When drilling extreme oil, gas, and geothermal wells, equipment must endure high heat, pressure, and abrasive rock cuttings. For years, one of the biggest challenges was ensuring non-rotating protectors (NRPs) could withstand multiple wells in these conditions without failure.
The Challenge: Unreliable Bonding
Traditionally, NRPs relied on bonding dissimilar materials. But in harsh downhole environments—200°F, oil-based drilling fluids, and abrasive cuttings—bonding often failed. The result of failed bonding was rapid product wear, costly downtime, slower drilling, higher torque, or worn casing.
The Solution: Global Polymer’s Expertise
WWT International turned to Global Polymer, one of the few molders capable of co-molding large, complex parts from dissimilar materials. Global Polymer was able to produce components up to 17″ diameter and 15″ long, meeting the exact requirements for NRPs.
“Global Polymer was up to the task of tackling our challenge. Their expertise and collaboration gave us the confidence we could solve this problem for good.”
—Eric Gollmyer, Engineering Manager, WWT
The Process: From Testing to Production
In testing for feasibility, early parts were co-molded and soaked in hot diesel to verify bonding strength. During design and tooling, molds were created for drill pipe sizes from 4″ to 6-5/8″. From the fulfillment side, Global Polymer continues steady, cost-stable production of these critical components for 15 years and running.
The Results: Faster, More Reliable Drilling
The new NRPs significantly reduced axial friction and torque, improving energy transfer from rig to bit. This enabled faster drilling in some of the toughest wells on earth.
Outsourcing to Global Polymer also reduced supply chain risk. With production outside traditional oilfield hubs, WWT gained stability against industry volatility.
A Partnership Built on Problem-Solving
From the first challenge to decades of reliable supply, Global Polymer has been a trusted partner in innovation. Their testing rigor, design expertise, and advanced compression molding continue to deliver NRPs that perform under the harshest conditions.
“Global Polymer’s reliability frees us to focus on pushing boundaries for our clients, reaching greater depths, and achieving success.” —WWT
Let’s Build Something Together
Are you digging deep on a challenge of your own? Global Polymer is here to help from concept to design to fabrication, testing and more. That’s what we do, every day. Learn more and let’s achieve success together.