Ball and Seat Applications
Ball and seat applications — Engineered for Oilfield Production
Ball and seat material selection is influenced by abrasion, corrosion, fluid composition, and operating conditions. Material properties such as hardness, density, and corrosion resistance affect sealing performance, wear characteristics, and service life.
Tungsten Carbide
A tungsten and cobalt material with high resistance to abrasion and corrosion.
This material is dense and wear-resistant, with hardness typically ranging from 88–91 Ra, supporting long service life in abrasive environments.
Nickel Carbide
A variation of tungsten carbide where nickel replaces cobalt within the matrix.
Nickel reduces leaching compared to cobalt, helping maintain matrix integrity and extending service life under corrosive conditions.
Alloy (Rexalloy 44 and 35)
A non-magnetic nickel-cobalt alloy designed for severe corrosion and moderate abrasion.
Seat hardness is typically 55/58 Rc, with ball hardness of 58/62 Rc, supporting balanced wear performance under mixed service conditions.
440C Stainless Steel
Heat-treated stainless steel with seat hardness of 56/58 Rc and ball hardness of 58/62 Rc.
Suitable for moderate abrasion and mild corrosion environments where balanced performance is required.
Titanium
A composite material combining titanium with carbide and nickel/cobalt elements.
Hardness is approximately 90 Ra. This material provides high wear resistance with reduced weight compared to tungsten carbide, making it suitable for abrasive or corrosive conditions where lower mass is beneficial.
Silicon Nitride
An advanced ceramic material with high strength, low density, and strong resistance to corrosion and wear.
With hardness around 94 Ra, silicon nitride offers a non-porous surface resistant to galling and corrosion. Reduced weight compared to other ceramic materials supports improved performance in applications where impact loading and corrosion resistance are critical.