NEW CERAMIC BALL
FOR OIL INDUSTRY

MATERIALS SOLUTION: ZIRCONIA
CERAMIC BALL PROMISES FEWER
PUMP REPAIRS, LESS DOWNTIME

A subsidiary of Carpenter Technology Corporation has introduced a ceramic ball used in oil well sucker rod pumps. The Z-ball Gold zirconia ball, ideal for pumps running under corrosive or abrasive conditions, provides superior performance to commodity alloy balls at a comparable price.

Compared to the previous generation (white) Z-ball, the new valve has higher fracture toughness and higher density. It has been reformulated with a zirconia raw material, SF-Extra, manufactured by the Z-Tech business unit of Carpenter Advanced Ceramics, Auburn, CA. This zirconia powder, 99.6 percent pure, is manufactured with Z-Tech's patented plasma-arc process.

"Zirconia ceramic balls typically lead to fewer pump repairs, decreasing downtime in oil production," said Jack A. Brothers, president and general manager of Carpenter. "Unaffected by corrosive elements and highly resistant to abrasion from sand and particulates, these balls provide a cost-effective yet superior materials solution."

The Z-ball Gold's hardness -- about Rc85 versus Rc60 for alloy balls -- makes it superior to alloy balls in abrasive, sandy wells. Zirconia ceramic is 10 times more abrasion resistant than Stellite Alloy 6, according to ASTM sand abrasion testing. Z-ball Gold is a proven performer in sweet or sour wells, resisting corrosion in water or CO2 floods. These balls are 30 percent lighter than alloy balls, so they are less likely to beat out seats or cages than alloy balls. The balls are available in standard sizes and alternates. Carpenter Advanced Ceramics makes precision machined components for wear, corrosion and technical applications, mostly from zirconia and alumina, as well as a range of high quality monoclinic zirconia powders.

-- FR

For more information, contact Carpenter Technology Corp., PO Box 14662, Reading, PA 19612-4662. 800-288-8730. Circle 575.