PEEK Rings in the Oil and Gas Industry: Handling Harsh Environments

PEEK ring seals are sealing elements manufactured from polyetheretherketone (PEEK), a high-technology material with outstanding performance and wide application possibilities. In this article, we explain the advantages, features, and applications of PEEK ring seals in various industries so readers can understand why this is a clear superior choice in high performance. Features of PEEK ring seals As an excellent industrial material, PEEK has the following exceptional features: 1.   High-temperature resistance Its high heat resistance, which can endure temperatures as high as 250°C, and excellent high-temperature performance make PEEK material suitable for applications where temperature stability is important. 2.   Excellent chemical stability PEEK is an excellent corrosion-resistant material to a wide selection of chemicals and erodes slowly against various media, including acids, alkalis, and solvents. 3.   High mechanical strength It has good mechanical strength, stiffness, and stable performance even at high temperatures and harsh environments. 4.   Low coefficient of friction As a self-lubricating material, PEEK has good friction—and wear-reducing properties, thus extending the seal element's service life. 5.   High dimensional stability In addition, PEEK material can also have good dimensional stability under high-temperature conditions and is not easy to expand and deform. Benefits of PEEK ring Seals When compared to other sealing materials, PEEK ring seals have these significant advantages: 1.   Ability for high-temperature application Thanks to the high-temperature resistance of PEEK material, PEEK ring seals are very popular for sealing needs in high-temperature environments such as aerospace, automotive, petrochemical, and other fields. 2.   Chemical stability PEEK ring seals are resistant to various chemicals and are suitable for sealing applications involving acids, alkalis, solvents, and other media. 3.   Excellent sealing performance Excellent sealing performance prevents liquid or gas leakage through PEEK ring seals, ensuring safe and reliable system operation. 4.   Long life and reliability Because PEEK material is highly mechanically strong and wear-resistant, PEEK ring seals are highly durable and long-lived, leading to low maintenance costs and downtime. 5.   Environmentally friendly It is free of halogens, compound heavy metals, and other harmful substances, meets environmental protection requirements, and is sustainable. Fields of application PEEK ring seals have a wide range of applications in various industries, including but not limited to the following: 1.   Aerospace The PEEK ring seal is used in aerospace equipment and engines, including turbines, combustion chambers, hydraulic systems, etc., due to the high temperatures, high pressures, and chemical corrosion they must withstand. 2.   Automobile industry PEEK ring seals can improve reliability and durability in automotive engines, transmission, and braking systems. 3.   Petrochemical industry The PEEK ring seals are well-suited for the petrochemical industry, sealing pipes, valves, pumps, and various equipment subjected to adverse working conditions of high temperature, high pressure, and corrosive media. 4.   Medical devices With their biological compatibility and high-temperature resistance, PEEK ring seals can be used as complete seals in medical devices, including syringes, surgical instruments, etc. 5.   Electrical and electronics PEEK ring seals are widely used as seals and cases in electrical and electronic delivery, including connectors, sensors, seals, and so forth. Manufacturing process Machining is the primary way to produce PEEK seals and seats. The components can be injection molded directly, requiring significant tooling. Additionally, the additional machining needed to achieve that precision in the part's dimensions would be determined. Therefore, it is probably machined from a bush unless the volumes are massive. The bush can be either extruded or compression molded. Higher productivity and longer-length parts can be produced through extrusion, but again, this depends on the availability or correct type of tooling. Compression molding is cheap because the dies can be changed quickly, making the molded part much smaller than excess material (i.e., a very important factor for an expensive PEEK material). The problem with compression molding is that it is a slow, labor-intensive process with no or minimal production. Thus, there is a trade-off between productivity and tooling cost, and an OEM can, accordingly, decide what to do based on the volumes. Customization and Machining PEEK rings are available in rings that can be custom-machined to particular dimensions and application requirements. Whether you have a large, high-pressure seal or require a precise medical component, PEEK rings can be customized for the best performance. Conclusion PEEK rings are versatile, durable, and high-performing and have become indispensable to modern industrial processes. But their properties make them unique: They can survive conditions where other materials fail. With the growing demand for high-performance solutions, PEEK rings are the frontrunners in innovation, efficiency, and reliability.

Seals are part of complex systems and machinery and are probably the components with the simplest structure, yet they serve a very important purpose. They prevent the leakage of liquids and keep the gases within the system. Moreover, they also prevent dirt and dust from entering the system, which may contaminate it and interfere with its performance. In this blog, we will take a deeper look at choosing the perfect sealing component that enhances a system’s performance by considering various factors and characteristics of seals. Seal Types Before you choose a seal, you need to know the basic types since seals are not a one-size-fits-all solution for systems. Seals can be divided into two main categories: static and dynamic. Static seals are used to seal two static surfaces. In contrast, a dynamic seal acts as a barrier between a moving surface and a static surface. Dynamic seals contain fluids or gas pressure and remove impurities in linear or rotating systems. Static Seals ·        O-rings: These are the most frequently used seals, as they are used in many different types of applications. They have the simplest design of all seals. They are shaped like a circle that fits around the grove or empty space. O-rings are available in an extensive range of sizes, as they are used to fit around all kinds of hoses and pipes. ·        Clamp seals: These seals are primarily used in food processing industries to keep the process free from contamination. Dairies, distilleries, and other beverage production facilities are standard industrial setups where these seals are common. ·        Gaskets: The primary purpose of this seal type is to prevent leakage. Gaskets are used in high-pressure systems to stop leakage between two joined surfaces. Most of the gaskets are used in pipe fittings. What to Know Before Choosing a Seal Component? Seal selection for a system should be done carefully after considering various factors. A wrong seal can result in seal failure, which damages equipment and can lead to production delays due to downtime. Choosing seals of substandard quality also increases maintenance costs, as the seals need to be replaced quickly due to their short usage life. The risk of accident and personnel injury also becomes greater due to seal failure. 1.   Temperature Level Seals can tolerate certain temperatures, but extreme temperatures affect the seal material and seal performance. Seals are subjected to high temperatures due to pressure. Temperatures affect the seal’s qualities in many ways, such as its chemical resistance, wear resistance, and compression tolerance. Frequent exposure to high temperatures (60 degrees Celsius or above) damages seals by making them softer or corroding them. On the other hand, at extremely cold temperatures, most seals tend to shrink and harden by losing their elasticity. So, before choosing seals, you need to check the temperature tolerances of the seal as stated by the manufacturer. 2.   Pressure Another key aspect you must remember when opting for the correct seal is the operating pressure system's operating pressure. Abrupt pressure drops or rises. In high-pressure systems where temperatures exceed 60 degrees and the pressure level is above 250 bars, the seal should be made of material with a high hardness with a uniform design. In pressure damage, the sealing component undergoes deformation and leakage, which causes material extrusion. In contrast, seals with low hardness are suitable for low-pressure conditions. 3.   Fluid Types Many sealed applications utilize or transport fluids or gases. To ensure secure sealing, you need to consider fluids and their effects on the seal. Contact with a fluid causes seals to either expand or shrink or damage or corrode. 4.   Seal Quality Standards Quality standards for seals and gaskets vary greatly among industrial sectors. Different industries have different material requirements, and the automotive, food processing, and pharmaceutical industries use different seals with specific quality specifications. Seals are certified according to many quality agencies, and some certification agencies are industry-specific. Some common quality certifications are listed below. ·        ASTM – American Society for Testing and Materials ·        UL – International Safety ·        MIL-SPEC – Military ·        AMS – Aerospace Material Spec ·        FDA – Food and Drug Administration ·        ANSI – American National Standards Institute ·        NSF – National Sanitary Foundation 5.   Hardness Level of Seal A durometer is utilized to confirm the hardness level of a seal material. A Durometer tester consists of a scale with values from 0 to 100, indicating the force required to dent the seal material. The lower the value, the less force is required to damage the sealing component, and the material of the sealing component is characterized as soft and flexible based on the scale. Higher values need a higher force. The testing method involves using a probe shape or spring load to make the indentation. A suitable seal material selection should have a specific hardness that should be soft enough to fill the gap and hard enough to tolerate intense pressure and temperature during system operation. Conclusion Correct seal selection is crucial to making any system efficient and long-lasting. Judging factors such as material compatibility, temperature and pressure ratings, application environment, and budget-friendliness while buying seals will enable you to meet the specific demands of your application. Choosing the correct seal reduces leakage risks and downtime and lengthens the system's usage life, which contributes to overall operational success. Industries constantly evolve, and the role of sealing components extends beyond functionality—they’re vital in maintaining safety, boosting performance, and reducing maintenance costs. By deepening their understanding of these key factors, engineers and decision-makers can make informed choices that drive both short-term and long-term success in their projects. 

Some industries have the harshest conditions, from environmental to operating ones. One of those industries is oil and gas. The amount of stress and temperature involved in the extraction process is hard to deal with. Any standard or mediocre material cannot survive in these conditions. Chemicals and extreme temperatures reduce the performance of non-metallic components like seals. To deal with these strenuous conditions, one has to install PEEK seals for oil and gas extraction. Oil rigs and gas extraction sites are already exposed to extreme conditions where heat, cold, and massive pressure are unavoidable. Industries choose PEEK seals because they are the most compatible seals. PEEK has some specific level of strength that can withstand these conditions for a long time. Then, you can expect long-term performance with consistency and excellent resistance level. PEEK (polyether ether ketone) is one of the types of thermoplastics that can withstand various harsh conditions that surprise everyone. You might be shocked that this type of plastic can survive in extreme temperatures without showing any signs of melting or cracking. How PEEK seals deal with these harsh conditions is mentioned below. 1.   Excellent Resistance to Chemicals Except for Sulfuric Acid The oil and gas industry's biggest challenge is maintaining the consistency of seals and other soft products. Since these are not made of metals, companies face the greatest challenge of their long-term survival. However, some materials, like PEEK, are good at resisting chemical gases, especially in the oil and gas industry. Except for sulfuric acid, they can deal with different oils and gases in oil rigs. PEEK seals perform when surviving in harsh environments. They survive because they are one of the most challenging types of thermoplastics. 2.   Withstands up to 260 Degrees Centigrade Temperature The most surprising feature of PEEK seals for the oil and gas industry is their temperature resistance. Even though they are part of the plastic family, their heat resistance is impressive. PEEK seals can survive extreme temperatures up to 260 degrees centigrade. Installing PEEK seals in oil rigs is the right choice to ensure oil flow. Even though their melting point is 343 degrees centigrade, they block every risk of leakage in harsh conditions. Even heat circulating inside the oil rig pipelines cannot damage PEEK seals for a long time. They don't expand or meltdown in the standard temperature range of the oil rig's pipes. 3.   Very Low Shrinkage Rate of up to 1.5% What keeps them consistent in performance is their very low shrinkage rate, near 1.5%, which makes them suitable for oil and gas industries. The pressure and temperature extremities cannot shrink quickly. Installing PEEK seals for oil and gas industries only ensures the leakproof performance of valves and pipes. They can leak neither oil nor gas when PEEK seals are installed in the system. Oil and gas flow consistently because these seals maintain the pressure inside the system. Their low shrinkage rate makes them ideal for this industry, as cold and hot weather affects the performance of oil rig components. 4.   High Tensile Strength up to 16000 PSI A material with excellent tensile strength becomes trustworthy for industries like oil and gas. Therefore, you will see more trust in PEEK seals for the oil and gas industries since they have up to 16000 PSI tensile strength. With such strength, they can deal with constant heat and stress against the risk of stretching. The pressure is very high in oil rig systems, which imposes a load on PEEK seals. The good thing is the excellent tensile strength that keeps them going. PEEK seals neither break nor loosen after facing harsh reactions from the metal components and heat. Due to this tensile strength, they are the most trustworthy than any other material. Their resistance level is constant, which makes them incomparable. 5.   Higher Creep Resistance than Other Plastic Seals If you don't know about creep, there is no problem. Creep is the process of constant deformation under high stress. Seals installed in pipes and valves face extreme pressure, which poses a risk of creeping into them unless they are made of rigid material like PEEK. When you choose PEEK seals for oil and gas, they fulfill the installation objective. Their high resistance to creep makes them durable and the finest choice for harsh conditions. Since they can withstand these challenges, PEEK seals have the least risk of leakage and change in pressure. They are built to withstand extreme conditions in industries like oil and gas. Oil industries cannot rely on anything except a few materials, and PEEK is one of them. Their seals are among the best for dealing with the risk of creeping. 6.   Excellent Resistance to Fatigue and Stress Seals face similar challenges, including fatigue and stress caused by PEEK, and it is almost impossible for them to survive. PEEK has the resistance level required to survive against stress. It shows a resistance level to withstand extreme stress and fatigue between metals. Valves and pipes need seals with superior strength for exceptional performance. PEEK seals can resist fatigue and stress for a long without breaking down. Stress is a challenging factor that can break or flatten most material types. It can seriously threaten different seals in industries like oil and gas. PEEK seals can resist this stress and fatigue, not for a bit but for a long time. 7.   Low-Coefficient of Friction PEEK has a very low coefficient of friction, which means you can trust it in harsh conditions. Its seals can greatly reduce the high risk of friction. PEEK seals for oil and gas always perform best, resulting in a smooth flow of oil and gas in pipes and valves. They do not cause any obstruction, making them compatible choices for gas extraction and oil rigs. You can install a few other types of materials with low friction coefficients. However, PEEK seals consistently perform well in long-term applications. This low friction efficiency is an important feature that makes PEEK seals hard to replace with any other material. It makes their performance free of internal friction, reducing the heat inside the system. 8.   One Fine Fire-Retardant Material Some gases are highly flammable, and you know the risk involved in their extraction and transportation. Industries use PEEK seals to deal with these leakage and explosion risks. Even if they catch fire, their self-extinguishing nature is a fire-retarding feature. It makes them safer options for flammable content like oil and gas. A fire-retardant seal like that can reduce the risk of fire spreading. One can install PEEK seals for oil and gas extraction to mitigate such risks in the oil and gas industries.   Conclusion PEEK is a reliable material for seal production. Its seals are rare in oil and gas applications because of their excellent resistance to heat, pressure, chemicals, etc. When all these features combine, oil and PEEK seals provide leakproof performance in gas piping systems and get leakproof performance from PEEK seals. The next time you are stuck between PEEK and any other material, follow this guide.