Hardide Coatings Ltd., UK, has developed a TSP (thermally stable polycrystalline) diamond coating to extend the life and improve the performance of drilling tools operating in extremely abrasive environments. This is the first successful high-performance coating that can withstand the higher temperatures associated with TSP brazing, extreme loads, and aggressive media. It will enable a new generation of diamond-based hardfacing materials to be deployed in extremely abrasive wear and erosive conditions such as horizontal and directional drilling, as well as fracking. Improved tool performance will enhance the viability of more challenging or marginal oil and gas reserves.
Diamonds are notoriously difficult to attach and are susceptible to oxidation and graphitization, limiting their hardfacing use to date. Previous attempts to solve these problems have been unsuccessful due to the porosity of other coatings and their weak adhesion to the diamonds. Hardide-D overcame these hurdles with its pore-free tungsten carbide-based adhesive and protective coating, which chemically bonds to diamond and has good wettability with brazing alloys.
The coating was developed in the company’s Oxfordshire manufacturing facility following several years of fundamental research. The production process was developed with the support of a Technology Strategy Board (TSB) ‘Smart’ grant for up to £250,000 which was awarded in January 2013. The technology is covered by new UK and international patent applications.
