Alloys for the Oil and Gas Industry

The oil and gas industry use metal alloys in almost every step of the chain, whether it’s for machine components or transportation. It is important that the alloys used are tailored to specific requirements and have the ability to withstand the difficult environmental conditions.

List of Materials Used in Oil and Gas Industry

• Stainless Steel
• Nickel
• Copper
• Titanium
• Molybdenum
• Inconel

Here is some further information about why these different types of alloys are used in the oil and gas industry.

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Stainless Steel

Stainless steel has a high percentage of chromium content which gives the alloy the ability to protect against corrosion. As well as this, it is a cost-effective and convenient choice for the industry and can be used for many different parts including structural components, process equipment, heat exchangers and flowlines.

Nickel

When nickel is added to steel alloys, this increases its strength and corrosion resistance which is ideal for the oil and gas industry. This includes improved performance at extreme temperatures, which makes nickel alloys ideal for heat exchangers and the transportation of liquified natural gas. This material is also used for “Christmas trees”, subsea equipment, processing plants and other valves, fittings and tools.

Copper

Copper has excellent electrical and thermal conductivity, which refers to cryogenic properties. This is important for the oil and gas industry and is why this metal is used for valves, wellheads, stems and seals. In addition to these components, copper sulphates are actually used in gas processing plants in order to absorb the mercury that separates from the natural gas.

Titanium

One of the most versatile metals is titanium as it is very lightweight but very durable. It also has high corrosion-resistant qualities; it is proven to be resilient against seawater, carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide. As well as other industrial applications, the oil and gas sector utilises titanium in compressor parts and heat exchangers due to its ability to withstand low temperatures.

Molybdenum

Molybdenum is commonly added to steel as it increases the strength and enhances the corrosion resistance. This high-performance alloy has the ability to be used in extreme temperature environments and the oil and gas industry utilise it for many different parts: gas pipeline construction, OCTG, and down-hole tools. It can also be used to remove sulfur during the oil refinery process.

Inconel

A superalloy consisting of nickel and chromium, Inconel is a popular choice for the oil and gas industry. Inconel 625 and 718 are the most commonly used; some of the characteristics of Inconel are high performance in extreme temperatures and under mechanical stress and corrosion resistance against seawater and acid. Chemical processing equipment, flare booms, drilling tools and valves are just come of the components Inconel is used for.

Alloys for Oil and Gas Industry at China Alloy Parts

At China Alloy Parts, we supply all of the alloys above and can help you find the perfect one for your industrial sector. Contact us today to speak to one of our experts.

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