NACE Compliant Materials for Skid Mounted Testers

In oil and gas production environments, equipment reliability is directly tied to safety, uptime, and asset life. Skid mounted testers operate in some of the most demanding conditions in the field. They are exposed to corrosive fluids, pressure cycling, temperature swings, and harsh outdoor environments. For operators, selecting skid mounted testers built with NACE compliant materials for skid mounted testers is not optional. It is a fundamental requirement for protecting personnel, production, and long-term capital investment.

Smith Industries designs and manufactures skid mounted testers that meet these challenges head on. Built with NACE compliant materials, manufactured in accordance with ASME Code requirements, and pressure tested and inspected prior to delivery, each unit is engineered for dependable performance in real world oilfield conditions.

This article explains why NACE compliant materials matter, how they influence skid mounted tester performance, and how Smith Industries applies these requirements to deliver reliable, long-lasting equipment.

Understanding Skid Mounted Testers in Oilfield Operations

Skid mounted testers, commonly referred to as test separators, are used to measure and evaluate production from individual wells. These units separate oil, gas, and water so operators can analyze flow rates, pressures, and fluid characteristics. The data collected from skid mounted testers informs production strategy, reservoir management, and regulatory reporting.

Because skid mounted testers are often deployed at remote sites and moved from location to location, they must be self contained, durable, and easy to operate. Typical skid mounted tester sizes range from 6 feet by 15 feet to 10 feet by 40 feet, accommodating a wide range of production volumes and site constraints.

The environments in which these units operate frequently include sour service conditions with hydrogen sulfide present, elevated pressures, and corrosive fluids. These factors make material selection critical.

Why NACE Compliance Is Critical for Skid Mounted Testers

NACE compliance refers to materials and fabrication practices designed to resist corrosion and cracking in environments that contain hydrogen sulfide. Sour service conditions are especially dangerous because hydrogen sulfide can lead to sulfide stress cracking, hydrogen induced cracking, and premature equipment failure if improper materials are used.

NACE standards are developed by the organization now known as AMPP, formerly NACE International. These standards define acceptable material chemistries, hardness limits, heat treatments, and fabrication practices for equipment exposed to corrosive oilfield environments.

For skid mounted testers, NACE compliance directly impacts:

• Personnel safety by reducing the risk of sudden equipment failure

• Equipment life by minimizing corrosion related damage

• Operational uptime by preventing unplanned maintenance and replacement

• Regulatory compliance in sour service applications

Using non-compliant materials in a skid mounted tester can result in cracking or leaks that compromise the integrity of the pressure vessel. In severe cases, failures can pose serious safety hazards and lead to costly shutdowns.

NACE Compliant Materials Used in Skid Mounted Testers

Smith Industries selects materials specifically suited for sour service and corrosive environments. NACE compliant materials for skid mounted testers are chosen based on the expected operating conditions, pressure ratings, and fluid composition.

Common material considerations include:

• Carbon steel grades that meet NACE hardness requirements

• Controlled heat treatment processes to prevent excessive hardness

• Weld procedures qualified to avoid introducing cracking risks

• Fasteners and fittings selected for compatibility with sour service

Each component that comes into contact with process fluids is evaluated for compliance with applicable NACE standards. This approach extends beyond the pressure vessel shell to include nozzles, internals, flanges, and associated piping.

Coating Systems for Added Corrosion Protection

While material selection is the foundation of NACE compliance, coatings provide an additional layer of protection for skid mounted testers. Smith Industries offers numerous interior and exterior coating options to accommodate a wide range of process materials and outdoor exposure conditions.

Interior coatings are selected based on the chemistry of the fluids being processed. These coatings help protect against corrosion caused by water, hydrocarbons, and contaminants that may be present during testing operations.

Exterior coatings are designed to withstand harsh oilfield environments, including UV exposure, moisture, and temperature extremes. Proper coating systems extend the service life of the skid, reduce maintenance requirements, and maintain the integrity of the underlying NACE compliant materials.

ASME Code Compliance and Pressure Integrity

In addition to NACE compliance, skid mounted testers must meet pressure vessel code requirements. Smith Industries manufactures skid mounted testers in compliance with ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code requirements.

ASME Code compliance governs:

• Design calculations for pressure containment

• Material traceability and documentation

• Welding procedures and welder qualifications

• Inspection and testing protocols

Every test separator manufactured by Smith Industries is pressure tested prior to delivery. This testing verifies the integrity of the vessel under controlled conditions and confirms that the unit can safely operate at its rated pressure.

Rigorous Inspection and Quality Control

Reliability in the field starts with disciplined inspection during fabrication. Smith Industries applies a rigorous set of inspection procedures to every skid mounted tester built.

These procedures include:

• Verification of NACE compliant material certifications

• Inspection of welds and fabrication practices

• Coating thickness and adhesion checks

• Pressure testing and functional verification

This inspection process provides confidence that each skid mounted tester meets both NACE and ASME requirements before it ever reaches the job site. The result is equipment that operators can deploy with confidence in demanding conditions.

Designed for Safe and Easy Operation

Skid mounted testers must be functional as well as robust. Smith Industries designs each unit for safe and easy operation in the field. Clear access to valves, instrumentation, and connections reduces the risk of operator error and simplifies routine testing procedures.

The robust construction of Smith Industries skid mounted testers allows for long term, low maintenance use. This is especially valuable in remote oilfield locations where access to repair services may be limited and downtime is costly.

Long Term Value of NACE Compliant Skid Mounted Testers

Investing in NACE compliant materials for skid mounted testers delivers measurable long term value. While the upfront cost of compliant materials and fabrication practices may be higher, the total lifecycle cost is often significantly lower.

Benefits include:

• Reduced corrosion related repairs

• Longer service life in sour environments

• Improved safety performance

• Fewer unplanned shutdowns

For operators working in corrosive oilfield conditions, NACE compliance is a strategic decision that protects both people and assets.

Typical Applications and Use Cases

Smith Industries skid mounted testers are used across a range of oil and gas applications, including:

• Well testing in sour service environments

• Temporary production testing during field development

• Production optimization and reservoir evaluation

• Regulatory measurement and reporting

With sizes ranging from 6 by 15 feet to 10 by 40 feet, these units can be tailored to match production rates and site layouts while maintaining compliance with NACE and ASME standards.

Building Confidence Through Standards Based Manufacturing

Standards exist to prevent failures before they occur. By building skid mounted testers with NACE compliant materials and manufacturing them in accordance with ASME Code requirements, Smith Industries delivers equipment that performs reliably in the environments where it matters most.

Organizations such as American Petroleum Institute and AMPP provide guidance that shapes best practices across the oil and gas industry. Adhering to these standards is not about checking boxes. It is about building equipment that protects people, production, and profitability.

Conclusion

Skid mounted testers play a critical role in oilfield operations, and their performance depends heavily on material selection and fabrication quality. NACE compliant materials for skid mounted testers are essential for resisting corrosion, maintaining pressure integrity, and supporting safe operations in sour service environments.

Smith Industries combines NACE compliance, ASME Code manufacturing, robust construction, and thorough inspection to deliver skid mounted testers that operators can rely on in harsh oilfield conditions. From coating selection to pressure testing, every detail is addressed to provide long term reliability at the point of use.

For operators seeking dependable skid mounted testers built for demanding environments, standards driven manufacturing makes all the difference.