At each stage of the process, from initial exploration to high-level refining, engineers in the oil and gas industry must solve problems that involve extreme environments. In this sector, it makes all the difference when suitable materials are applied in the correct contexts. Plastic injection molding plays an essential role as the industry seeks cost-effective, modern solutions alongside the longevity and reliability necessary for the future.
At Reliant Worldwide Plastics, we understand oil and gas operators’ unique requirements and quality standards. With our base in Gainesville, Texas, we’re no strangers to oilfields. From operations in Midland and Odessa to terminals and refineries in Houston, we’ve supported many projects with advanced plastic injection molding. What makes plastics so suitable for this space where metal parts were long preferred? Today’s highly engineered thermoplastics are appropriate for oil and gas usage due to their extremely high specific strength and stiffness.
Are Plastics Suitable for the Oil and Gas Industry?
Metal still has a considerable role in this space but metal components have downsides in many applications. Heavier weights, higher manufacturing costs, and the potential for corrosion create demand for alternative materials. Today’s plastic solutions are the ideal choice for metal replacement.
Today’s advanced plastic resins can achieve consistently high performance levels. Achieving a high tolerance for precision is possible with modern molding equipment. Simultaneously, these parts act as replaceable components that are often easier to swap and substitute once consumed. Metal components can be more expensive and difficult to replace.
The material properties and resistance capabilities of some plastics mean they can withstand demanding working environments across the industry. This includes withstanding heavy-duty wear environments for extended periods, even in high temperatures, pressurized steam, and corrosive chemicals. Chemical resistance makes plastics suited for down-the-hole applications in drilling environments, products designed for refinery work and everything in between.
The flexibility of injection molding and design makes plastics beneficial for more general-purpose applications around the job site, too. The full range of thermoplastic materials provides many uses in the industry. Injection molding is also a highly repeatable process, making it particularly beneficial when components are required in higher volumes. These capabilities make plastic a reliable material for oil and gas use cases.
Applying Plastic Injection Molding in the Oil and Gas Industry
With so many properties that make them well suited for oil work or natural gas extraction, plastics naturally find a home in many places around the job site. Reliant has extensive experience executing a wide range of products for partners in this industry. Some of the most common uses for plastics in the oil and gas industry include:
- Lightweight but durable clamps, fasteners, and connectors for securing equipment in the field
- Bushings and gears subject to strict specifications and high-wear environments
- Valves and seals that transmit high pressure, high temperature, or corrosive liquids
- Frac balls for usage in deep hydraulic fracking wells
- Pump impellers with chemical resistance for long-lasting throughput capabilities
- Housings and frames that reduce vibration and achieve noise reduction
Choosing Plastics for Use in the Oil and Gas Industry
Selecting applicable materials is essential for achieving properties necessary for exposure to oil and gas environments, such as thermal resistance or corrosion resistance. At Reliant, we support projects using advanced engineered resins that include:
- PEEK
- Ultem
- Torlon
- PAEK
We also support projects that require more general-use plastics, such as PVC, along with many other options for industrial plastics. The versatility and reliability of these materials, combined with their suitability for injection molding, make them a perfect match for this industry. Our team can provide critical insights into material selection during your next project’s design and engineering phases.
Accessing Custom Manufacturing for Industrial Success
As the oil and gas industry continues to grow, so do the technology and tools that make the work possible. From small internal components to significant products, plastics deliver the material properties, precision, and reliability this industry requires. Discover more about how Reliant Plastics can support metal-to-plastic transitions, lightweighting projects, and end-to-end design and manufacturing needs today. Contact our team for a quote.
