Electroless nickel coatings can be used in a wide range of industries, including oil and gas. The properties of most value to the oil and gas industries are generally the uniformity of the thickness of the deposit, the excellent corrosion resistance that it provides, and its properties of abrasion and erosion resistance.
Enhancing Oil and Gas Base Materials with Electroless Nickel
The base materials that are traditionally used in the oil and gas industry have been enhanced by the application of electroless nickel coatings. Not only does electroless nickel lower the fabrication costs of many parts, it also extends the surface life of components. Extending the service of parts used in this industry is incredibly valuable, as the cost of shutdowns can be very expensive and time consuming.
The Three Areas in the Oil and Gas Industry
Operations in the oil and gas industry can be divided into 3 main areas; surface operations, subsurface operations or downhole operations, and offshore operations. Equipment is often exposed to severe environmental conditions including chlorides, carbon dioxide, brines, hydrogen sulphide, sea water and reef water, which can contain high levels of sulphur compounds.
In addition to this type of exposure, equipment may be exposed to abrasion problems associated with the ingestion of sand, mud, and very high temperatures.
Typical components whose performance has been enhanced by electroless nickel include the following:
Surface Operations
- Blowout preventors
- brake assemblies
- chokes
- compressors
- gas turbines
- pump housings
- pumps
- connection manifolds
- valves
Subsurface Operations or Downhole Operations
- Couplings
- logging tools
- plungers
- packers
- pumps
- safety valve units
- tubing
Offshore Operations
- blowout preventors
- gas turbines/compressors
- heat exchangers
- pumps
- riser connectors
- valves
UK Based Electroless Nickel Plating Factory
Here at us, we are experts in the process of electroless nickel plating. Our Chesterfield, UK based electroless nickel plating factory has a total of 7 nickel plating lines, making us one of the largest in Europe with the capacity to plate items of all sizes, no matter how small or large.
To find out more about us, electroless nickel plating, and our ability to plate equipments and components for use in the oil and gas industry, contact us today or email
