Hard and lubricious valve surfaces, material compositions and sequences of manufacturing

An apparatus for use in hydrocarbon production, the apparatus comprising:

• a first surface movably engaged with a second surface;
• and
• a coating on the first surface, the coating comprising:
• a first layer, wherein the coating is characterized by:
• a coefficient of friction of less than 0.15;
• a hardness in excess of 1,200 HVN;
• impermeability to liquids at pressures ranging from 15 and 20,000 psi;
• a surface finish of 63 or less;
• and
• a thickness ranging from 0.5 to 20 mils, and wherein the first layer includes at least two immiscible phases, including from 70 to 99 volume percent of a continuous phase and from 1 to 30 volume percent of a discontinuous phase dispersed within the continuous phase, wherein the discontinuous phase comprises a solid dry lubricant, and wherein the continuous phase comprises a transition-metal.

An apparatus for use in hydrocarbon production, the apparatus comprising:

• a first surface movably engaged with a second surface;
• and
• a coating on the first surface, the coating comprising:
• a first layer including at least two immiscible phases, including from 70 to 99 volume percent of a continuous phase and from 1 to 30 volume percent of a discontinuous phase dispersed within the continuous phase, each based on a total volume of the first layer;
• wherein the discontinuous phase comprises a solid dry lubricant;
• and
• wherein the continuous phase comprises a transition-metal.