The oil sector is a fundamental component of the fossil fuel industry and includes all operations relating to the exploration, extraction, production, transport and refining of crude oil and natural gas (Oil & Gas).
These operations are divided into three different categories: upstream, midstream and downstream
Upstream
This exploration and production (E&P) phase involves the search for new reserves (“pockets” underground or underwater) of oil and natural gas and subsequent drilling aimed at extracting the fossil fuel.
Midstream
This phase, following the extraction of fossil fuel, includes the conservation, marketing and transportation of crude oil, natural gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG). Movement, from production areas to refineries or directly to markets, occurs mainly through oil pipelines, gas pipelines and tankers (oil tankers).
Downstream
This phase includes the final refining operations and subsequent sale and distribution.
The harsh conditions in which petrochemical plants work often require the use of stainless steel alloys, which have ideal characteristics of resistance to corrosion, high temperatures and the required operating pressures.
The use of stainless steel in this sector guarantees the durability and reliability of operations.
In the three phases listed above, the use of stainless steel refers to various products such as pipes, valves, connection fittings for pipes (flanges and threaded fittings).
These elements are indispensable for fluid transport lines, heat exchangers, refining towers, tanks and reactors, instrumentation and control lines, and water treatment and purification systems.
The grade of stainless steel, in addition to pressure rating and size characteristics, depends on the specific project needs.
The Oil & Gas sector is an important factor in the global economy and is affected by changes in the price of the raw product on the raw materials market, with repercussions on the quantity and size of investments.
Furthermore, despite the problems related to environmental preservation, petroleum products retain a crucial importance in the energy production sector.
The growing sensitivity to environmental issues, which contributes to the development of new technologies capable of guaranteeing an increasingly sustainable impact, makes the Oil & Gas sector a constantly evolving global sector, still with long-term prospects.
