Iron plus carbon equals steel. But additional elements are usually present, too — sulphur and phosphorus, for example, are common impurities. Minimizing these elements improves steel quality, and by adding the perfect proportions of chromium, molybdenum, vanadium or nickel, we can create the perfect material for your needs.
It's been at least 4,000 years since people discovered that adding a controlled amount of carbon to iron conjured up a new kind of metal — one that was strong, held a sharp edge and could bend without breaking. At Continental, we live and breathe specialized metallurgical chemistries. But at the end of the day, we think good old steel is still pretty exciting.
Chromium is a hard metal that adds corrosion resistance when alloyed with steel. Alone, it polishes to a mirror-like shine — that's why it's often used as decorative plating, where it's called "chrome." For oil and gas industry steel products, Continental adds varying quantities of chromium to molten steel to create the best and most cost-effective alloy solutions.
When customers ask for the ultimate in toughness and corrosion resistance, Continental answers with nickel alloys. Complex down-hole tools and lining or cladding for pipes, storage vessels, well-heads and assemblies are typical nickel applications. Nickel is weldable, and plays nicely with steel.
OCTG refers mainly to well casing and tubing — items subject to extreme stress in today's oil and gas industry. Continental began its existence specializing in OCTG, and remains a leader in understanding the needs of the drilling and completion sector.
When corrosion resistance is a priority, you need stainless steel. Continental will analyze your working environment and supply the best and most cost-effective stainless alloy for the conditions. The combination of chromium, nickel and other elements can be tailored to any unique situation.
A steel alloy is created when other metals are added to the basic combination of iron and carbon, improving its properties.
Stainless steel is alloy steel to which at least 10.5% chromium has been added, making the material stain-resistant.
By definition, all steel is a mixture of iron and carbon. Steel to which no alloy elements have been added is called “carbon steel.”
These metals are used in mildly corrosive environments containing chlorides, carbon dioxide and low hydrogen sulphate concentrations.
Nickel alloys are extremely corrosion-resistant, even at very high strength levels.
Oil country tubular goods can be either seamless (hot-pierced) or seam-welded.
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