GRAPHALLOY Bushings Outperform Metal Wear Parts In CO₂ Service

GRAPHALLOY wear rings and bushings from Graphite Metallizing Corporation provide performance superior to standard metal stationary and rotating wear parts in pumps for CO₂ service in oil field applications. Self-lubricating GRAPHALLOY, a graphite/metal alloy, eliminates concern about bearing failures or possible flashing of CO₂.

The ability to operate without additional lubrication is important in CO₂ injection applications because CO₂ has low lubricity. Standard metal wear parts rely on the lubricity of the liquid being pumped for proper operation so they are prone to failures in pumps used to inject CO₂. In addition, due to high suction pressure required to keep CO₂ as a dense phase liquid, flashing is always a possibility.

CO₂ injection in older, low flowing wells is becoming an increasingly popular method for permeating rock formations and forcing more oil to the surface. Many older wells still contain vast amounts of oil locked in the pores of rock layers deep underground. CO₂ injection often releases more oil in older wells than can be released by water injection.

"Use of self-lubricating, non-galling GRAPHALLOY materials in pumps for CO₂ service provides substantial cost savings by avoiding expensive downtime and field repairs caused by wear part failures," said Eben Walker, General Manager of Graphite Metallizing Corporation. "GRAPHALLOY is currently the material of choice for many oil field applications in North America and around the world."

GRAPHALLOY wear rings and bushings operate at longer intervals without the need for replacements or maintenance which helps reduce downtime and maintenance expenses. GRAPHALLOY is an excellent choice for any application where service and maintenance tasks are cumbersome or difficult to perform. GRAPHALLOY is a proven solution for even the most challenging plant maintenance and new equipment design applications.

About GRAPHALLOY and Graphite Metallizing Corporation

Used in the manufacture of bushings, bearings and other components for machinery and process equipment, GRAPHALLOY materials are self-lubricating, impervious to temperature extremes from -400°F to +750°F (-240°C to 400°C) and thrive in harsh environments where other bearings fail. Special grades provide reliable service up to 1000°F (535°C) and higher in non-oxidizing atmospheres.

GRAPHALLOY is a unique self-lubricating bearing material that offers superior performance in hundreds of mechanical and electrical applications. These standard and custom designed products provide lifetime cost savings and significant operating advantages over conventional bushings and bearings.

To learn more about the unique features of GRAPHALLOY, see The GRAPHALLOY Advantage. GRAPHALLOY can be the solution to the toughest bearing, bushing, thrust washer, cam follower, or pillow block bearing design problem. It is available in over 100 grades with specific properties that meet a wide range of engineering solutions and specifications. FDA accepted grades of GRAPHALLOY are available for food contact equipment. NSF International certified two grades of GRAPHALLOY material for use in municipal well pumps and water treatment plant applications.

In some applications, GRAPHALLOY bearings have operated for up to 20 years without maintenance. Standard designs are available but most GRAPHALLOY products are custom designed to the unique requirements of the specific application. Graphite Metallizing Corporation is ISO certified and has produced GRAPHALLOY since 1913. For more information, visit www.graphalloy.com.

SOURCE: Graphite Metallizing Corporation