PEEK (polyetheretherketone) is a semi-crystalline polymer belonging to the class of materials called polyarylchetones. PEEK possesses exceptional mechanical, thermal and chemical resistance properties.
PEEK’s high melting point at 343°C, combined with continuous use temperature of about 240°C, and chemical resistance against most acids, bases and organic solvents at elevated temperatures, make PEEK the gold standard of metal replacement material in hostile work environments, both from a chemical and thermal perspective.
PEEK’s chemical and mechanical resistance play a key role in the oil and gas industry where mechanical performance is needed to withstand aggressive chemical agents, vapors, sea water and highly corrosive substances.
The advantages of PEEK over metal alloys and thermosets:
- Lightweight
- Corrosion resistant (against acid gases and alkaline substances that corrode aluminum)
- Chemical inertia
- Retention of mechanical properties in chemically aggressive environments and at high temperatures
- Low fume/toxic gas emissions
- Hydrolysis-resistant (vapor stability)
Roboze PEEK
In the Oil & Gas industry, Roboze PEEK, certified Norsok M710 (Qualification of non-metallic sealing materials) ensures superior performance in:
- High temperature corrosion conditions
- Underwater environment applications
PEEK resistance against chemical agents in the Oil & Gas sector:
| Chemical | Resistance | |
|---|---|---|
| 23°c | 100°C | |
| Hydrogen sulfide | GR | GR |
| Methane | GR | GR |
| Carbon Dioxide | GR | GR |
| Ammonia | GR | GR |
| Nitrous oxide | GR | GR |
| Seawater | GR | GR |
| Sour seawater | GR | GR |
GR= Good Resistance
Advantages of Roboze Technology:
PEEK’s unmatched combination of exceptional properties makes it the fastest growing and justifiably most expensive thermoplastic material on the market. The manufacturing of components for valves, connectors, gaskets and sensors in PEEK with subtractive forming techniques, starting from sheets, round bars or bars, result in extensive (and expensive) material waste especially in the production of geometrically complex parts.
FFF technology optimizes material efficiency and is particularly advantageous with expensive materials such as PEEK. In addition to significant production cost loss, it is also challenging to find the initial block of material with the appropriate dimensions to prevent excessive material loss from happening.
Additive technology optimizes materials and reduces production times and costs in the oil sector by drastically reducing material waste and overall product development and manufacturing time thereby eliminating the need for special process planning.
The combination of all these factors leads up to increased plant efficiency, thanks to:
- Reduction of raw material waste
- Possibility of producing or replacing component in a few hours
- Reduction of maintenance or replacement of metal components due to corrosion
Applications:
- Valve components
- Support rings
- Bushings
- Electrical connectors
- Pump housing
- Sensors
- Thrust bearings