Engineering Plastics for the Oil and Gas Industry
High pressures, temperatures, abrasive fluids, and corrosive saltwater present functionality and reliability challenges to components in the oil and gas industry. Most metals would significantly deteriorate in these conditions. However, engineering plastics are designed to provide long lifespans and favorable material properties to withstand the environmental challenges that these components face.
Plastic Material Characteristics Designed for Oil and Gas Applications
Components in the oil and gas industry are often exposed to extreme conditions, requiring exceptional performance characteristics in order to function properly. Ensuring that components can withstand their operational conditions, these properties ensure reliability and long-term performance while reducing maintenance costs for material solutions that meet the requirements of oil and gas applications. Essential material properties include the following:
- High temperature resistance
- Chemical resistance
- Mechanical strength
- Wear resistance
- Dimensional stability
- Impact resistance
- Non-corrosive in salt water
Types of Plastic Materials Used for Parts in the Oil and Gas Industry
Plastics in the oil and gas industry are designed for high-performance capabilities, withstanding extreme conditions that expose critical components to high pressures, temperatures, or chemicals. These materials are meant to enhance durability and reliability, maintaining the necessary performance characteristics for demanding systems.
PEEK (Polyetheretherketone)
PEEK, or polyetheretherketone, is a high-performance thermoplastic that offers favorable material properties for applications in the oil and gas industry. It demonstrates resistance to high temperatures, chemicals, and high-wear abrasion, as well as mechanical strength and dimensional stability. For oil and gas components, PEEK provides a long-lasting solution through durability and consistent performance, allowing for reduced maintenance through high-wear resistance and cost-efficiency through the endurance of the materials. Applications for PEEK include:
- Seals and gaskets in high-pressure systems
- Bearings and bushings
- Downhole tools that can withstand high temperatures and pressures
- Subsea equipment
PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene)
Polytetrafluoroethylene, which is more commonly known as PTFE or Teflon®, is a low-friction synthetic fluoropolymer with several material characteristics. This material can withstand temperatures up to 500° F and offers exceptional resistance to almost all chemicals, oils, and solvents, additionally demonstrating non-stick capabilities and repelling water, oils, and other substances. PTFE is a durable material solution for long-lasting performance capabilities in the oil and gas industry, reducing maintenance costs and downtime through its beneficial material characteristics. It improves sealing and resists corrosion for various oil and gas applications, such as:
- Gaskets, seals, and O-rings for extreme chemical and temperature conditions
- Lining materials to provide corrosion protection in pipes and tanks
- Bearings and bushings
Polycarbonates
Polycarbonates are transparent, strong thermoplastics with slightly less chemical resistance than PTFE and PEEK. It demonstrates high-impact resistance as well as good thermal and dimensional stability for a tough, versatile, and cost-effective solution in oil and gas components. With characteristics for easy fabrication, polycarbonates can be molded into various shapes for a range of components, including:
- Protective covers for critical instruments and sensors
- Piping systems in non-pressurized environments that need chemical resistance
- Transparent barriers like inspection windows and gauges
- Electrical components and housing for moderate environmental stress
