The impact of thermal ageing on sealing performance of HNBR packing elements in downhole installations in oilfield wellhead applications

Hydrogenated nitrile butyl rubber (HNBR) elastomers are highly resistant to chemicals and degradation, they good candidates be adopted in aggressive environmental conditions of high temperature pressure. As these service parameters common oil gas applications, HNBR is popular applications such as elastomer packers wellhead installations. This study investigated the thermal ageing behaviour better predict long-term sealing performance packers. Elastomer compounds were thermally aged FTIR-ATR differential scanning calorimetry techniques used indicate dominant chemical reactions during ageing. Furthermore, mechanical studied investigate effect on performance. It was indicated that crosslinking reaction process up 150 °C. resulted increased stiffness alleviated elongational strains at break. However, behaved brittle temperatures above °C, from analysis, it concluded those chain scission overtook mechanism. Finally, an approach for life-long prediction characteristics specimens showed while promotes elastic failure, °C facilitate rupture because response compounds.