Engineering Plastics For The Oil & Gas Industry

Plastics are playing a key role in the energy boom, making it easier to reach previously untapped sources of oil and gas to fuel the economy.

 

Environmental and Safety

 

Considering the total carbon footprint, including costs of raw materials, manufacture, transport, fabricate, install, maintain, plastics compare favorably with more traditional materials. Also, plastics are safer to handle and install. When you consider that most plastics are readily recyclable, they can become the most environmentally responsible and safest choice for many demanding oil and gas applications.

 

 

Applications:

 

·         Piston, chevron and gland seals

·         Anti-extrusion rings and back-up rings

·         Valve seats

·         Packings

·         Bushings, bearings

·         Lantern rings

·         Fracballs

·         Labyrinth seals

·         Down-hole electrical insulators

·         Gaskets

·         Lifting systems components (sheaves,

·         rollers, guides)

·         Shrouds

·         Sight glasses

·         Pipe and pipe support systems (saddles, carrier rings) grating/stairs

Equipment used to look for and utilize oil and gas must withstand the extreme conditions of oil rigs, offshore drilling rigs, oilfields, and more. Plastics are one of the best selections. This material can withstand abrasive fluids, high temperatures, saltwater, and high pressure. Plastic will even extend equipment lifespans. Plastic material is useful in the oil and gas industry and plays a critical role in the energy industry today. Several plastics tend to perform better than others in the oil and gas industry. PEEk, Phonolic Materials, PTFE, Polycarbonate are most commonly used in components for oil and gas production and research.