- Email: [email protected]
Further mobile apps are targeted at engineers on the move
NEWS
Mounted on the roof of a building on the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s (NIST) campus in Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA, this device is designed to induce temperaturecaused strains in sealant specimens while monitoring loads and displacements. Affixed to a rigid base, the top segments of PVC pipe expand and contract with changes in temperature. Sensors, load cells and specimens – sandwiched between aluminium blocks – are suspended from the top crosspiece, which moves, and are attached to the same rigid base (photograph by courtesy of NIST).
‘These new and inexpensive testing devices induce movements which are similar to those that a sealant would experience in the actual application, in a building.’ The designs of the experimental testing devices have been shared with a consortium of US sealant manufacturers which have already adopted this new technology. Contact: National Institute of Standards and Technology, 100 Bureau Drive, Stop 1070, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-1070, USA. Tel: +1 301 975 6478, Email: [email protected], Web:www.nist.gov
Zurcon grade has improved extrusion resistance and compression set
T
relleborg Sealing Solutions Germany GmbH has developed a proprietary polyurethane compound called Zurcon Z25 which, it says, demonstrates all the characteristics of Zurcon grade Z20, but has an elevated operating temperature of up to +130°C. Because of its improved extrusion resistance and compression set, Zurcon Z25 is recommended for all hydraulic applications where high-temperature performance is required. The material is ideal for use in heavy-duty cylinder sealing applications where it can guarantee a long service life, says the firm. These include industrial and mobile applications with limited cooling systems or
cylinders exposed to high-temperature painting processes. It is also ideal for rotary applications, says the company. Self-energising, it operates at pressures up to 40 MPa (5800 psi) without a backup ring. It is suitable for use in all hydraulic fluids and has a low compression set. It has an diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI) material base and is also suitable for rotary applications such as swivel joints, where heat is generated by high pressure and a low speed. ‘Zurcon Z25 is a significant advancement in the field of polyurethane sealing technology,’ commented Joe Woods, who manages Trelleborg Sealing Solutions Americas’ fluid power segment. ‘It is able to perform at much higher temperatures than traditional polyurethane materials, enabling high-performance seals to be produced that can be commercially and technically competitive. This translates into better equipment performance for our customers.’ Contact: Trelleborg Sealing Solutions Germany GmbH, Handwerkstrasse 5–7, DE-70565 Stuttgart, Germany. Tel: +49 711 78640, Fax: +49 711 780 3171, www.tss.trelleborg.com/de
Further mobile apps are targeted at engineers on the move
T
he number of applications or ‘‘apps’’ for the iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch mobile devices, which are relevant to the sealing industry, continues to grow, with two releases from Freudenberg Sealing Technologies (FST) and Trelleborg Sealing Solutions. FST’s materials app ‘‘MySeal’’ has been developed to help engineers and technicians answer questions quickly and easily while they are on the move. They can use it to help them make an informed recommendation regarding the most suitable sealing material to use and provide high-quality information whether they are in a meeting with a customer, at a conference with business partners, or simply at their desk. For example, it will help them answer questions such as: ‘Which sealing material is resistant to mineral transmission oils and E10 gasoline?’ ‘Which elastomer is not affected by either ozone or ultraviolet light?’ ‘Which rubber material is capable of withstanding temperatures as high as 150°C and as low as –30°C? MySeal is FST’s first foray into this latest way of sharing knowledge. The service is rounded off by a link to a video about materials
BOB’S BIT
W
hen writing the editorial last month I mentioned that we were about to move. This all happened successfully and I am now able to work while enjoying a view of what is known in the UK as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which is a very considerable privilege. If I have not managed to include you on one of my Email circulars please note that I now have a new telephone number and Email address, which can be found on page 2. We are fortunate enough to have a small piece of land which has enabled the technical side of the family to contemplate the world of garden machinery. With the experience of a number of my consultancy projects it is with some trepidation that I approach the potential purchase of a small garden tractor with hydrostatic transmission. The other significant personal news during the last month was the financial problems at BHR Group, leading to the company entering administration. I was very pleased for my friends and ex-colleagues in the company that a buyer was found and the company is to continue in business. Although the level of activity in sealing technology has not been as high in recent years as it was a decade or so ago, they are still involved in some interesting work. The financial problems also had a knock-on effect on the organisation of the International Conference on Fluid Sealing. As will be seen from the events calendar and the news item on page 6, it has been rescheduled, and will now be held at the end of November. This is unfortunate as the venue in Poitiers was popular with many delegates, and the adjacent EDF LMS Bearings Workshop introduced a further area of potential interest for a number of delegates. The Bearing Workshop will still take place in October as planned. Hopefully most authors and delegates will be able to attend on the rescheduled dates. The organisers have been particularly keen to organise the conference in 2011 to commemorate 50 years of sealing conferences, and the papers that have been offered for this event appear to comprise a well balanced selection of good quality subjects. I look forward to seeing a good number of you there in November. The timing and location will also present a good opportunity for some Christmas shopping as you will be close to one of the largest shopping centres in the UK. Bob Flitney
Visit our website at www.sealingtechnology.info
3 September 2011
Sealing Technology
NEWS on YouTube. The software can be downloaded in German and English free of charge from iTunes or the Apple App Store. Trelleborg Sealing Solutions has released a ‘‘Unit and Hardness Converter’’ app for the iPhone. This new tool efficiently and conveniently converts frequently used units and currencies, as well as popular hardness scales for various material types based on ISO and ASTM standards. ‘We are always looking for ways to make our customers’ working lives easier, and with the workforce becoming more mobile every day, we will continue to provide tools that can be used on the go,’ said Wolfgang Heinrich, Trelleborg Sealing Solutions’ Web-site specialist. The app is available in English and German, and also can be downloaded in German and English free of charge from iTunes or the Apple App Store. As reported earlier this year, Trelleborg Sealing Solutions also offers the ‘‘ISO Fits & Tolerances’’ app (Sealing Technology January 2011, page 7 and February 2011 page 3). Contacts: Trelleborg Sealing Solutions Germany GmbH, Handwerkstrasse 5–7, DE-70565 Stuttgart, Germany. Tel: +49 711 78640, Fax: +49 711 780 3171, www.tss.trelleborg.com/de Freudenberg Dichtungs- und Schwingungstechnik GmbH & Co Kg, Höhnerweg 2–4, D-69465 Weinheim, Germany. Tel: +49 6201 80 6666, Email: [email protected], Web: www.freudenberg-ds.com
Company News VirtualPiE acquires BHR Group
I
n the UK, BHR Group Ltd, the internationally recognised centre of excellence in fluid engineering, has been acquired by VirtualPiE Ltd, a privately owned engineering services company. VirtualPiE has acquired the business name, business rights, goodwill, intellectual property, customer contracts, facilities and rights to the historic BHR brand. The new company will trade as BHR Group, and will combine the rich knowledge base and multi-disciplinary expertise of BHR with the software design and optimisation knowhow of VirtualPiE. Commenting on the acquisition, Raghbir Chand, Managing Director, BHR Group, said: ‘My vision is to create an integrated engineering services company that builds on the talents and expertise of our staff and the strong relation4
Sealing Technology
Raghbir Chand, Managing Director, BHR Group, sees the new BHR Group offering a range of integrated specialist, yet valued products and process services across many industrial sectors.
ships that we have built up with customers across a range of market sectors.’ ‘In combining this with the design and product development capabilities of VirtualPiE, I see the new BHR Group offering a range of integrated specialist, yet valued products and process services across many industrial sectors. We will continue to develop and deliver the consultancy, research, modelling and other services to the standard of excellence that customers and delegates have come to expect,’ continued Chand. ‘I am convinced of the value and benefits that a knowledge-based, forward-thinking and innovative fluid engineering company has to offer. BHR is and will continue to be firmly focused on delivering engineering expertise, providing customers with cost-effective and safe solutions to enhance their process, and products as well as knowledge transfer and dissemination through our courses and peer reviewed conferences.’ The company, which will remain at its premises on the Cranfield University campus, says that current projects ‘will transition over’. This means that the team which was working with customers before the acquisition will continue to work with them to complete their project using the same facilities and resources. Contact: Raghbir Chand, BHR Group, The Fluid Engineering Centre, Cranfield, Bedfordshire MK43 0AJ, UK. Tel: +44 1234 750422, Fax: +44 1234 750074, Email: [email protected], Web: www.bhrgroup.com
EnPro buys Tara Technologies and creates new business
I
n the USA, EnPro Industries Inc, a manufacturer of engineered indus-
trial products, including seals, has acquired Tara Technologies Corp, a privately-held company that focuses on the semiconductor, aerospace, energy and medical markets. The firm will be combined with EnPro’s High Performance Seals (HPS) group to create a new EnPro business that will go to market as the Technetics Group. EnPro says that the group unites several of its companies with common visions, common markets and complementary products. Furthermore, the newly-formed unit brings expanded engineering capabilities to EnPro’s sealing products businesses and enlarges the corporation’s global manufacturing capacity. ‘This acquisition provides an exciting opportunity for EnPro,’ commented Steve Macadam, President and Chief Executive Officer, EnPro Industries. ‘It combines Tara’s capabilities in assemblies, systems integration and surface technologies with the HPS group’s experience in precision components, to provide industry-leading expertise in high-performance sealing applications. The addition of Tara also brings a highly-skilled technical workforce to EnPro and will enable us to accelerate our growth in key markets.’ Colm Lanigan, Chief Executive Officer, Tara Technologies, and a managing partner of Tara Capital, added: ‘Tara Technologies has a 50-year record of providing world class products to its customers. While we have expanded significantly in the past five years, we realised that a larger platform would enable us to best serve our customers. We believe EnPro’s model provides the scale and resources to drive further success.’ Tara Technologies, based in Daytona Beach, Florida, with facilities in San Carlos, California and Singapore, employs approximately 170 people. It was owned by an affiliate of lead investor Tara Capital Inc and Balmoral Fund I Lp, a private equity fund based in Los Angeles. Contacts: EnPro Industries Inc, 5605 Carnegie Boulevard, Charlotte, NC 28209-4674, USA. Tel: +1 704 731 1500, Fax: +1 704 731 1511, Web: www.enproindustries.com Tara Technologies Corp, 305 Fentress Boulevard, Daytona Beach, FL 32114, USA. Tel: +1 386 253 0628, Fax: +1 386 257 0122, Web: http://taratechnologies.com
Lanxess establishes butyl rubber R&D centre in Canada
S
peciality chemicals company Lanxess Inc recently inaugurated the global research and development
September 2011
Mounted on the roof of a building on the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s (NIST) campus in Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA, this device is designed to induce temperaturecaused strains in sealant specimens while monitoring loads and displacements. Affixed to a rigid base, the top segments of PVC pipe expand and contract with changes in temperature. Sensors, load cells and specimens – sandwiched between aluminium blocks – are suspended from the top crosspiece, which moves, and are attached to the same rigid base (photograph by courtesy of NIST).
‘These new and inexpensive testing devices induce movements which are similar to those that a sealant would experience in the actual application, in a building.’ The designs of the experimental testing devices have been shared with a consortium of US sealant manufacturers which have already adopted this new technology. Contact: National Institute of Standards and Technology, 100 Bureau Drive, Stop 1070, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-1070, USA. Tel: +1 301 975 6478, Email: [email protected], Web:www.nist.gov
Zurcon grade has improved extrusion resistance and compression set
T
relleborg Sealing Solutions Germany GmbH has developed a proprietary polyurethane compound called Zurcon Z25 which, it says, demonstrates all the characteristics of Zurcon grade Z20, but has an elevated operating temperature of up to +130°C. Because of its improved extrusion resistance and compression set, Zurcon Z25 is recommended for all hydraulic applications where high-temperature performance is required. The material is ideal for use in heavy-duty cylinder sealing applications where it can guarantee a long service life, says the firm. These include industrial and mobile applications with limited cooling systems or
cylinders exposed to high-temperature painting processes. It is also ideal for rotary applications, says the company. Self-energising, it operates at pressures up to 40 MPa (5800 psi) without a backup ring. It is suitable for use in all hydraulic fluids and has a low compression set. It has an diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI) material base and is also suitable for rotary applications such as swivel joints, where heat is generated by high pressure and a low speed. ‘Zurcon Z25 is a significant advancement in the field of polyurethane sealing technology,’ commented Joe Woods, who manages Trelleborg Sealing Solutions Americas’ fluid power segment. ‘It is able to perform at much higher temperatures than traditional polyurethane materials, enabling high-performance seals to be produced that can be commercially and technically competitive. This translates into better equipment performance for our customers.’ Contact: Trelleborg Sealing Solutions Germany GmbH, Handwerkstrasse 5–7, DE-70565 Stuttgart, Germany. Tel: +49 711 78640, Fax: +49 711 780 3171, www.tss.trelleborg.com/de
Further mobile apps are targeted at engineers on the move
T
he number of applications or ‘‘apps’’ for the iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch mobile devices, which are relevant to the sealing industry, continues to grow, with two releases from Freudenberg Sealing Technologies (FST) and Trelleborg Sealing Solutions. FST’s materials app ‘‘MySeal’’ has been developed to help engineers and technicians answer questions quickly and easily while they are on the move. They can use it to help them make an informed recommendation regarding the most suitable sealing material to use and provide high-quality information whether they are in a meeting with a customer, at a conference with business partners, or simply at their desk. For example, it will help them answer questions such as: ‘Which sealing material is resistant to mineral transmission oils and E10 gasoline?’ ‘Which elastomer is not affected by either ozone or ultraviolet light?’ ‘Which rubber material is capable of withstanding temperatures as high as 150°C and as low as –30°C? MySeal is FST’s first foray into this latest way of sharing knowledge. The service is rounded off by a link to a video about materials
BOB’S BIT
W
hen writing the editorial last month I mentioned that we were about to move. This all happened successfully and I am now able to work while enjoying a view of what is known in the UK as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which is a very considerable privilege. If I have not managed to include you on one of my Email circulars please note that I now have a new telephone number and Email address, which can be found on page 2. We are fortunate enough to have a small piece of land which has enabled the technical side of the family to contemplate the world of garden machinery. With the experience of a number of my consultancy projects it is with some trepidation that I approach the potential purchase of a small garden tractor with hydrostatic transmission. The other significant personal news during the last month was the financial problems at BHR Group, leading to the company entering administration. I was very pleased for my friends and ex-colleagues in the company that a buyer was found and the company is to continue in business. Although the level of activity in sealing technology has not been as high in recent years as it was a decade or so ago, they are still involved in some interesting work. The financial problems also had a knock-on effect on the organisation of the International Conference on Fluid Sealing. As will be seen from the events calendar and the news item on page 6, it has been rescheduled, and will now be held at the end of November. This is unfortunate as the venue in Poitiers was popular with many delegates, and the adjacent EDF LMS Bearings Workshop introduced a further area of potential interest for a number of delegates. The Bearing Workshop will still take place in October as planned. Hopefully most authors and delegates will be able to attend on the rescheduled dates. The organisers have been particularly keen to organise the conference in 2011 to commemorate 50 years of sealing conferences, and the papers that have been offered for this event appear to comprise a well balanced selection of good quality subjects. I look forward to seeing a good number of you there in November. The timing and location will also present a good opportunity for some Christmas shopping as you will be close to one of the largest shopping centres in the UK. Bob Flitney
Visit our website at www.sealingtechnology.info
3 September 2011
Sealing Technology
NEWS on YouTube. The software can be downloaded in German and English free of charge from iTunes or the Apple App Store. Trelleborg Sealing Solutions has released a ‘‘Unit and Hardness Converter’’ app for the iPhone. This new tool efficiently and conveniently converts frequently used units and currencies, as well as popular hardness scales for various material types based on ISO and ASTM standards. ‘We are always looking for ways to make our customers’ working lives easier, and with the workforce becoming more mobile every day, we will continue to provide tools that can be used on the go,’ said Wolfgang Heinrich, Trelleborg Sealing Solutions’ Web-site specialist. The app is available in English and German, and also can be downloaded in German and English free of charge from iTunes or the Apple App Store. As reported earlier this year, Trelleborg Sealing Solutions also offers the ‘‘ISO Fits & Tolerances’’ app (Sealing Technology January 2011, page 7 and February 2011 page 3). Contacts: Trelleborg Sealing Solutions Germany GmbH, Handwerkstrasse 5–7, DE-70565 Stuttgart, Germany. Tel: +49 711 78640, Fax: +49 711 780 3171, www.tss.trelleborg.com/de Freudenberg Dichtungs- und Schwingungstechnik GmbH & Co Kg, Höhnerweg 2–4, D-69465 Weinheim, Germany. Tel: +49 6201 80 6666, Email: [email protected], Web: www.freudenberg-ds.com
Company News VirtualPiE acquires BHR Group
I
n the UK, BHR Group Ltd, the internationally recognised centre of excellence in fluid engineering, has been acquired by VirtualPiE Ltd, a privately owned engineering services company. VirtualPiE has acquired the business name, business rights, goodwill, intellectual property, customer contracts, facilities and rights to the historic BHR brand. The new company will trade as BHR Group, and will combine the rich knowledge base and multi-disciplinary expertise of BHR with the software design and optimisation knowhow of VirtualPiE. Commenting on the acquisition, Raghbir Chand, Managing Director, BHR Group, said: ‘My vision is to create an integrated engineering services company that builds on the talents and expertise of our staff and the strong relation4
Sealing Technology
Raghbir Chand, Managing Director, BHR Group, sees the new BHR Group offering a range of integrated specialist, yet valued products and process services across many industrial sectors.
ships that we have built up with customers across a range of market sectors.’ ‘In combining this with the design and product development capabilities of VirtualPiE, I see the new BHR Group offering a range of integrated specialist, yet valued products and process services across many industrial sectors. We will continue to develop and deliver the consultancy, research, modelling and other services to the standard of excellence that customers and delegates have come to expect,’ continued Chand. ‘I am convinced of the value and benefits that a knowledge-based, forward-thinking and innovative fluid engineering company has to offer. BHR is and will continue to be firmly focused on delivering engineering expertise, providing customers with cost-effective and safe solutions to enhance their process, and products as well as knowledge transfer and dissemination through our courses and peer reviewed conferences.’ The company, which will remain at its premises on the Cranfield University campus, says that current projects ‘will transition over’. This means that the team which was working with customers before the acquisition will continue to work with them to complete their project using the same facilities and resources. Contact: Raghbir Chand, BHR Group, The Fluid Engineering Centre, Cranfield, Bedfordshire MK43 0AJ, UK. Tel: +44 1234 750422, Fax: +44 1234 750074, Email: [email protected], Web: www.bhrgroup.com
EnPro buys Tara Technologies and creates new business
I
n the USA, EnPro Industries Inc, a manufacturer of engineered indus-
trial products, including seals, has acquired Tara Technologies Corp, a privately-held company that focuses on the semiconductor, aerospace, energy and medical markets. The firm will be combined with EnPro’s High Performance Seals (HPS) group to create a new EnPro business that will go to market as the Technetics Group. EnPro says that the group unites several of its companies with common visions, common markets and complementary products. Furthermore, the newly-formed unit brings expanded engineering capabilities to EnPro’s sealing products businesses and enlarges the corporation’s global manufacturing capacity. ‘This acquisition provides an exciting opportunity for EnPro,’ commented Steve Macadam, President and Chief Executive Officer, EnPro Industries. ‘It combines Tara’s capabilities in assemblies, systems integration and surface technologies with the HPS group’s experience in precision components, to provide industry-leading expertise in high-performance sealing applications. The addition of Tara also brings a highly-skilled technical workforce to EnPro and will enable us to accelerate our growth in key markets.’ Colm Lanigan, Chief Executive Officer, Tara Technologies, and a managing partner of Tara Capital, added: ‘Tara Technologies has a 50-year record of providing world class products to its customers. While we have expanded significantly in the past five years, we realised that a larger platform would enable us to best serve our customers. We believe EnPro’s model provides the scale and resources to drive further success.’ Tara Technologies, based in Daytona Beach, Florida, with facilities in San Carlos, California and Singapore, employs approximately 170 people. It was owned by an affiliate of lead investor Tara Capital Inc and Balmoral Fund I Lp, a private equity fund based in Los Angeles. Contacts: EnPro Industries Inc, 5605 Carnegie Boulevard, Charlotte, NC 28209-4674, USA. Tel: +1 704 731 1500, Fax: +1 704 731 1511, Web: www.enproindustries.com Tara Technologies Corp, 305 Fentress Boulevard, Daytona Beach, FL 32114, USA. Tel: +1 386 253 0628, Fax: +1 386 257 0122, Web: http://taratechnologies.com
Lanxess establishes butyl rubber R&D centre in Canada
S
peciality chemicals company Lanxess Inc recently inaugurated the global research and development
September 2011