×
June 8th, 2019

Harden and temper with advanced process control – the modern quench and temper line

Driven by growing world demand for energy products and the challenge created when exploration and recovery introduces tubular products into harsh conditions, steel producers and processors of tubular products have been tasked with developing chemistries and grades of high strength steel to meet new standards of performance. Primary to this development of supply is the technology for the quench and tempering of API tubing and casing.

Process repeatability, and model-based process control stand as the most important new characteristics of value added processing for those looking to thrive and adapt in today’s highly competitive markets. Possessing the technology to transform the material characteristics of steel in a controlled, repeatable process has been limited to older methods lacking computer controls in the quench and temper arena. The primary purpose of a harden and temper line is to get the most performance out of a specific material chemistry: a chemistry that is custom engineered to a specific application and will deliver the qualities most necessary for API tubing and casing products. Numerous manufacturing shortcomings have led to recent advancements in the technology of a manufacturing process that has remained relatively stagnant for a long period of time. With that said, what are the characteristics of a modern quench and temper system used for oil country applications?