Electroless Nickel Plating At Its Best

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 electroless nickel plating last for years with no surface deterioration. Again, this saves time and money on replacement of parts, as they will last far longer.

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.