Challenge
Conventional side pocket mandrels (SPM) have inherent challenges related to welding and heat-treatment. These issues are exacerbated when welding nickel-chromium alloys, such as S13%Cr, 25%Cr and Alloy 718, common materials for high cost completions.
Challenges caused by manufacturing processes such as welding and post weld heat treatment require stringent and elaborate QA/QC processes. Despite all efforts, satisfactory repeatability of the manufacturing process is difficult to achive.
Solution
Today, SPMs are the only welded loadbearing component in a modern completion string. The elimination of welding brings the SPM to the same structural integrity level as the rest of the machined components in the string.
