What is hardbanding?
Hardbanding is the process of depositing a layer of super hard metal onto drill pipe tool joints, drill collars and heavy weight drill pipe in order to protect both the casing and drill string components from wear associated with drilling practices.
The Petroleum Industry Glossary:
“Hardbanding is the process of laying on a coating or surface of [super-hard metal] on a [softer metal part] at a point or on an area of severe wear or abrasion – putting a hard surface on a softer metal by welding or other metallurgical process.”
Where it may be impractical or prohibited by structural constraints to manufacture a part from the harder metal, hard-surfacing of the part is a practical solution. Hardbanding is the term given to hardfacing drill pipe – hardbanding is a specific form of hardfacing.
How is hardbanding applied?
Hardbanding is most commonly applied using a modified MIG welding apparatus designed specifically to apply hardbanding onto a tubular surface. With this process, a continuous consumable wire electrode is fed through a welding torch. Most hardbanding wires require use of shielding gas in order to protect the arc during welding. An electric arc created between the wire electrode and parent metal melts the hardbanding wire, transfers it to the substrate and forms a metallurgical bond between the two alloys.
What are the differences between Arnco’s 100XT™, 150XT™, 350XT®, and 400XT™ hardbanding alloys?
Each hardbanding alloy can be defined by its key features: pipe protection (also known as longevity, durability, or wear-resistance), which is how long the hardbanding lasts; casing protection (also known as abrasiveness or casing-friendliness), which is what effect the hardbanding has on the casing; friction reduction, which is how much the hardbanding lowers friction downhole; compatibility, which is how easily one hardbanding alloy can be applied atop another; and of course, cost. Each of Arnco’s hardbanding alloys is designed to be best-in-class in these categories. The right hardbanding for you depends on what is most important to you.
Where can I buy Arnco hardbanding?
Arnco hardbanding is available in every region of the world. Individual stock points are included in the Global Presence page. For any inquiries regarding the purchase of Arnco hardbanding, including to make an order, contact us here.
Where can I find someone to apply Arnco hardbanding?
Arnco’s customers are all certified to apply Arnco hardbanding. These applicators can be found in nearly every country with oil and gas activity. For a specific list in your country or region, please click here.
How can I become an Arnco Certified Applicator?
You can find more information about becoming a certified applicator here.
I’m having application issues, what can I do to troubleshoot?
You may always reach out to Arnco’s quality specialists with any questions or comments about applications by clicking here. In addition, Arnco has developed an extensive history of troubleshooting expertise, some of which are included in the table below.
| Troubleshooting Chart (for anything not covered please contact Arnco for consultation) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Symptom | Cause | Recommended Corrective Action |
| Spatter | Amperage too high | Check recommended parameter / lower if within parameter |
| Voltage too high | Check recommended parameter / lower if within parameter | |
| Excessive wire stickout | Adjust torch height to accommodate recommended wire stickout | |
| Insufficient shielding gas | Increase flow, make sure wind or other force not effecting area around arc | |
| Wrong Polarity | Change to recommended parameter (Positive DCEP) | |
| Dirty / wet wire | Make sure wire is clean and free of moisture / keep in dry sealed area | |
| Loose torch assembly | Check assembly to make sure tight | |
| Voids / Holes | Weld surface not clean | Make sure surface is clean and free of debris, moisture, grease, etc. |
| Excessive rotation speed | Reduce rotation speed until adequate build up and consistency achieved | |
| Amperage too low | Check recommended parameter / increase if within parameter | |
| Porosity | Lack of shielding gas coverage | Check: gas flow rate, nozzle for build-up, hoses for leaks, drafts near arc |
| Contaminated gas | Try different gas canister | |
| Dirty / wet wire | Make sure wire is clean and free of moisture / keep in dry sealed area | |
| Torch tip clogged | Make sure torch tip / nozzle is not worn or clogged with slag | |
| Weld surface not clean | Make sure surface is clean and free of debris, moisture, grease, etc. | |
| Incorrect Weld Profile (concave, convex or other) Poor Fusion | Incorrect torch angle / offset | Most common cause – readjust angle and offset to recommended parameter |
| Incorrect rotation speed | Lower if too much build-up / increase if not enough | |
| Insufficient heat input | Increase voltage and/or amperage | |
| Excessive wire stickout | Adjust torch height to accommodate recommended wire stickout | |
| Incorrect torch angle / offset | Adjust angle and offset to recommended parameter | |
| Excessive wire stickout | Adjust torch height to accommodate recommended wire stickout | |
How much hardbanding do I need for my job?
This depends on your tool joint diameter, how many bands you need, and how many tool joints you’re hardbanding. You can find estimates below.
How often does hardbanding have to be reapplied?
Due to a large variation in drilling practices, formation abrasiveness and casing materials used, re-application cycles can vary greatly. Typically, once a raised hardbanding has worn flush with the tool joint surface, re-application is necessary. Therefore, it is important to perform regular visual inspections of tool joints during tripping operations.