The application of WC based coatings could minimise the failure of fracturing tools during downhole drilling and hydraulic fracturing. The oil and gas industries are experiencing maintenance challenges due to excessive wear caused by fracturing fluid containing a high concentration of proppants. The tribo-behaviour of atmospheric plasma spray (APS) and high-velocity oxy-fuel (HVOF) deposited WC-Cr₃C₂-Ni coatings on SS 316L substrate were investigated. The uncoated and coated specimens comparatively studied in dry sliding and oil-based fracturing fluid conditions. The characterisation of coatings for surface morphology, porosity, and nano-hardness was carried out. The ball-on-disc tribometer (ASTM G99) used for tribo-tests with Al₂O₃ balls as a counter body against uncoated and coated specimens. The experimental analysis suggested that both coatings revealed higher hardness and improved anti-wear characteristics compared with uncoated specimens. Moreover, for detailed information about wear mechanisms, the worn-out surfaces of uncoated and coated specimens were studied. Consequently, the outcomes show the potential use of WC-Cr₃C₂-Ni coatings to enhance the performance and lifespan of fracturing tools operating in hostile conditions, which is essential in economic savings during maintenance and replacement of components.

WC基涂层的应用可以将井下钻井和水力压裂过程中压裂工具的故障降到最低。由于包含高浓度支撑剂的压裂液造成的过度磨损，石油和天然气行业正面临维护挑战。研究了大气等离子喷涂（APS）和高速含氧燃料（HVOF）在SS 316L基底上沉积的WC-Cr ₃ C ₂ -Ni涂层的摩擦性能。在干滑和油基压裂液条件下，未涂层和涂层样品进行了比较研究。对涂层进行了表面形貌，孔隙率和纳米硬度的表征。圆盘摩擦计（ASTM G99）用于与Al ₂ O ₃进行摩擦试验球作为抵抗未镀膜和镀膜样品的主体。实验分析表明，与未涂层样品相比，两种涂层均显示出更高的硬度和改进的抗磨性能。此外，为了获得有关磨损机理的详细信息，还对未涂覆和涂覆样品的磨损表面进行了研究。因此，结果表明可以潜在地使用WC-Cr ₃ C ₂ -Ni涂层来提高在不利条件下操作的压裂工具的性能和使用寿命，这对于在维护和更换组件期间节省经济性至关重要。