Recommended Practice

For the Qualification of Downhole

Issue date: January 15th 2016

Document number: 3362-01

Baker Hughes
Chevron
ConocoPhillips
DNV GL
Emerson/Roxar
Eni
Halliburton
Maersk Oil
Nexen
Petrobras
Quartzdyne
Saudi Aramco
Schlumberger
Statoil
Weatherford
Abstract
This Recommended Practice (RP) has been developed by users and suppliers/manufacturers of
downhole instrumentation/sensors that are intended for use in the petroleum and natural gas industry
globally. This RP is intended to provide requirements and information to both parties regarding
qualification testing performed on the device to validate the functional specification.

Users of this RP should be aware that requirements, above those outlined in this recommended
practice, may be needed for individual applications.

This recommended practice is not intended to inhibit a supplier/manufacturer from offering, or the
user/purchaser from accepting, alternative equipment or engineering solutions. This may be particularly
applicable where there is innovative or developing technology. Where an alternative is offered, the
supplier/manufacturer should identify any variations from this recommended practice.

This RP provides requirements and guidelines for qualification testing of permanently installed
downhole instrumentation/sensors. The following downhole instrumentation/sensors are covered by
this RP:

 Electronic gauges/sensors
 Optical gauges/sensors
 Downhole equipment containing electronics, as applicable

Testing/equipment not covered by this RP includes:

 Well head and other related equipment

The document provides detailed qualification requirements including data collection and storage,
instrumentation requirements, qualification test plan flow chart and a number of tests. The following
tests are included:

 The functional test - aims to demonstrate that the original factory calibration of the EUT conforms
to metrology specification before and after the qualification tests
 Thermal cycling – aims to confirm the functionality of the electronics of the EUT when exposed to
temperature cycling within the stated operating limits
 Ambient random vibration – aims to confirm the functionality of the electronics and sealing
assemblies of the EUT when exposed to mechanical vibration
 Mechanical shock - aims to confirm the functionality of the electronics and sealing assemblies of
the EUT when exposed to mechanical shock
 Pressure cycling test – aims to confirm the metrology of the EUT when exposed to the stated
operating limits
 Wetted internal pressure/thermal cycling test – aims to confirm the structural and seal integrity of
the EUT when exposed to differential pressure at min and max operating temperatures with the
pressure applied to the internally wetted components
 External pressure cycling test – aims to confirm the structural and seal integrity of the EUT when
exposed to differential pressure at min and max operating temperatures with the pressure applied
to the externally wetted components
 Seal pressure cycling test – aims to confirm the seal integrity of the EUT when exposed to
differential pressure at minimum and maximum operating temperatures with the pressure applied
both internally and externally
 Storage/cold start test – aims to ensure the EUT functions according to functional specification after
long term exposure to the minimum storage temperature stated
 Drift testing – aims to determine the cumulative error introduced to a sensor over time while
subjected to maximum operating conditions such as pressure and temperature
 Long-term reliability test – aims to develop a long term reliability statement for the final product
Table of Content
Foreword ...................................................................................................................................................
Introduction................................................................................................................................................
1. Scope .................................................................................................................................................
2. Normative References .......................................................................................................................
3. Terms and Definitions ........................................................................................................................
3.1 Terms and Definitions ...............................................................................................................
3.2 Abbreviated Terms ....................................................................................................................
4. Functional Specification .....................................................................................................................
5. Qualification Requirement Specification ............................................................................................
5.1 General ......................................................................................................................................
5.2 Data Collection and Storage .....................................................................................................
5.3 Instrumentation Requirements ..................................................................................................
5.4 Qualification Test Plan Flow Chart ............................................................................................
5.5 Functional Test ..........................................................................................................................
5.6 Thermal Cycling ........................................................................................................................
5.7 Ambient Random Vibration .......................................................................................................
5.8 Mechanical Shock .....................................................................................................................
5.9 Operating Pressure Cycling Test ..............................................................................................
5.10 Wetted Internal Pressure/Thermal Cycling Test .......................................................................
5.11 External Pressure/Thermal Cycling Test ..................................................................................
5.12 Seal Pressure/Thermal Cycling Test ........................................................................................
5.13 Storage/Cold Start Testing ........................................................................................................
5.14 Drift Testing ...............................................................................................................................
5.15 Long Term Reliability Test ........................................................................................................
6. List of Tables ......................................................................................................................................
7. List of Figures ....................................................................................................................................
7.1 Accelerated Life Test ................................................................................................................
7.2 Accelerated Life Test Example Calculation ..............................................................................
8. Annex “B” Reliability Demonstration Test ..........................................................................................
8.1 Reliability Demonstration Test ..................................................................................................
8.2 Reliability Demonstration Test Example Calculation ................................................................
9. Annex “C” Field Data .........................................................................................................................