Graphite Metallizing Corporation announces GRAPHALLOY® wear rings and
bushings that provide performance superior to standard metal stationary
and rotating wear part in pumps for CO2 service in oil field
applications. Self-lubricating GRAPHALLOY, a graphite/metal alloy,
eliminates concern about bearing failures or possible flashing of CO2.
The ability to operate without additional lubrication is important in
CO2 injection applications because CO2 has low lubricity. Standard
metal wear parts rely on the lubricity of the liquid being pumped for
proper operation so they are prone to failures in pumps used to inject
CO2. In addition, due to high suction pressure required to keep CO2 as a
dense phase liquid, flashing is always a possibility.
CO2 injection in older, low flowing wells is becoming an increasingly
popular method for permeating rock formations and forcing more oil to
the surface. Many older wells still contain vast amounts of oil locked
in the pores of rock layers deep underground. CO2 injection often
releases more oil in older wells than can be released by water
injection.
“Use of self-lubricating, non-galling GRAPHALLOY materials in pumps
for CO2 service provides substantial cost savings by avoiding expensive
downtime and field repairs caused by wear part failures,” said Eben
Walker, General Manager of Graphite Metallizing Corporation.
“GRAPHALLOY is currently the material of choice for many oil field
applications in North America and around the world.”
GRAPHALLOY wear rings and bushings operate at longer intervals
without the need for replacements or maintenance which helps reduce
downtime and maintenance expenses. GRAPHALLOY is an excellent choice for
any application where service and maintenance tasks are cumbersome or
difficult to perform. GRAPHALLOY is a proven solution for even the most
challenging plant maintenance and new equipment design applications.
