Q: I need bolts for a well pump exposed to sour gas? I’ve currently use Incoloy 825 bolts which works reasonably well, but I’m wondering if there is a better choice that is more economical and could offer equal or better corrosion resistance – any ideas?
A: A great nickel alloy bolt to combat sour gas and oil well corrosion is Hastelloy C276. Hastelloy fasteners offer excellent resistance to sulfuric acid, sour gas, brine, sea water and chlorides which makes them a perfect solution for oil well corrosion. Hastelloy C276 has very similar working range to Incoloy 825 bolts with a typical yield of 49 KSI and a working temperature limit of 1500F. While Hastelloy C276 is generally a more expensive material than Incoloy 825, because of the high volume of Hastelloy C276 fasteners used, it actually will be a less expensive with higher performance.