Electroless Nickel Plating At Its Best

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Electroless nickel plating is a common choice of
surface technology for the oil and gas industry
but it can also be applied to many different base
metals in order to improve them. The properties
of most value to the industry 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.
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In most cases, electroless nickel plating is done
in order to enhance oil and gas base materials.
The base materials that are traditionally used in
the oil and gas industry are successfully
enhanced by this electroless plating application
on this type of coatings. Not only does
electroless nickel plating 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.
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Operations in the oil and gas industry can be
divided into 3 main areas surface operations,
subsurface operations or underground 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.
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The fine properties of electroless nickel plating
have also resulted in the widespread use of
coatings in valves and flow control devices,
which are critical components in the operation of
a well where good performance and long life are
major economic factors. The application of
electroless nickel plating to mild steel ball
valves is now typical in the oil and gas
industry it has been used to successfully
replace hard chromium as a corrosion resistant,
smooth and uniform coating.
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Successful applications of this type of
electroless plating have been observed in all
areas of the oil and gas industry. In crude oil
production, mild steel ball valves have a maximum
life of no more than three months, and fail due
to corrosion, surface cracking and erosion. But
valve components plated with electroplating
service last for years with no surface
deterioration. Again, this saves time and money
on replacement of parts, as they will last far
longer.
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Similar benefits have also been observed on ball
valves at plants using the sea water injection
system which involves pumping sea water under
high pressure to force oil to the surface. With a
coating of electroless nickel plating, the valves
are able to withstand the conditions that they
are exposed to, and no there will not be the
slightest degradation detectable after years of
operation.
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