SiC‐bonded diamond ceramics for extreme conditions in subsea applications

Abstract

Extremely reliable and wear‐resistant components are required for subsea pump applications. For this purpose, materials and components were developed and qualified within the framework of a joint project1, which under media lubrication with water containing particles, exhibit the highest possible wear resistance and can thus achieve the longest possible service life. The developed SiC‐bonded diamond ceramics have diamond contents of up to 60 % by volume and can be manufactured in the form of a solid material or as graded components containing diamonds only in the tribologically stressed areas. The results show that the investigated diamond‐containing ceramics are very suitable for media‐lubricated sliding bearings and mechanical seals in subsea applications. The friction values under media lubrication are very stable and independent of tribological loads. In mechanical seal application, SiC‐bonded diamond shows significantly better friction performance than the reference material SiC. An outlook is given on demonstrator tests that are currently in preparation.