Tribological Behavior of HNBR in Oil and Gas Field Applications

Abstract

Abstract:The common usages of elastomeric components in oil and gas field applications are in dynamic atmospheres; especially sealing appliances that are in relative motion when interacting with surfaces. Therefore, their performance and service life mainly depend on the wear and friction characteristics in use. The objective of this scientific work is to identify the effect of swelling-induced ageing on the tribological properties and surface damage mechanisms of hydrogenated nitrile butadiene rubber (HNBR) in contact with different liquids. Furthermore, the investigation of the co-relation between mechanical properties and surface properties in the tested conditions is indispensable. In the swollen state, deteriorated mechanical properties were observed; however, in de-swollen conditions, the mechanical properties were restored. As far as the surface characterization is concerned, when the HNBR was swollen by a standard IRM 903 solvent, its wear was greater compared with the un-swollen specimen (1.1 times) despite the lower coefficient of friction (COF) (reduced by~25%) and surface temperature (reduced by~2.4 • C). In the de-swollen condition, wear was even greater (6 times), but the COF and surface temperature were situated in between those recorded in the swollen and un-swollen conditions. With swelling, greater wear damage and lower COF were observed; higher surface ageing (softness), which eases crack growth, created bigger debris. Under the conditions used, in the de-swollen states, the bulk mechanical properties were almost recovered, in contrast to the surface properties, which were still significantly impaired.

Tribological Characteristic of a Ring Seal with Graphite Filler

“…This initial period is called start-up friction. As was presented in previous papers, in case of the elements which make relative movement, their tribological characteristic is significant [59]. Elastic deformation of the rubber surface has an influence on the conditions of slide and friction force [60].…”

A Review on Applicability, Limitations, and Improvements of Polymeric Materials in High-Pressure Hydrogen Gas Atmospheres

“…Influence on tribological properties in high-pressure hydrogen Sealing components, as a result of exposure to high-pressure hydrogen gas, may swell, which changes the dimensions of the sealing, and increases the contact with the housing; [31,81,84] further, with the possible changes in the surface properties due to exposure to the high-pressure hydrogen, the lifetime of the sealing and intended gas tightness can deteriorate. [119] In addition, valves, compressors, liners in storage tanks, and pipes are made from polymeric materials and cyclic gas exposures and temperature changes cause possible back and forth motions between the polymeric and counter metallic surfaces, repeatedly. [120] Duranty et al [121,122] developed an in-situ tribometer and test method to be used in high-pressure hydrogen atmospheres, measuring the wear and friction properties of polymeric materials.…”

Systematic Investigation of the Degradation Properties of Nitrile-Butadiene Rubber/Polyamide Elastomer/Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube Composites in Thermo-Oxidative and Hot Oil Environments

“…Nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) is an organic polymer elastic compound with superior abrasion resistance, processability, and excellent oil resistance [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 ]. Hence, NBR materials are widely used in the manufacture of some seals, fuel hoses, and other oilfield rubber products [ 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 ].…”