaining adequate rigor.
This paper is Part II of a two-part series intended to narrate the history, some of which has been forgotten over time, leading up to the publication of the first Material Requirement (MR-01-75) standard prepared by NACE and its subsequent auxiliary standards.
This is Part I of a two-part series intended to narrate the “lost” history leading up to the publication of the first Material Requirement (MR-01-75) standard prepared by NACE (now AMPP) and its subsequent auxiliary standards.
Through recognizing our clients’ needs, our engineering expertise, and our proprietary in-house GATE Prho™ software engine, we provide customizable, cost-effective, easy-to use software tools to deliver better client outcomes quicker.
This course will cover: Single-phase flow fundamentals, application examples in oil and gas industry, how to perform calculations, and modeling best practices.
This course contains application examples of single-phase fluid flow in oil and gas industry and step-by-step modeling.
This online course gives an overview of multiphase flow, how multiphase flow is different from two phase flow, the importance of understanding multiphase flow and the factors that influence multiphase flow.
Circuitization aims to reduce overhead inspection costs through the thoughtful break down of a system into smaller sections.
This information provides insight to aid in preventing common failures and improving industry practices to reduce incident rates in addition to saving time and money.
Now its time to assess the TOLC risk and the corresponding locations in the system where TOLC may occur. From there we can determine the appropriate mitigation and control strategies.
The building blocks of a robust inspection program are condition monitoring locations (CMLs). As defined by API 510 and API 570, CMLs are designated locations on pressure vessels or piping systems where periodic external examinations are conducted to assess condition.
In Part 2 of this GATEKEEPER series, we will look at the different approaches available to assess risk in the system and will discuss the mitigation options available to us.
This article will outline the challenges during integrity management, and the best practices that ultimately deliver a coordinated, effective, and cost-optimized IM plan.
In determination of consequence and risk assignment, multiple aspects are considered such as the impact of failure on the health and safety of personnel and community in the impacted area, environment, cost of recovery (cleaning, maintenance, extent of operation, repairs) and business.
Oil well stimulation is commonly undertaken using aqueous solutions of hydrochloric acid (HCl), hydrofluoric acid (HF), organic acids or mixture. The use of these acids will open new channels near the wellbore region for the oil and gas flow through and will result in increased production.
In this GATEKEEPER, the philosophy around the materials selection and corrosion monitoring is discussed as the primary design barrier to corrosion and cracking in critical parts of a subsea system.
The following material properties are important when understanding the limitations of API 5CT high strength steels: yield strength (YS), Charpy V-notch (CVN) impact energy, hardness and tempering.
This GATEKEEPER article focuses on the prediction, prevention and remediation of liquid loading, including discussion of liquid loading analysis.
The objective of this GATEKEEPER is to provide a high-level overview of the model commonly used in the industry to estimate the wax deposition.
The design and development of a viable, robust wax management strategy relies upon the economical evaluation of available management techniques.
Wax management strategies developed during Front End Engineering Design (FEED) can mitigate or perhaps even prevent these costs. The goal of this GATEKEEPER series is to provide high-level insight into the planning, execution, and maintenance of wax management strategies.
The mechanisms that can lead to catastrophic failures of equipment in the oil and gas industry due to the presence of mercury are briefly presented in this GATEKEEPER.
One of the primary flow assurance challenges in the production of hydrocarbons is the prevention of pipeline blockages.
This GATEKEEPER provides a general overview of the epoxy coatings used in offshore oil and gas service and discusses common causes of premature coating failure as well as factors affect coating quality.
The flow of metal during Friction Stir Welding is clarified using a faying surface tracer and a nib frozen in place during welding. It is shown that material is transported by two processes.
Acidizing involves pumping acid into a wellbore or geologic formation that is capable of producing oil and/or gas. The purpose of acidizing is to improve a well’s productivity or injectivity after production has declined 4.
Annulus Pressure Management refers to an engineered approach ensuring that casing annulus pressures do not challenge the well’s integrity during the life of the well.
In order to avoid potential riser failures or replacement campaigns for anticipated service lives that may extend to 30 years or more, process facility components such as risers and flowline systems must now be subjected to more enhanced integrity monitoring through the whole of their service life.
Related Project Experience
A client sent us a leaking gate valve with a through-wall crack that had developed after years in service.
The investigation showed the valve had failed by fatigue. The crack had been growing for some time before finally penetrating through the valve wall and creating a leak.
Complete Field Integrity Project including wells, gathering lines, and facilities. Corrosion and Chemical Optimization and Development of a Viking Proprietary Tool for integrity.
HPHT Well Design Support
Quality Assurance, Failure Analysis Work, Well Delivery Processes, Well Design
HPHT Well Design Support
Unconventional Plays, Horizontal Wells, Failure Analysis Work, Quality Assurance Work, Rig Operations
Unconventional Plays, Quality Assurance, Rig Operations, Mill Surveillance
Unconventional Plays, Quality Assurance, Rig Operations, Mill Surveillance
Unconventional Plays, Horizontal Wells, Failure Analysis Work, Quality Assurance Work, Rig Operations
Unconventional Plays, Horizontal Wells, Failure Analysis Work, Quality Assurance Work, Rig Operations
Well Engineering HPHT
Material Selection for acid gas injection wells in west Texas. Materials Selection included production tubing, production casing, packer, production liner, Xtree and wellhead equipment.
CRA materials selection for production Liner for packer-less well designs in West Texas CO2 floods
Materials Selection for new well completion to include casing, and tubing. Corrosion Models were developed for these type wells using state-of-art software and modeling techniques
An independent oil operator experienced four back-to-back casing failures in his Oklahoma shale program. These current failures and setbacks were eating into his budget and eroding stakeholder faith in the ability to complete wells.
His initial comment was, “I’m not getting any sleep – I need some help. You’ve got to help me stop the leaks!”
A winter-peaking natural gas storage plant undergoes a production expansion which includes infill well drilling and a gas compression system expansion.
Led study for independent oil and gas operator regarding the injection of flue gases from Gulf coast power plants to a Deepwater development for the purposes of enhanced oil recovery (EOR). This considered pretreatment and processing requirements for flue gases from natural gas-fired boiler plants, natural gas combined cycle plants, coal-fired boiler plants and integrated gasification combined cycle plants. Key issues considered were the ability of the pretreatment system to remove oxygen and water.
GATE was responsible for developing the overall Aseng Water Injection System Basis of Design.
GATE was requested to determine the potential risks involved in waterflood for the Neptune and Shenzi fields as a means to determine whether waterflood was a viable option for enhanced oil recovery. Based on this, GATE developed a waterflood philosophy document that details the problems and possible mitigation procedures for BHP’s use in determining whether or not to waterflood.
GATE provided in-house production chemistry support for the Horn Mountain, Atlantis and Thunder Horse assets.
GATE undertook a chemical vendor qualification process on behalf of Noble to procure the best suited chemical and chemical support for both the Aseng and Alen assets based on their fluids, and system along with their specific operational needs.
GATE leverages each chemical vendors based on performance of chemical, lab, ability to meet supply demands and upsets, price, experience and key criteria important to contractor and operator.
GATE undertook a rigorous qualification process on behalf of the client to BHP to procure the best suited chemicals and chemical support for both the Neptune and Shenzi assets based on their fluids, and system along with their specific operational needs.
BP Pipeline oversees the operation of 9 total oil and gas export systems from more than 20 different platforms in the GoM. The pipeline systems transport almost half-million barrels of oil and hundreds of MMSCF of gas daily from the producing platforms to onshore processing facilities.
The FAMP has been developed for BP Pipeline assets to ensure proper working of the high volume systems by organizing and delegating between operators, facilities, laboratories and onshore offices. By facilitating the review of system performance and operation, this information provides the basis of a continuous improvement approach.
As part of the scope of work, GATE was commissioned to develop two comprehensive, user-friendly screening tools to guide subsea flowline materials selection decisions for wet gas and waterflood during concept selection and design using field specific data.
GATE undertook an investigation into recovered, decommissioned equipment to determine both the cause of failure and investigate integrity of components that may not have failed. This information has proven invaluable to operators who can base the performance of other equipment of a similar type and construction in a similar environment. This was significant as the recovered materials ranged from the mud-line, to sea surface and topsides.
GATE provides Shell with cathodic protection design support for all their subsea projects. This includes coating selection (anti-corrosion and flow assurance) and qualification, which also involves interfacing with the coating yard. An important aspect of this operation is carrying out comprehensive quality audits of anode foundries and coating plants around the world.
GATE determined the risks and mitigation of risk associated with wet parking and flooding of a gas export pipeline with unfiltered seawater. The key concerns are corrosion due to microbes, oxygen corrosion, and drying to prevent hydrate formation when the pipe goes into service.
GATE undertook erosion and corrosion modeling in the flowline to develop sand production allowance and an erosion corrosion risk assessment. From this, a maximum rate of gas production that will allow the asset to maintain it design life was determined. This enabled the operator to safely increase production by 25% to without additional risk to the asset thereby increasing the Net Present Value of the asset.
GATE was responsible for formulating a detailed flow assurance strategy for the successful operation of Juniper production system. The project involved extensive cross-functional interaction, detailed study of the lessons learnt from similar fields in the region (offshore Trinidad), simulating a wide variety of what-if scenarios (both steady state and transient) to draft the flow assurance strategy and operability logic for optimized production.
This series of two articles discusses the diagnosis, detection and remediation of oil and gas production system blockages in detail. The current issue focuses on blockage characterization and detection.