Oil and gas

Materials performance and testing laboratory – Columbus, Ohio

Unmatched technical expertise and practical experience

At DNV, our scientists, engineers and subject matter experts provide unmatched technical expertise and practical experience to tackle the most challenging environments. Our systematic and detailed approach to materials science and engineering is augmented by a full understanding and in-depth knowledge of applicable codes, standards, and regulations.

DNV Columbus Materials Testing Lab

Contact us:

Dr. David Norfleet, P.E.

Dr. David Norfleet, P.E.

Head of Department - Laboratories and Testing

Our services

Our capabilities and assessment methodologies enable the study of a variety of materials and environments. DNV maintains a highly skilled and experienced staff of materials scientists and engineers backed by one of the premier materials and corrosion technology centers in North America. 

Learn more our laboratory services for:

• Hydrogen exposure testing
• Microbially influenced corrosion (MIC) threat assessment
• Sour service and high pressure – high temperature (HPHT) testing
• Failure investigation and root cause analysis
• Full scale testing
• Welding services
• Coating and evaluation services

Hydrogen exposure testing

At DNV we have a dedicated laboratory space for quantifying material performance for application in hydrogen transportation and storage. Our services include general material compatibility as well as fracture and fatigue performance evaluation.  

What we do for you

Our advanced testing services provide customers with the data and insights needed to better understand the impact of the environment and various operational factors on the materials used in pipelines and storage wells.

The DNV difference

• Extensive experience and understanding for hydrogen assisted damage mechanisms in materials
• Advanced knowledge of material compatibility in gaseous hydrogen environments 

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Microbiologically influenced corrosion

DNV offers services to assist pipeline operators to reliably diagnose and characterize the abiotic and microbial mechanisms that can cause internal corrosion.  
We can help you to develop and implement the right approach to address MIC in its earliest stages.

We offer: 

• MIC Threat Assessment Evaluation
• Biocide Screening & Optimization
• Chemical Process Testing
• Advanced Characterization Services
• Mitigation Advisory 

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Sour service/HPHT 

We test both metallic and non-metallic materials, with specialties in harsh environments such as sour service testing and high pressure – high temperature (HPHT):

• Qualification/selection
• Capability for full suite of sour service tests per NACE MR0175 qualification requirements
• Fatigue and fracture - fitness-for-service/remaining life/time-to-failure
• Corrosion/crack growth rate

Failure investigation and root cause analysis

When failure occurs, understanding the root cause can help system operators prevent future incidents and mitigate financial losses. At DNV, we take a structured approach to pinpoint the immediate cause of failure and any contributing factors. 

• Onsite incident response
• Incident investigation
• Failure analysis
• Root cause analysis (RCA)
• Litigation support/expert witness testimony
• Regulatory support
• Laboratory testing, modeling, simulation
• Training

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Full scale testing

Our laboratory services specialize in full scale testing to help our customers assess   material performance under conditions that are as close to in-service conditions as possible.

We can help you with: 

• Full scale accident/evidence reconstruction and laser scanning
• Hydrostatic pressure testing (hydrotesting)
• Welding on pressurized vessels to facilitate welding research under automated-controlled environments (i.e., welding on hydrogen blended cylinders)
• 4-inch multiphase flow loop that replicates flow conditions to assess corrosion rates and corrosion inhibitor performance

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Welding

We provide support for new construction and in-service pipeline repair welding. Our team of experts offer international training, vintage pipe advisory, and regulatory compliance and best practices support. 

New construction support (CAPEX)

• Pipeline construction/Materials specification review and support
• Welding procedure qualification and/or review
• Assistance with regulatory oversight

In-service welding support (OPEX)

• Welding procedure compliance review and qualification support
• Pipeline repair
• Site-specific risks prediction for burn through and hydrogen cracking 

Non-metallic material qualification and testing 

In addition to metals, the laboratory specializes in testing of material performance and environmental compatibility for non-metallic materials, including coatings, elastomers, and thermoplastics.  The testing provides operators and OEMs the confidence that the material will function reliably in the anticipated service environment. Typical analyses include:

• Chemical compatibility testing
• Lifetime estimation testing 
• Thermal and mechanical property evaluations
• Material Characterization
• Coating evaluation, testing, and failure mode determination
• Rapid depressurization testing

Contact us:

Dr. David Norfleet, P.E.

Dr. David Norfleet, P.E.

Head of Department - Laboratories and Testing

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Laboratory services and solutions offered globally

Corrosion testing

Failure analysis and failure investigation

Flow testing and flow calibration

Full-scale testing

Materials testing and qualification