Copper beryllium has properties that suit valve sealing components

Citation

(1998), "Copper beryllium has properties that suit valve sealing components", Anti-Corrosion Methods and Materials, Vol. 45 No. 5. https://doi.org/10.1108/acmm.1998.12845ead.009

Copper beryllium has properties that suit valve sealing components

Copper beryllium has properties that suit valve sealing components

Keywords Brush Wellman, Copper, Values

The offshore oil and gas industry is a demanding environment, even at the best of times. But components for use in downhole and sub-sea applications must withstand cryogenic and elevated temperature, aggressive chemicals and, in some cases, abrasive materials as well. An alloy that has been found to have a suitable combination of properties for these conditions is copper beryllium. The Expro Group, a leading international oilfield services company based in Aberdeen, is using copper beryllium supplied by Brush Wellman for valve seats and seals in subsea and downhole ball valve assemblies.

Graham Rankin, a senior engineer at The Expro Group, explains why this alloy is used: "It is no single material property, it is the combination of strength, elasticity and low coefficient of friction which best suits our applications. Other advantages include machineability, corrosion resistance and the freedom from stress corrosion cracking. The Expro Group has a preference to use copper beryllium in conjunction with nickel alloys for metal to metal sealing components. Copper beryllium's excellent resistance to galling increases component life and reduces maintenance."

The Expro Group products containing copper beryllium are utilised in downhole applications where elevated temperatures and high pressures must be withstood. Others are sub-sea applications where low temperature extremes are found. In both situations, the media in contact with the components could be aggressive ­ such as drilling muds ­ or well effluent which contains abrasive material.

Brush Wellman's copper beryllium Brush Alloy 25 is used extensively by the Expro Group. "We have a close working relationship with this company because they understand our requirements and the attitude of the oil industry in general which requires immediate response", says Graham Rankin. "Much of our work is experimental and R&D; the engineers at Brush Wellman have a great deal of expertise with this alloy and can apply it on our projects, acting really as a partner in our development teams."

To succeed as a supplier in the oil and gas industry it is insufficient to have the right products alone; a company needs to understand the market. Brush Wellman supplies large quantities of copper beryllium to the oil and gas industry, and has done so for many years. In this way it has built up a knowledge of the market requirements and the capabilities of the material it supplies. It is therefore well placed to continue the success story.

Further details are available from Brush Wellman Limited. Tel: +44(0) 118 930 3733; Fax: +44(0) 118 930 3635.