SMITH InnerArmor Technologies
Smith InnerArmor Technologies LLC brings the perfect combination of advanced technology — Sub-One Technology's InnerArmor® brand diamond-like carbon (DLC) processing — with decades of oilfield service experience of Smith International. Innovative OCTG surface protection solutions to help our customers stay ahead of today's challenging down hole conditions — that is Smith InnerArmor Technologies.

InnerArmor protection

InnerArmor® is a revolutionary surface enhancement process that can be applied to the internal surfaces of OCTG products. A technological breakthrough that combines plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) with hollow cathode plasma immersion ion processing (HCPIIP) – InnerArmor facilitates conversion of the internal surface of tubular components into an integral layer of diamond-like carbon (DLC). The process imparts a unique combination of very high hardness, low coefficient of friction and significantly enhanced resistance to corrosion, erosion and wear to the surface of standard OCTG components.

Integral inert and smooth surface protection — covering great lengths

InnerArmor is chemically inert and amorphous. Like glass, they have no crystalline grain structure, and provide a uniform, protective barrier on the internal surface. Like natural diamond, they are ultra hard, chemically inert and inherently smooth and non-reactive. The barrier is highly conformal; protecting varied interior surface finishes throughout the length of your tubular – even at lengths up to 30 feet. Processing can be adjusted to protect the bull-nose and initial threads to ensure complete coverage of all exposed surfaces; corrosive elements have nowhere to attack. High adhesion and low residual surface stress assure that the improved surface remains firmly bonded even during the flexing and bending conditions that are intrinsic to down hole tubular applications.

Multi-layer structure — fine-tunable to specific applications

InnerArmor solutions address the problems of wear and corrosion in an unprecedented way with a unique combination of surface qualities: high hardness, smoothness, low surface reactivity, chemical inertness and a low coefficient of friction.

In addition, InnerArmor is a multilayered structure, so that properties can be fine-tuned to the specific type of wear encountered in an application. For example, in the case of a hard abrading particle, the hardness of the top layer can be increased. Or, the thickness of the treatment can be increased to prevent energy transfer to a softer substrate material. Even the chemical composition of the near surface material can be modified to resist corrosion or the build-up of scale and fouling deposits.

Enhancing performance, saving you money

InnerArmor treatment results in longer tubular life by virtue of the improved chemical and physical characteristics of the surface. An intrinsic chemical inertness shields internal surfaces from chemical attacks of many kinds. The exceptional hardness provides unprecedented protection against erosion and wear. All of which also inhibits corrosion. In addition, the coating’s uniquely low surface energy and low coefficient of friction improve flow dynamics. This helps maintain line pressure and reduces the amount of energy needed to move product — which further reduces cost.

The end result: InnerArmor-protected parts last longer. You need fewer replacement parts, require fewer rework cycles, and experience reduced downtime. Productivity is maximized — for a net gain in profitability.