Oerlikon makes metals ready for the deep sea: coatings and materials protect drill bits, valves, pumps and seals against pressure, corrosion and wear. This increases reliability, lowers costs and helps protect sensitive underwater environments.
Oerlikon at the bottom of the sea
Thousands of meters below the ocean’s surface, metals face extreme pressure, heat, salt water and abrasive particles. Drill bits, valves and seals must keep working smoothly and safely under these harsh conditions. Oerlikon has supported the oil and gas industry for decades with technologies that help equipment survive and perform in the deep sea.
To protect subsea valves, Oerlikon combines thermal spray coatings with BALINIT DLC thin films. The sprayed undercoat protects against corrosion, while the DLC layer reduces friction and wear. Together, they help valve seats, balls, spindles and actuators run reliably for longer.
Oerlikon also enables lighter and more efficient valve designs through additive manufacturing. By pairing coatings with 3D printed components, subsea systems become more compact, more robust and easier to maintain.
For drilling tools exposed to constant abrasion and impact, MetcoXtreme metal matrix materials offer high resistance to wear, erosion and temperature changes. This helps drilling tools last longer, reduces tool changes and supports more economical operation.
Mechanical seals in pumps and compressors also benefit from Oerlikon coatings. By minimizing friction and protecting sealing surfaces, coated seals stay tight longer. This reduces the risk of leaks and supports both safety and environmental protection.
As a system partner, Oerlikon combines PVD and thermal spray technologies with metal 3D printing to deliver one-stop solutions for the oil and gas industry. The same expertise helps other sectors work in extreme conditions, such as mining.