Surface improvement for erosion resistance

Abstract

The technique of laser induced surface improvement is used for tool surfaces in downhole tools that experience erosion from slurry or high velocity flows.

1 . A tool for use in erosive service downhole comprising a surface in contact with an erosive stream that is made more durable by an application of a precursor laser melted onto the surface. 
   
   
       2 . The tool of  claim 1 , wherein said surface comprises a part of a cross-over tool, a choke, a frac nipple, a seal bore, a washout tool, or other down-hole orifice where fluid flow erodes the orifice. 
   
   
       3 . The tool of  claim 1 , wherein said precursor comprises at least one of oxides, ceramics, nanoparticles, nitrides, silicides, and metals, such as: CrB 2 , Cr 3 C 2 , TiB2, Nb 2 C, TiC, B 4 C, SiC, Mo 2 C, SiC, ZrB 2 , WC, WZrC, MoB, TiB 2  or CrB 2 .