Metal finishing Q&As since 1989

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Erosion of chrome plated brass pump barrel

We are a supplier of chrome plated pump barrels to oilfield. Our product is steel pump barrels. Recently we got inquiries for chrome plating brass barrels. After several tests, we had problem on erosion at places where current is dense, and still have not figured out the solution yet. Any suggestion or comment is greatly appreciated.

Harry Lam
HTI Manufacturing Corp. - Long Island City, New York
2004

Sounds to me like you using an electroetch that is too aggressive for the base metal.

James Watts
- Navarre, Florida
2004

Have you considered using a different material than chrome for wear protection? Our company has had tremendous success with thermal spray coatings. The can be applied and finished smooth just like chrome, and there are no environmental laws to drive the price up.

David Jewell
- Oilville, Virginia
2005

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Mr. Lam didn't tell us the ID of his barrels, but I wouldn't think that they are bigger than a few inches. What would be the smallest ID that flame spray can be applied to, David?

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
2005

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2005

David,

Can you also tell us the maximum O.D. and reach? materials?

Corrosion resistance? I've got a similar problem, and would like to explore the possibility of replacing the chrome plate. The fluid is an abrasive crude oil with H2S and sea water. Base material is annealed cast steel. Product is a screw pump with two intersecting bores.

Thanks,

Dan Landry
- Warren, Massachusetts