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Forged machinery used in the oil and gas industry is exposed to some of the harshest and most demanding environmental conditions imaginable. In order to protect the safety of workers and the environment, every machinery component must meet or exceed rigorous industry standards. For over 100 years, CanForge has served the unique needs of the oil and gas industry. With expertise crafting components that range from one pound to 30,000 pounds, the CanForge team offers an extensive array of components such as customized flanges, manifold blocks, and valve bodies. Below is a look at nine of the most common components and the design expertise required to achieve compliance with industry regulations. 

1) Seamless rolled rings

Seamless rolled rings are used to create gears, flanges, bearings, and other components that are commonly used in the oil and gas industry. CanForge's operations include a 118,000 square foot Open Die plant that is one of Canada's leading facilities for seamless rolled ring manufacturing. Forging seamless rolled rings is a nuanced process that requires heating a doughnut shaped piece until it reaches temperatures up to 2200 degrees Farenheit and rolling to desired dimensions. CanForge produces seamless rolled rings up to 128 inches in diameter and can customize the rings in accordance with client needs. 

2) Check valves

Check valves are rotary motion valves that are used to prevent backflow within a piping system. Accurate forging is essential for proper operation and avoiding damage to pumps and compressors downstream. CanForge applies heat treatments to produce a wall thickness and pressure rating that complies with oil and gas industry standard. Additionally, check valves are tested for seat leakage and are crafted with a blowout-resistant design.

3) Flanged connectors

The oil and gas industry is known for its widespread use of flanges for refineries and pipelines. Types of flanges used in the oil and gas industry include threaded, open face, weld neck, studded face, and others. Manufacturing flanged connectors requires a strong working knowledge of applicable rating scales established and followed by organizations such as CAPP, the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers. And API (American Petroleum Institute) to these ratings when crafting flanged connectors.   

6) Cylinders

Cylinders must be fabricated to produce maximum reliability. Forging processes must produce cylinders that reduce thermal stress and minimize pressure drops. Common cylinder materials include cast steel, cast iron, nodular cast iron, and forged steel. CanForge has a proven track record of working with clients to accommodate their in-house requirements and prolong the life of procured cylinders and valve components

7) Mandrels

Accurate forging of mandrels is vital to promoting operational efficiency of a gas-lift system. Mandrels are typically tapered on the sides and made of medium carbon steel or hot-work tool steels. The specialists at CanForge recognize how important strength and resistance to fatigue is to forging a durable, long-lasting mandrel.  

8) Hollow bars and Heavy Wall Tubes

Hollow bars and heavy wall tubes are just a few components that CanForge prepares in its Open Die plant. While the concept of forging a hollow bar or tube may seem simple, the opposite is actually the case. A smooth, uniform forging process is essential to preparing components that promote safe seamless operation of transmission pipelines. CanForge is capable of forging bars and tubing that is highly resistant to corrosion and able to withstand the extreme range of temperatures that are common in the oil and gas industry.

9) Shafts

CanForge houses Ontario's largest open die pull down hydraulic forging press, facilitating the production of shafts with diameters of 5 to 27 inches and lengths of up to 40 feet. Oil and gas clients requiring customized shafts can request random lengths or stepped forgings that meet special requirements. Clients can choose from shafts forged with carbon steel, nickel, alloy steel, or tool steel. CanForge also provides in-house testing upon request.  

The Bottom Line

Attention to quality, safety, and the environment are paramount when forging components used in the oil and gas industry. A five-star forging process requires industry experience, the proper certification, spacious production facilities, and the latest equipment and tools. Most importantly, an impressive track record of success and strong working knowledge of the regulations governing the oil and gas industry are essential. 

Since 1912, CanForge has worked tirelessly to provide customized solutions to many of North America's leading industry players. Satisfied clients include Atomic Energy, General Electric, Siemens Westinghouse, and many others. We invite you to contact us to discover why we are one of the most trusted manufacturers of components for the oil and gas industry. Our commitment to continued quality improvement is unparalleled and CanForge has the resources and facilities to handle projects of all scopes and sizes. We look forward to becoming your single solution for all of your component needs.