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Bob's Bit
NEWS
BOB’S BIT
I
The results from wear tests of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) with a variety of fillers, during oil lubricated (top) and dry conditions (bottom). 7864344, Email: [email protected], Web: www.tss.trelleborg.com.
Versatile seal series reduces costs and improves reliability
F
lowserve Corp has launch its latest standard cartridge seal series. Called ISC2, it is designed to provide benefits such as greater flexibility and rapid availability, a longer service life and a reduction in down time and inventory. The design is considered to be sufficiently versatile for it to fulfil different needs, which means that it may be the only seal required by some facilities. ‘Flowserve is committed to creating leadingedge sealing technology and products that
December 2009
increase reliability and improve productivity for our customers which operate rotating equipment,’ said Andrew Beall, President, Flowserve Flow Solutions Division. ‘The Flowserve ISC2 seals are designed to fit hundreds of pump models from global manufacturers, so customers in virtually all industries and applications will benefit.’ The seals feature patent-pending thermal management technology. This enables them to tolerate short-term dry-run events without overheating, thereby increasing reliability and preventing a common cause of leakage. Dual seals enjoy enhanced barrier fluid circulation for the highest flow rate and coolest running, compared with other standard cartridge seals in the industry. Single seals have a sizeable throttle bushing to help protect against leaks. ISC2 seals meet all major international standards, including API 682/ISO 21049. The seals
mentioned back in October that it is quite encouraging to see that there are a number of relatively small seal manufacturers which seem to be able to prosper and grow in spite of the apparent domination of multinational conglomerates and competition from low-cost base areas. It is easy to think that large conglomerates can have a stranglehold on the market and smaller companies will gradually disappear. But, perhaps this is not correct. Recently, I have had several conversations with project managers in major international user companies and they have been quite forthcoming on the problems of dealing with international conglomerates for major contracts. A factor of concern can be that not only is there the problem of supposedly matching items of equipment made in different locations not matching, it is then a matter of gaining access to a decision maker. When dealing with a smaller company it is generally possible to directly access someone at director level who will take ownership of the problem and have the power to decide what actions can be taken. Hence, for a critical project, they may often decide to deal with a rather smaller company with a limited number of production sites, where they know that they can have direct access to those involved in the work. On reflection, this mirrors some of my experience when working with customers, either on a new project that requires sealing, or looking for a solution to an existing problem. If you are dealing with a large organisation the enquiry can end up going through several layers of technical sales and engineering departments. When dealing with a smaller company it is much easier to contact someone with both the technical knowledge and authority to both suggest technically what the company can provide and also how any prototypes or development will be prioritised and funded. Sometimes such bright and active companies get absorbed into a larger organisation and, very soon, such customer focus can get buried in a corporate system and gradually disappear. Perhaps this is something for some to ponder during the new year. And talking of the new year, may I take this opportunity to wish all readers the compliments of the season. I trust that you will be able to enjoy a relaxing Christmas break and follow it with a successful and fulfilling 2010. Bob Flitney
Sealing Technology
3
BOB’S BIT
I
The results from wear tests of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) with a variety of fillers, during oil lubricated (top) and dry conditions (bottom). 7864344, Email: [email protected], Web: www.tss.trelleborg.com.
Versatile seal series reduces costs and improves reliability
F
lowserve Corp has launch its latest standard cartridge seal series. Called ISC2, it is designed to provide benefits such as greater flexibility and rapid availability, a longer service life and a reduction in down time and inventory. The design is considered to be sufficiently versatile for it to fulfil different needs, which means that it may be the only seal required by some facilities. ‘Flowserve is committed to creating leadingedge sealing technology and products that
December 2009
increase reliability and improve productivity for our customers which operate rotating equipment,’ said Andrew Beall, President, Flowserve Flow Solutions Division. ‘The Flowserve ISC2 seals are designed to fit hundreds of pump models from global manufacturers, so customers in virtually all industries and applications will benefit.’ The seals feature patent-pending thermal management technology. This enables them to tolerate short-term dry-run events without overheating, thereby increasing reliability and preventing a common cause of leakage. Dual seals enjoy enhanced barrier fluid circulation for the highest flow rate and coolest running, compared with other standard cartridge seals in the industry. Single seals have a sizeable throttle bushing to help protect against leaks. ISC2 seals meet all major international standards, including API 682/ISO 21049. The seals
mentioned back in October that it is quite encouraging to see that there are a number of relatively small seal manufacturers which seem to be able to prosper and grow in spite of the apparent domination of multinational conglomerates and competition from low-cost base areas. It is easy to think that large conglomerates can have a stranglehold on the market and smaller companies will gradually disappear. But, perhaps this is not correct. Recently, I have had several conversations with project managers in major international user companies and they have been quite forthcoming on the problems of dealing with international conglomerates for major contracts. A factor of concern can be that not only is there the problem of supposedly matching items of equipment made in different locations not matching, it is then a matter of gaining access to a decision maker. When dealing with a smaller company it is generally possible to directly access someone at director level who will take ownership of the problem and have the power to decide what actions can be taken. Hence, for a critical project, they may often decide to deal with a rather smaller company with a limited number of production sites, where they know that they can have direct access to those involved in the work. On reflection, this mirrors some of my experience when working with customers, either on a new project that requires sealing, or looking for a solution to an existing problem. If you are dealing with a large organisation the enquiry can end up going through several layers of technical sales and engineering departments. When dealing with a smaller company it is much easier to contact someone with both the technical knowledge and authority to both suggest technically what the company can provide and also how any prototypes or development will be prioritised and funded. Sometimes such bright and active companies get absorbed into a larger organisation and, very soon, such customer focus can get buried in a corporate system and gradually disappear. Perhaps this is something for some to ponder during the new year. And talking of the new year, may I take this opportunity to wish all readers the compliments of the season. I trust that you will be able to enjoy a relaxing Christmas break and follow it with a successful and fulfilling 2010. Bob Flitney
Sealing Technology
3