Joining forces to service the world's oilfields

Edited by the Processingtalk editorial team Jun 6, 2005

Chappell Engineering produces specialised wellhead components for the oil industry: for special wear and corrosion protection they turn to weld overlay cladding specialists Arc Energy Resources

Stroud-based Chappell Engineering, a subcontract manufacturing company employing ten people, produces specialised wellhead components up to 36-inch diameter and two tonnes in weight for the oilfield industry.

When some of the components, which are exported to oilfields around the world, need special wear and corrosion protection, managing director Jim Chappell works with weld overlay cladding specialist Arc Energy Resources, based just a few miles down the road in Eastington.

The wellhead components, which include flanges, bonnets, T-bodies and guide pins, are produced in materials such as 4130 carbon steel, AISI 410 stainless steel and F6NM stainless steel, but where surfaces will be exposed to attack from aggressive oils or gases, the specification calls for extra protection.

These components are delivered to Arc Energy for weld overlay cladding.

Depending on service conditions one of a number of alloys is used: from aluminium bronze for simple frictional wear; through conventional stainless steels where atmospheric attack takes place; to the highly alloyed nickel base materials like alloy 625, where the most aggressive media are encountered.

Commenting on the service he receives, Jim Chappell says it's very convenient having a weld overlay cladding specialist just down the road, but stresses that the Arc Energy handy location is only one of many reasons why the relationship works.

"They have invested in well equipped workshops and highly trained staff so we know we're getting the best combination of quality, price and delivery, and that means we don't need to look for an alternative supplier".

Arc Energy sales manager Alan Brown says both companies have built up a wealth of knowledge and experience in what is one of the most demanding sectors of engineering, adding that specifications and quality requirements in the oil and gas exploration and production industry are some of the most exacting in the world.