Oil and Gas

Corrosion of metallic materials is a well-known problem and engineers and scientists work together to control it. Most failures in the oil and gas industry are corrosion related and corrosion seriously affects the integrity of equipment. For this reason, the oil and gas industry has transitioned from the use of metals to the use of non-metals for most structural components, coatings, equipment parts, etc. High-performance plastics are a noteworthy class of non-metallic materials that have the ability to withstand extreme weathering conditions, harsh environments, and mechanical abuse without compromising their functionality and desirable properties. Due to their excellent properties, they have become an attractive choice in demanding oil and gas applications.

Alfa Chemistry is your expert for customized applications in the gas and oil industry. We have the ability to produce high-performance plastics for the harshest environments and most demanding applications. Our products are not affected by corrosive gases, dissolved solids, and brine, so they can significantly extend the service life of the equipment. Ready to work with us on your next project? Contact us soon.

Why Use Plastics in the Oil and Gas Industry

If you want durable materials in your oil or gas equipment, plastic seems like an optimal choice. Here are some of the main reasons to use plastic:

(i) Equipment in the oil and gas industry will operate under high pressure, extreme temperatures, and environments full of corrosive chemicals. Conventional materials, such as metals, often corrode and require regular maintenance, which is both expensive and time-consuming. However, plastics are highly resistant to corrosion, which extends the life of equipment and reduces maintenance costs.

(ii) Plastics offer impressive mechanical properties, including impact and abrasion resistance.  These properties make plastics ideal for components subjected to stress, vibration and dynamic loads, which are common in drilling, transportation, and processing activities within the oil and gas industry. The lightweight nature of plastics also helps to reduce the overall weight of equipment and structures, thereby improving energy efficiency.

(iii) Plastics have high dimensional stability and design flexibility, so they can be easily molded into different shapes and complex geometries to continuously meet the needs of safety features, functional integration and miniaturization ^[1].

Plastic Applications for Oil and Gas

Plastics have found a wide range of applications in the oil and gas industry due to their excellent properties and versatility. These applications span across various segments of the industry's value chain, from exploration and drilling to transportation and processing. Here are some key plastic applications in the oil and gas industry:

• Ball valves
• Valve seats
• Steam seals
• Packing rings
• Bushings
• Steam bearings
• Downhole drilling tools

• Back up rings
• Housings
• Seals rings
• Valve rings
• Labby seals
• Compressors
• Blowout preventers (BOP)

• High pressure packing
• O-rings
• Subsea connectors
• Piston rings
• Steam seals
• Thrust washers

Our Plastics for the Oil and Gas Industry

At Alfa Chemistry, we have a complete production line to mass produce the plastics you need. Our products not only meet the expectations of our customers, but also give the oil and gas industry new possibilities. Here are some common plastics used in the oil and gas industry. Please contact us immediately if you need them.

• PEEK
• Nylon

• PTFE
• POM

• PI
• HDPE

• PEI
• PC

Reference

1. Caldona, E. B.; et al. Additively manufactured high-performance polymeric materials and their potential use in the oil and gas industry. Mrs Communications. 2021, 11(6): 701-715.

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