Advance In DuPont Kalrez Parts Overcomes Challenges Of Harsh Oil And Gas Environments

In rigorous third-party testing for rapid gas decompression (RGD) resistance per the NORSOK M-710 Rev 2 standard, Kalrez 0090 O-rings received the best possible rating of 0000. The tests were conducted by the independent Materials Engineering Research Laboratory Ltd. (MERL) in the U.K. In contrast to Kalrez 0090 parts, other competitive seals can pass the minimum requirements of NORSOK M-710 with multiple internal cracks developed during test cycling.

"The 0000 rating for RGD resistance is critically important for customers," said Arun Gopalakrishnan, global market segment leader -- DuPont Performance Polymers. "O-rings with ratings poorer than Kalrez 0090 rating of 0000 are likely to suffer greater cracking when exposed to pressure cycling. Once a crack is initiated, gas will accumulate at the next pressure cycle, eventually leading to a complete crack across the section, which could lead to seal failure."

MERL has also certified the excellent resistance of Kalrez parts to sour fluid ageing, including multi-phase fluids containing hydrogen sulfide. Kalrez parts withstand attack by more than 1,800 chemicals and solvents in all. In addition, they retain high levels of elasticity and recovery even after long-term exposure to temperatures up to 250°C (482°F) and have excellent extrusion resistance as well.

The advent of Kalrez 0090 parts adds another element to the DuPont portfolio of high-performance components and materials for the oil and gas industry. Another valued portfolio item, Vespel® CR-6100 parts, have proven in the field their ability to perform as back-up rings in a wide range of high-pressure pumps used in hydrocarbon processing and refining. Vespel CR-6100 parts outperform those made from alternative materials such as polyetheretherketone (PEEK) in several ways. These include higher temperature resistance, more mechanical strength and nearly universal chemical resistance. Moreover, they are recognized under the latest edition of the ISO 13709 International Standard and the American Petroleum Institute's API 610 Standard.

Both Kalrez 0090 and Vespel CR-6100 parts build on more than 30 years of DuPont experience in meeting the needs of the oil and gas industry for high-performance parts.

SOURCE: DuPont