The Results of Laboratory Research on the Development of a New Brand of High-alloy and Heat-resistant Steel for the Production of Fountain Fittings

Abstract

The manufacture of oilfield equipment (OFE) operating under conditions of high pressure and aggressive environment with sulfur content, requires the use of special materials with high corrosion resistance. Fountain fittings are a widely used representative of OFE that perceive both high pressure and active corrosive influence.

In manufacturing fountain fittings operating under the above conditions, special attention is paid to the choice of material. Corrosion-resistant steel with a high content of chromium and molybdenum is the main material that has excellent resistance to sulfur corrosion. The general technology of their manufacture includes operations such as casting or forging workpieces, subsequent thermal and mechanical treatments to achieve the required properties of parts and assemblies, ensuring the accuracy of their dimensions and geometric shapes, the implementation of assembly processes, and product testing. The production of fountain fittings made of corrosion-resistant steel allows you to provide a high degree of protection against sulfur corrosion and maintain the operability of the equipment for a long time. This is especially important for oilfield operations, where interaction with sulfur media is a significant challenge. Consequently, the development of effective technologies and the choice of materials for the manufacture of high-pressure fountain valve body elements applied in sulfurous media is an urgent task in the engineering industry aimed at improving the reliability and efficiency of oil processes.

Laboratory studies were carried out in order to develop a new brand of high-alloy and heat-resistant steel designed for the production of fountain fittings exposed to high pressure and sulfur content. During the research, the optimal composition of alloying elements was determined, providing high corrosion resistance of steel in aggressive environments. The mechanical properties of the recommended steel were also studied at various temperature conditions, which made it possible to achieve heat resistance and durability of the material at high temperatures characteristic of fountains.

In addition, the production technologies of the recommended steel grade have been developed and optimized. These technologies include alloying, casting, and heat treatment processes.

The proposed new steel grade is distinguished by outstanding properties of corrosion resistance, heat resistance, and mechanical strength, which makes it an ideal material for the production of fountain fittings. These results can also be applied in other areas where materials with high technical characteristics and resistance to aggressive operating conditions are required.

Keywords: oilfield equipment, body parts of fountain fittings, sulfurous medium, corrosion-resistant steel, reliability, and service life.