Tungsten carbide-based coatings using recycled powders

Tungsten carbide-based coatings are used to protect oil field equipment from wear and corrosion. The coatings are carbide-metal composites and are applied by a spraying process. By applying the coatings it is possible to extend the lifetimes of critical equipment such as pumps and valves, and avoid unplanned outages. The spraying process used to deposit the coatings produces a substantial amount of waste powder . This project will design a method to recycle the scrap powders to enable them to be used to produce industrial -quality protective coatings. The new technology will provide a more cost efficient and sustainable use of the metal powders, whilst still providing the protective materials required by industry.

Faculty Supervisor:

André McDonald

Student:

Henriette Stainer

Partner:

University of Sheffield

Discipline:

Engineering - mechanical

Sector:

Oil and gas

University:

University of Alberta