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Tungsten carbide is ubiquitous throughout the drilling and production process. Key applications include:
Drilling Tools: This is the largest application. Parts include PCB (Polycrystalline Diamond Compact) cutter inserts (which use a layer of synthetic diamond bonded to a tungsten carbide substrate), drill bit nozzles (for fluid jetting), and stabilizer pads. These parts are on the front line, grinding through rock and sediment.
Valves & Seals: Critical components in choke and kill valves, gate valves, and ball valves are lined or coated with tungsten carbide. This prevents erosive wear from high-pressure, sand-laden fluids shooting through small orifices, ensuring valve integrity and preventing catastrophic failures.
Downhole Tools: Components within Measurement While Drilling (MWD) and Logging While Drilling (LWD) tools, as well as jarring tools, use tungsten carbide wear sleeves and inserts to protect sensitive electronic and mechanical parts from a destructive environment.
Pump Components: The plungers, pistons, and liners in high-pressure mud pumps are often coated with tungsten carbide to extend their service life against constant abrasive slurry erosion.
