Select a different country or region to see specific content for your location.
Downhole components
Downhole environments are some of the most demanding involved with oil & gas production. With a cocktail of chemicals such as hydrocarbons, H2S, production fluids, lubricants and grease in combination with high temperatures (>120 °C) present. Depending on the exact environmental conditions, we can advise you on the suitability of engineering plastics or high temperature materials for your application. We also offer tribologically optimised materials, with modifications to further increase part life by improving abrasion resistance. Whilst reducing the coefficient of friction can leaded to reduced maintenance intervals and improved equipment efficiency. We are also able to offer a number of grades which meet qualification requirements such as NORSOK.
Your advantages
- Long-lasting and low maintenance: due to excellent chemical resistant
- Economic production processes
- Increased sealing efficiency
- Reduced risk of damage to critical (riser) equipment
Typical areas of application
- Seal and valve seats
- Back-up rings
- Frac balls
- Centralisers
Product examples
Seals and valve seats
Ball valves, water stops, flanges as well as the vast array of production equipment all require seals to operate. With the demands placed on these varying between each application. Because of our broad material range, we can offer the optimum material depending on the chemical, thermal and mechanical requirements. For cryogenic applications Polystone® M (PE-UHMW) & PTFE have the low temperature thermal endurance, with SUSTAPEEK offering the optimum combination for high temperature and aggressive chemical environments. We are unique in also being able to offer SUSTAMID 6G (PA 6G) and SUSTAKON (PK) as engineering plastic sealing grades, with optimum abrasion and wear resistance as well as good hydrocarbon resistance. More information about Polystone® M, SUSTAMID 6G , SUSTAPEEK and SUSTAKON
Frac balls
During hydraulic fracking, fac balls are subjected to high pressures to ensure the release of hydrocarbon reserves. For these applications, SUSTAPEEK offers the optimum combination of chemical resistance to fracking fluids, excellent mechanical properties and high thermal stability. More information about SUSTAPEEK
Riser Centraliser
Centralisers made of Polystone® M (PE-UHMW), SUSTAMID 6G (PA 6G), SUSTAPVDF and SUSTAPEEK offer a low coefficient of friction, high impact and wear resistance as well as compatibility with oils & grease. It is the natural choice to ensure the position of the casing relative to the hole ID is maintained. Improving efficiency and ensuring safe operation of the equipment even in demanding conditions including sour gas environments or conditions requiring increased thermal endurance. More information about Polystone® M, SUSTAMID 6G, SUSTAPVDF and SUSTAPEEK
Anti-extrusion (back-up) rings
When PTFE seals are used, it is often required to incorporate a back-up ring to the design to ensure the PTFE seal is kept in place. Rӧchling offer SUSTAPEEK and SUSTATRON PPS for these applications, with fibre filled grades possible for greater load environments. Both SUSTAPEEK and SUSTATRON PPS offer high maximum usage temperatures, impressive mechanical properties and excellent chemical resistance to typical conditions found in downhole environments. Rӧchling offer one of the widest range of sizes of extruded PEEK tubes available direct from stock, which enables efficient production. More information about SUSTAPEEK and SUSTATRON PPS
Arrange technical advice
The performance and reliability of materials used in the design of machines and systems in downhole applications are influenced by a variety of factors. These criteria need to be considered in order to make the right choice. Examples:
- Exposure to demanding hydrocarbon fluids, (H2S, production fluids, greases)
- Tribological requirements (friction and wear)
- Mechanical demands
- Thermal cycling/exposure to both high and low temperatures
- Contact with corrosive seawater
- Extreme weather conditions (UV) and abrasion (sand/waves)
We are happy to advise you on the selection of suitable materials for your particular application. Just use our contact form at the bottom of the page and write to us.
