Bushings that Outperform Metal Wear Parts in CO2 Service

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.