Beyond Threads for Anti-Galling

When people in the oil and gas industry hear the term Brush Plating, most immediately think of anti-galling copper plating on OCTG threads. While this is indeed one of the most critical applications, it is only a fraction of what modern Brush Plating technology can achieve.

In reality, Brush Plating is a highly flexible surface engineering solution capable of repairing and restoring a wide range of oilfield components — far beyond threads alone.

At Sterling Impreglon Asia, our Brush Plating technology is used globally to restore valves, pumps, downhole tools, and sealing components, helping operators extend asset life, reduce downtime, and avoid unnecessary replacement costs.

Why Oilfield Components Fail Beyond Threads

Oilfield equipment operates in some of the harshest environments in the world. Components are exposed to:

• High pressure and temperature
• Corrosive fluids and gases
• Abrasive particles
• Repeated mechanical stress
• Metal-to-metal contact

Over time, this leads to wear, corrosion, pitting, erosion, and dimensional loss — even on non-threaded surfaces. When these surfaces fail, the entire system is compromised.

Brush Plating provides a targeted, precision repair solution for these critical areas.

 

Brush Plating Applications Beyond Threads

🔹 Valve Stems and Sealing Surfaces

Valve stems and sealing faces must maintain precise tolerances to ensure leak-free operation. Wear or corrosion can lead to pressure loss, safety risks, and shutdowns.

Brush Plating allows:

• Precision build-up of worn areas
• Restoration of sealing integrity
• Excellent adhesion without heat distortion
• On-site repair capability

🔹 Pump Shafts and Sleeves

Pump shafts are vulnerable to wear from seals, abrasives, and corrosive fluids. Even minor surface damage can result in vibration, leakage, and premature failure.

Brush Plating can:

• Restore shaft diameter to OEM tolerance
• Improve wear resistance
• Extend pump service life
• Eliminate the need for full shaft replacement

🔹 Downhole Tools and Accessories

Components such as packer parts, mandrels, sleeves, and tool interfaces often experience localized wear that does not justify full replacement.

With Brush Plating, Sterling can:

• Repair sealing surfaces
• Build up worn contact areas
• Restore dimensional accuracy
• Improve resistance to galling and fretting

This makes Brush Plating an ideal solution for both preventive maintenance and corrective repair of downhole tools.

🔹 Flanges, Housings, and Bearing Surfaces

Brush Plating is also effective for repairing:

• Corroded flange faces
• Bearing journals
• Housing bores
• Pump and compressor components

Localized plating ensures only damaged areas are restored — without affecting the surrounding material.

Why Brush Plating Works Across Multiple Components

The strength of Brush Plating lies in its metallurgical bonding and precise process control.

Key advantages include:

• Atomic-level adhesion between deposit and base metal
• No heat input — no warping or cracking
• Controlled thickness build-up
• Compatibility with multiple metals (copper, nickel, etc.)
• Portable systems for workshop or on-site repairs

This makes Brush Plating far more versatile than traditional tank plating or thermal processes.

One Technology, Multiple Solutions

Sterling’s Brush Plating technology supports oilfield operators by:

• Reducing component scrap
• Shortening repair turnaround time
• Minimizing logistics and transport
• Improving operational reliability
• Extending asset life

From threading shops to pump skids, valve assemblies, and downhole tools, Brush Plating is no longer a single-application technology — it is a multi-component repair solution.

 

Think Beyond Threads

If your organization is only using Brush Plating for threads, you may be missing significant opportunities to:

• Lower maintenance cost
• Reduce downtime
• Extend the life of critical equipment



Sterling Impreglon Asia works closely with customers to identify additional components suitable for Brush Plating, helping them maximize value from a single, proven technology.