Posted on November 30, 2012 by admin
The oil and gas industry has surged over the past couple of years in order to compensate with the growing demand of consumption. Along with the boom of oil and gas is also the resurgence of the steel industry. Tubular goods to be used in drilling rigs, pipes, joints, and tubes has made oil and gas exploration much easier.
Since most technological tools for exploration and drilling are made of steel, production of tubular goods has increased by numbers each year. In fact, the American Iron and Steel Institute reported that a steel manufacturer in the US broke an all-time sales record last year with a staggering production of 19.2 million metric tons of steel, all for the drilling industry.
With the fact that the drilling industry and steel go together, it is undeniable why many steelmakers strive to become one of the best steel manufacturers. The innovation of the core drilling method must be backed up with a quality steel manufacturer, the reason why National Specialty Alloys (NSA) makes sure that their line of steel products are quality made, ISO certified, and efficiently delivered.
NSA provides different kinds of steel alloys to be used in industries such as:
- Water filtration
- Marine
- Mixing
- Pulp and paper
- Food processing
- Drilling
- Chemical; and
- Pump
Why Steel is Used in the Oil and Gas Industry
Steel is used for the construction of heavy machinery utilized in drilling because it resists oxidation, mainly due to the chromium content. When steel is exposed to oxygen, a chromium oxide film acts as a protective layer. This is also the reason why steel appears shiny.
The metal underneath the steel alloy is protected from water and heat, and even if the surface acquires a scratch, the chromium oxide layer will eventually reform it. Apart from chromium, there are a number of elements which can be alloyed such as:
- Silicon
- Titanium
- Tungsten
- Nickel
- Copper
- Aluminum
- Nitrogen
The reason why some elements are alloyed is in order to enhance the physical, mechanical and corrosion properties of a specific type of steel.
Oil and Gas Tools
Seamless steel tubes are used in downhole drill motors, sand screens, and perforating guns. Most steelmakers see to it that their products are high resistant in order to yield strength and be able to tolerate tight dimensions.
Tools which are used for drilling and exploration should be able to bear heavy loads, withstand harsh weather and work at high operating speeds. For this reason, an oil and gas drilling company should have a steady and trusted supplier of steel, one which can assure them of providing high quality products such as NSA.
Posted on November 9, 2012 by admin
The Use of Nickel in the Steel Industry
Nickel is a type of metal which is used for many purposes. It can be seen in almost anything and everywhere – in our homes, commercial establishments and even in the streets. While the metal is sturdy in itself, it is also a suitable choice for alloying – meaning mixing it with another metal with the same matrix in order to create a sturdier and stronger variety to be incorporated in many materials such as coins, electroplating, tint for glass, and stainless steel.
Identification
The reason why Nickel is often alloyed is because of its non-corrosive property. It becomes a very strong metal which is useful for electroplating. Nickel is also heat resistance and very durable – the type which can adhere to changing weathers and extreme temperatures. Many industries use nickel; some of which are:
- Oil and Gas
- Chemical processing
- Pulp and Paper
- Food Processing
- Aerospace
Features
Nickel, in appearance, is silvery-white and becomes more attractive when polished. It has slow reaction to pressure but is hard and ductile at the same time. When heated, it stretches easily. The metal, in nature, is also magnetic which means that it will shrink when placed in a magnetic field. This property is referred to as magnetostriction.
Where to Buy the Best Nickel Alloys
The price of nickel bars depend on the supplier. The cost is often based on the mining price. Nickel bars may range from $15 to $40 per pound. This is based on the shape, size, and type of alloy you wish to order.
Currently, National Specialty Alloys (NSA) is a leading distributer of nickel alloys and stainless steel. You can order Nickel bars in various sizes which comes round, flat or square. Many industries get their nickel alloys from NSA because they are ISO certified and they deliver anytime of the day, even overnight. If you are not sure of what to purchase, you can always ask their staff who are highly trained and knowledgeable when it comes to different kinds of alloys and their uses. The company also ensures that your items will be shipped with the utmost care so you will receive it in the best condition.
Types of Nickel Alloy
Different types of nickel alloy are identified using a Unified Numbering System or UNS number, the type, and its Federal specifications. Some of the most common alloys are Alloys 200, 400, 500 and 718. If you don’t know how to identify nickel alloys based on the code, you can always refer to http://www.nsalloys.com/materials-tools/nickel-bar-properties, NSA’s website which contains a chart on the different types of alloy.
To give you a better understanding, here are some examples of nickel alloy based on predominant use:
- Nickel steel – an alloy created from iron and nickel
- Nickel silver – alloy of copper, nickel, and zinc (optional)
- Nickel bronze – a solution of tin and copper
NSA also accepts orders if you have specific sizes or shapes for your nickel bars. You can give specifications on the diameter and length so it won’t be difficult for you in building your projects.
