Peek compounds designed for applications in energy industry

“Applications in the energy industry require materials with outstanding performance,” said Robert Healy, Managing Director LEHVOSS North America. “These new compounds help OEMs and processors address both new and existing application challenges.”

Healy continued: “OEMs need better long-term performance such as temperature resistance and higher extrusion resistance, as well as more reliable mechanical properties. Processors have issues with manufacturing due to non-isotropic properties and non-optimised processing behavior.”

“The LUVOCOM EOG family of compounds is targeted to provide true improvements that will directly elevate component performance,” continued Healy. “When compared to traditional PEEK compounds in energy applications, LUVOCOM EOG materials offer easier processing, shorter annealing time (up to 50% less) and reduced wear.” 

Additional benefits include reduced internal stress and warpage (up to 150% better shrinkage ratio). With nearly isotropic properties, the new compounds drastically reduce dependence on molding flow direction of mechanical properties.  And, the material’s high creep resistance means better extrusion resistance, which leads to more resistant and reliable seals.

Applications include bearings, bushings, thrust washers and gears, seals, back-up rings, packers and plugs, and compressor components. Each LUVOCOM EOG grade is focused on specific applications and is also a formulation platform for future customisation.

LUVOCOM EOG materials have achieved NORSOK M-710 compliance for use in oil and gas applications. The standard specifically defines requirements for critical non-metallic (polymer) sealing, seat and back-up materials for permanent sub-sea applications. LEHVOSS enlisted Alpine PolyTech in Fort Worth, Texas to conduct the stringent NORSOK tests.  Four LUVOCOMEOG materials were tested at temperatures of 215°C (419°F), 225°C (437°F), and 240°C (464°F).

The results showed no trend at the highest temperature of 240°C (464°F), which means that unlimited life can be expected due to the environment up to and including 240°C (464°F). 

After 42 days, the trends of all compounds remained above the acceptance criteria and there was no progressive degradation of tensile properties due to the thermally accelerated chemical reaction between the EOG materials and H₂S. Alpine certified all four grades as qualified.