Innovative oil exploration and recovery is key to satisfying future demands for energy. Ceradyne has been working with large energy companies on proprietary projects to help develop further worldwide resources. Ceradyne Ceralloy® Silicon Nitride is potentially a key material for operating in these severe environments.


Oil and oil service companies have used Ceralloy® Silicon Nitride since the early 1990s to improve the performance and reliability of down hole telemetry tooling, measuring wheels and balls for check valves.

Telemetry Tooling
Requires electrical resistivity and high strength.

Measuring Wheels
Key properties are wear resistance and a low thermal expansion coefficient.

Balls for Check Valves
Silicon nitride balls are used in the most demanding of the oilfield applications.

Oil exploration and recovery presents a number of opportunities for the use of ceramic components. The harsh environment presents chemical, wear, corrosion, and temperature problems that can be solved through the use of Ceralloy® Silicon Nitride.