.jpg)
Steel grades used in the oil and gas sector have extremely particular qualities. This implies that they can survive the tough and intense circumstances of each application.
Steel’s characteristics may be substantially varied by varying the quantities of elements such as Chromium, Carbon, Manganese, Nickel, Molybdenum, Titanium, Silicon, Phosphorus, and Sulphur. The addition of the aforesaid components affects hardness, corrosion, oxidation, strength, and weldability.
Understanding the different grades of steel and their applications can enable anybody involved in on-site machining to choose the suitable portable machine tool and the correct tools to accomplish the task correctly the first time.
Continue reading to learn about the most prevalent forms of steel used in the oil industry.
AISI 316L Stainless Steel
The same stainless steel that is used in common home products is also utilized in the oil and gas business. When at least 10.5 percent chromium is added to steel, it forms a thin coating of oxide on the surface known as the “passive” layer, which resists surface corrosion. Nickel and molybdenum may also be used to improve corrosion resistance.
Stainless Steel Applications in Oil and Gas
Flowcharts (the pipes from the wellhead)
Components of Structure
Umbilical cords (to transfer power, chemicals, communications to and from subsea developments)
Exchangers of heat (for cooling operations)
Process Instrumentation
Stainless Steel Duplex
Duplex stainless steel is extremely tough. It is extremely resistant to corrosion, stress, and cracking. When compared to other corrosion-resistant alloys, Duplex contains less Nickel and Molybdenum, As a result, they are less susceptible to price swings and hence more cost-effective.
Duplex Stainless Steel Applications in Oil and Gas
Oil Country Tubular Goods (OCTG) – Tubes used in the production of oil and gas Storage Tanks and Pressure Vessels Chemical Processing and Refining
Steel made of carbon
Carbon steel is created by combining iron steel with up to 2% carbon. Small quantities of silicon, manganese, phosphorus, and sulfur are also present. Carbon steel grades include low, medium, and high.
Carbon steel is one of the most regularly produced forms of steel because it is extremely strong, has a high resistance to wear, and can sustain high temperatures. The disadvantages include welding and machining challenges, as well as the possibility of corrosion – (however, additives can be added to help control this).
Carbon Steel Applications in Oil and Gas
Flow lines for Oil Country Tubular Goods (OCTG)
Components of Structure
Jackets and Platforms
Lines of communication (high temperature)
Steel Forged
This substance is used to reshape metal using forging procedures. Normally, this is used for components that require a high level of steel strength.
Forged Steel Applications in Oil and Gas
Christmas Trees and Wellheads
Subsea Technology
Fittings and Valves
Steel Engineered
This steel, also known as special bar quality (SBQ) steel, is widely used in moving components and those requiring stress resistance and a fine surface finish. The purity of the material is an important component in determining its performance. The lower the impurity count, the more special the grade.
Engineered SBQ Steel Applications in Oil and Gas
Equipment for Completion (used to make the well ready for production)
Bearings, Shafts
Drilling Bits
Nickel
Adding this to steel improves its strength and corrosion resistance. This includes a better performance at high temperatures.
Oil and gas applications for nickel-containing steel
Christmas Trees, Wellheads
Valves and Fittings for Subsea Equipment
Tubular Goods from the Oil Country (OCTG)
Down-hole Tools & Equipment
Equipment for Completion
Plants for the Processing of LNG and Natural Gas
Chrome Steel
This is used as an additive in the manufacturing of stainless steel and corrosion-resistant alloys. Chromium-based steel products are available in grades ranging from Cr13 to Cr35.
Chromium Steel Applications in Oil and Gas
Valves and Fittings, Wellheads, and Christmas Trees
Tubular Goods from the Oil Country (OCTG)
Down-hole Tools & Equipment
Equipment for Completion
Plants for the Processing of LNG and Natural Gas
Steel Alloy Molybdenum Grades
When molybdenum is added to a diet, it delivers three advantages.
It not only increases strength and corrosion resistance, but it also has a high melting point, making it appropriate for use at extremely high temperatures.
Steel with Molybdenum in Oil and Gas Applications
Down-hole Tools for Oil Country Tubular Goods (OCTG)
Drilling Bits
In the petrochemical industry, it is used as a catalyst.
Alloy Inconel
Inconel alloy is a corrosion-resistant super alloy that has a trademark. These alloys, which include up to 70% Nickel and 70% Chromium, are extremely difficult to manufacture and weld. As a result, they are suited for usage in high temperature, corrosion and pitting conditions, acid applications, high mechanical stress exposure, and saltwater. The following grades are often used in the oil and gas industry: 718, 628, 625,825, and 945. Inconel 718 (solid) and Inconel 625 (cladding) are extensively used in wellhead applications.
Inconel 718 is also utilized in sour applications for finishing equipment.
Inconel’s Oil and Gas Applications
Chemical Processing Equipment Gas Turbine Components, Valves Completion Equipment in Sour Applications
Drilling Equipment
Components for MWD and LWD
Flare-Ups
Components of the wellhead (hangers)
Incoloy
Incoloy alloy is another patented alloy that is corrosion resistant but less expensive than Inconel. These are ideal for sour gas, high chloride, process pipework, and aquatic conditions like seawater and brine.
Incoloy 945 and 945X are the most recently created alloys, and they are recognized to be one of the greatest corrosion resistant alloys available, and they are solely utilized in the oil and gas industry.
Incoloy Applications in Oil and Gas
Packers Drilling Tools Completion Equipment
Components for MWD and LWD
Separators for Liquids and Fluids
Monel
Another trademarked corrosion-resistant superalloy is Monel. It is a nickel and copper-based alloy (60 percent and 30%, respectively) that is utilized in a variety of applications. K500 and 400 are common grades in the oil and gas sector. Monel K500 is utilized in finishing equipment that requires excellent corrosion resistance and strength.
Monel Applications in Oil and Gas
Valves and Pumps
Electrical Components Heat Exchangers
Down-hole tools and equipment
Hastelloy
Hastelloy is a nickel-molybdenum alloy with excellent mechanical strength at high temperatures that is resistant to corrosion, oxidation, and erosion. Hastelloy is widely used in petrochemical industries.
Hastelloy Applications in Oil and Gas
Valves and Pumps
Pressure Vessels and Heat Exchangers
Steel Machining Equipment of All Grades
As you can see, the characteristics of different varieties of steel can vary significantly.
. If you want to mill these metals on-site, you’ll need portable machine tools that are durable and dependable enough to be used repeatedly. The following Enerpac equipment was utilized during plant construction and maintenance:
Machining
Machines for Facing Flanges
Cutting and Beveling Machines for Clamshell Pipe
In-Situ Milling Machines with Hot Tapping Machines and Line Stop Actuators
Decommissioning
Diamond Wire Saws Double Drill Units Nut Splitters Heavy-Duty Portable Bandsaws
Other Enerpac Resources
Wrenches for Hydraulic Torque
Flange Alignment Instruments
Pipe Isolation Tools Flange Spreaders
Technologies for Heavy Lifting
