industrial innovations
Industrial Innovations
Compressor plates, bearings, and bushings have been core Victrex energy applications for over 20 years. Where other materials deteriorate or lose significant mechanical properties at elevated temperatures, VICTREX® PEEK™ polymers are incredibly wear resistant and exhibit superb high temperature resistance and excellent resistance to harsh chemical environments.
Victrex supplies the widest range of PEEK polymer products in the world. This means more design and engineering options to push applications to new limits with this remarkable high performance material.
Compressors
To meet the demands of compressor manufacturers for improved performance, reduced maintenance costs and increased productivity, companies need materials that perform better than aluminum and bronze. Compared to aluminum, many plastics are hygroscopic, especially at elevated temperatures where many suffer from chemical attack, dimensional instability and loss of mechanical properties.
VICTREX PEEK polymers provide reliable resistance to chemicals such as ammonia, sour gas, syngas and alkalines that are corrosive to aluminum. They also have very low moisture absorption, superior mechanical properties, excellent wear properties, low thermal expansion and are non-galling.
Benefits of using VICTREX PEEK polymers can include:- Ability to carry loads ranging from 25,000 - 50,000 psi as experienced by the bearings and thrust washers in these systems
- High strength, fatigue resistant solution with excellent tribological properties
- Reduced downtime and costs associated with maintenance
Bearings and Bushings
VICTREX PEEK polymers are naturally low-friction and highly wear resistant. Their self-lubricating properties, combined with high temperature resistance, can make them a good choice for replacing metal wear components.
Bearings and bushings made with VICTREX PEEK are non-galling and non-seizing in contact with metals at high operating temperatures and pressures. As a result, the wear life of components is extended, increasing uptime and decreasing maintenance requirements.
Compounds manufactured from VICTREX PEEK polymers have similar coefficients of expansion to stainless steel at high temperatures. Bushings can be machined to closer clearances, increasing pump efficiency through reduced recirculation. Additionally, the wear resistance of VICTREX PEEK polymers reduces the risk of contamination of transported fluids.
Benefits of using VICTREX PEEK polymers can include:- Long-term corrosion resistance, compared to bronze components that can develop severe galvanic corrosion
- Requires no external lubrication
- Significantly lighter and easier to handle than bronze and other materials
- Dry running capabilities ensure long-term tribological performance and a service life of up to 10 years or more
Hoses
Thermoplastic high pressure hoses are widely used in: mass transport machinery, automotive production systems, mechanical handling, construction and earthmoving equipment, industrial refrigeration, agricultural equipment and many more.
Hose manufacturers are seeking higher performing hoses to safely operate at increased pressures and temperatures. To fulfill these needs, a new generation of superior performance thermoplastic hoses is now available by incorporating tubes made from VICTREX PEEK.
