The oil and gas market is making a strong comback after the downturn starting in 2014. After the restrictions were lifted on the four-decades long ban on oil exports in the beginning of 2016, the US witnessed a substantial increase in the demand for exported oil. Now with the expansion of the the output-cut deal between OPEC and other major producers extended until the end of 2018, the US oil benchmark has risen significantly. Crude oil prices have seen a steady climb in the past 12 months topping out at $80.50 per barrel. Many of the major oil firms like, Chevron, BP, Shell, and Total S.A. have recorded year-over-year growth in their top and bottom lines, with earnings likely to rise an additional 10-12% as upstream capital spending and the global rig count continue to increase.

With a positive outlook for the oil and gas market comes investment in new capital equipment, as well as refurbishment of old equipment to ensure the maximum lifetime value. With rigs operating sometimes 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, the constant wear and fatigue on the equipment causes corrosion, galling threads, ineffective seals, or worse. One component that experiences such wear is the hydraulic cylinder on a blow out preventor. The o-ring on the hydraulic cylinder provides a fundamental corrosion protection if it maintains proper dimension.

But what do you do when your o-ring groove is out of dimension or damaged? Reaching these unique areas is not practical for your typical surface finishing techniques such as tank plating. In order to remain competitve, one must look for innovative ways to reduce costs while simultaneously reducing downtime and keep their equipment running longer.

Join us in our live webinar on November 7 at 3pm London/ 10am New York to learn about your options for plating grooves, receeses, keyways, threads, and other difficult to access areas.

Depending on the purpose of your groove, multiple deposits can be plated. Corrosion protection, interference fits, anti-galling, or re-sizing from over- or mis-machining can all be plated to your required dimensions without the need for disassembly or post-machining. You’ll understand the importance of proper groove maintainance and the consequences if these are not maintained.

SIFCO Applied Surface Concepts is the global leader in the selective plating industry. Servicing the oil and gas industry for over 20 years, more MRO and OEM facilities depend on SIFCO ASC than any other plating specialist for job shop and on-site plating services. When timing is critical and you want it done right the first time, you contact SIFCO ASC. Register today for this unique opportunity to learn about your options for a custom plating operation designed to solve your o-ring groove problems.

Tune into SIFCO’s Live Webinar “Innovative Applications for Plating in Grooves”  on 7 November at 3PM/10AM New York