In February alone, 228211 tons of aluminum were produced in Canada. Aluminum alloys have been industry favourites because of their corrosion-resistant nature and because they’re lightweight. But in the gas and oil industry, aluminum fabrications are inventing new structures and supporting infrastructure. Wondering what aluminum fabrication is and how exactly it has shaped the oil and gas industry? Continue reading below.
What Is Aluminum Fabrication?
Aluminum fabrication is the shaping of aluminum through various processes like cutting and bending. Properties of aluminum, like softness, strength, and lightness, make this process quite easy. The fabrication process changes the fabric of the metal and allows for the manufacturing of different metal pieces.
Applications of Aluminum in the Oil and Gas Industry
Of course, it is the properties of aluminum that make it a candidate in the oil and gas industry. From equipment to infrastructure, there are several ways this metal is used. Let's explore them below:
Oil and Gas Industry Equipment Beyond its softness and corrosion resistance, aluminum has an impeccable strength-to-weight ratio. This means that the metal is strong but at almost half the weight. This property is what makes it a good choice in the manufacturing of equipment in the oil and gas industry. A quick example: Due to this property, manufacturers can make tubular products that can be used on drill sites. This aluminum equipment is light, meaning using it wouldn't be strenuous. And this nature also allows for easy storing and transportation of equipment.
Storage Equipment We have established that aluminum is corrosion-resistant, meaning that it can resist rusting pretty well. This property makes aluminum alloys good candidates for manufacturing storage containers, especially for oil. Most refrigerators are made from aluminum and magnesium alloys.
Infrastructure Parts This goes back to its light weight and strength. Since aluminum alloys are light but still relatively strong, they make for easy manufacturing of structural pieces. Aluminum alloys allow for both onshore and offshore equipment manufacturing. We like practicality, so we will give you yet another example; you will find aluminum alloy pipe strings can sustain their own weight and are less brittle than the common steel.
Aluminum Fabricating Techniques
Fabricating uses several techniques to get the metal into a finished product ready for use. Some of these techniques include:
Aluminum Welding There are two major types of aluminum welding. The first method is gas metal arc welding or, as it is more widely known, metal inert gas (MIG). This welding method has higher deposition rates at a faster speed. But in using this method, welders have to ensure their aluminum surface is clean. The second method is gas tungsten arc welding. It also has a more common name, tungsten inert gas (TIG). This method is popular in the automotive racing ring. When using the TIG method, properly decontaminate your aluminum before heating.
Shaping This process goes back to the softness of this metal. In aluminum fabricating, it is important to have the ability to shape material into demanded shapes.
Cutting Cutting is different from shaping. In cutting, we simply take the metal and cut it using high-speed machines like waterjets.
Looking for Aluminum Fabricators?
Before you jump on and research aluminum fabricators near me, know your specific needs in detail. Aluminum fabrication is an easy process, especially if you are working with industry experts. Advantage Manufacturing Ltd is a welding and fabrication company located in Drayton Valley and serving the Edmonton area since 2005. Contact us today to request a quote and discuss your aluminum fabrication and welding projects.