Advanced thermoplastics strengthen the sealing performance in oil & gas processing

NORSOK-approved, high-performance polymers enable engineers to design more reliable seals and valve components for compressors and pumps operating in harsh oil and gas environments.

Reliability in oil and gas processing often comes down to the smallest components. In compressors, pumps and valve assemblies, sealing elements and valve components operate continuously under high pressures, elevated temperatures and aggressive process media. Material selection for these parts is therefore a critical design decision that directly impacts operational safety and equipment uptime.

While metals have traditionally dominated these applications, advanced thermoplastics are increasingly being adopted by engineers looking for improved wear performance, chemical resistance and design flexibility. The high-performance polymers of Mitsubishi Chemical Group (MCG) combine excellent mechanical strength with low friction properties, making them particularly suited for demanding sealing environments.

MCG’s thermoplastics are widely used in labyrinth seals, valve seats, valve plates and backup rings. These components must maintain dimensional stability and reliable sealing performance while being exposed to hydrocarbons, process gases and fluctuating loads. Materials such as Ketron™ PEEK, Techtron™ PPS, Duratron™ PAI and Fluorosint™ PTFE-based compounds have demonstrated strong performance in these conditions, particularly in high-temperature and high-pressure environments.

For offshore and subsea installations, compliance with industry standards is essential. Several of MCG’s high-performance thermoplastics are NORSOK-qualified (M-710, M-630), confirming their suitability for the harsh operating environments. MCG produces stock shapes in the form of plates, rods, tubes, near-net shapes and direct injection-molded components and has special expertise in manufacturing customized machined parts.

Temperature capability is one of the key advantages of these materials. MCG’s thermoplastics can maintain structural integrity at temperatures above 230°C (450°F) while still offering excellent wear resistance and low friction behavior. At the same time, engineering polymers such as Ertalyte™ PET-P, Ertacetal™/Acetron™ POM and TIVAR™ UHMW-PE provide reliable performance in applications where mechanical loads are high but operating temperatures are more moderate.

Another advantage for equipment designers is MCG’s ability to produce precision-machined components from their stock shape materials. Complex geometries, tight tolerances and optimized surface finishes can be achieved, enabling engineers to tailor sealing solutions to specific compressor and valve designs.

As oil and gas processing systems continue to operate under increasingly demanding conditions, the MCG material and application experts offer consulting to engineers seeking to improve sealing reliability, reduce wear and extend maintenance intervals across critical fluid handling equipment.

Jordan Allsop and Luke Hall at BVAA Supplier Day

Contact: Jordan Allsop, Sales Engineer OEM

Email: Jordan.allsop@mcgc.com

Tel: +44 7515 060 599

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