- Email: [email protected]
Quadrant EPP Nylatron 66 SA FST is targeted at the aerospace sector
NEWS
Editorial Office: Elsevier Ltd The Boulevard, Langford Lane Kidlington, Oxford OX5 1GB, UK Fax: Tel:+44 +44(0)1865 1865 843239 843973 Web: www.sealingtechnology.info Publisher: Greg Valero Logan Publishing Director: Deborah E-mail: [email protected] Editor: Simon Atkinson Editor: Simon Atkinson Tel/Fax: +44 (0) 1904 655944 Tel: +44 (0) 1904 655944 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Production Support Manager: Lin Lucas Technical Editor: Bob Flitney E-mail: [email protected] Tel: +44 (0)1799 501659 E-mail: [email protected] Editorial advisory board: Production Support Lin Lucas Didier Fribourg (F)Manager: • Cyril X Latty (F) E-mail:(UK) [email protected] Amrat Parmar • Richard F Salant (USA) Wolfgang Schöpplein (D) • Shuzo Seya (J) Editorial advisory board: Scott Svendsen (USA) • Dr Brian S Ellis (UK) Yves Birembaut (F) • Cyril Bob Flitney (UK)X Latty (F) Amrat Parmar (UK) • Richard F Salant (USA) Subscription Information Wolfgang Schöpplein (D) • Shuzo Seya (J) An annual subscription to Svendsen Sealing Technology Scott (USA) includes 12 issues and online access for up to 5 users. Subscription Information Prices: An annual Sealing Technology E1477 forsubscription all Europeantocountries & Iran includes 12 issues andfor online access forexcept up to 5Europe users. and Japan US$1655 all countries Prices: ¥196 100 for Japan E1215 for all run European & Iran Subscriptions for 12 countries months, from the date US$1362 isforreceived. all countries except Europe and Japan payment ¥161 400 for Japan More information: (Prices valid until 31 July-November 2015) http://store.elsevier.com/product.jsp?isbn=13504789 To subscribe send payment to the address above. Tel: +44 (0)1865 843687/Fax: +44 from (0)1865 834971 Permissions may be sought directly Elsevier Global Rights Email: [email protected], Department, PO Box 800, Oxford OX5 1DX, UK; phone: +44 1865 or via www.sealingtechnology.info. 843830, fax: +44 1865 853333, email: [email protected]. You Subscriptions for 12 months, the Elsevier’s date payment is may also contactrun Global Rights directlyfrom through home page received. (www.elsevier.com), selecting first ‘Support & contact’, then ‘Copyright & permission’. In the USA, users may clear permissions and make payments through Clearance Center, Inc., 222 Rosewood Permissions may the be Copyright sought directly from Elsevier Global Rights Drive, Danvers,POMABox 01923, phone: 978UK; 750 phone: 8400, fax: 978 Department, 800,USA; Oxford OX5+1 1DX, +44+11865 750 4744,fax: and+44 in the UK853333, throughemail: the Copyright Licensing Agency Rapid 843830, 1865 [email protected]. You Clearance Service Global (CLARCS), 90 directly Tottenham CourtElsevier’s Road, London W1P may also contact Rights through home page 0LP, UK; phone: +44 (0)20 7631first 5555; fax: +44 (0)20 7631 Other (www.elsevier.com), selecting ‘Support & contact’, then5500. ‘Copyright countries may have a local for payments. & permission’. In the USA,reprographic users may rights clear agency permissions and make Derivative Works the Copyright Clearance Center, Inc., 222 payments through Subscribers may reproduce tables of contents or prepare artiRosewood Drive, Danvers, MA 01923, USA; phone: +1 978lists 750of8400, cles including abstracts for in internal within their institutions. fax: +1 978 750 4744, and the UKcirculation through the Copyright Licensing Permission of the Publisher is required for resale or distribution Agency Rapid Clearance Service (CLARCS), 90 Tottenham Courtoutside Road, the institution. Permission of the is required for+44 all (0)20 other London W1P 0LP, UK; phone: +44 Publisher (0)20 7631 5555; fax: derivative works, including compilations translations. 7631 5500. Other countries may haveand a local reprographic rights Electronic Storage or Usage agency for payments. Permission the Publisher is required to store or use electronically DerivativeofWorks any materialmay contained in this journal, including articlelists or of partartiof Subscribers reproduce tables of contents or any prepare an Except as outlined above,circulation no part of this their publication may clesarticle. including abstracts for internal within institutions. be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form Permission of the Publisher is required for resale or distribution outside or any means, electronic,of mechanical, photocopying, recording or thebyinstitution. Permission the Publisher is required for all other otherwise, without prior written permission of the Publisher. Address derivative works, including compilations and translations. permissions requests to: Electronic Storage orElsevier Usage Science Global Rights Department, at the mail, faxofand addresses noted above. Permission theemail Publisher is required to store or use electronically Notice any material contained in this journal, including any article or part of No responsibility the Publisher and/ may an article. Exceptisasassumed outlinedbyabove, no partfor of any this injury publication or to persons a matter products liability, be damage reproduced, stored or in property a retrievalassystem or of transmitted in any form negligence or otherwise, or from any use orphotocopying, operation of any meth- or or by any means, electronic, mechanical, recording ods, products, instructions or ideaspermission contained of in the material otherwise, without prior written Publisher.herein. Address Because of rapid advan in the Science medicalGlobal sciences, in particular, inde-at permissions requests to:ces Elsevier Rights Department, pendent of diagnoses drug dosages should be made. the mail,verification fax and email addresses and noted above. Although Notice all advertising material is expected to conform to ethical (medical) standards, inclusionbyinthe thisPublisher publication not constitute a No responsibility is assumed for does any injury and/ guarantee of the quality or value of such product or damageor toendorsement persons or property as a matter of products liability, or of the claims of it by manufacturer. negligence ormade otherwise, or its from any use or operation of any methods, products, instructions or ideas contained in the material herein. Because of rapid advances in the medical sciences, in particular, independent verification of diagnoses and drug dosages should be made. Although all advertising material is expected to conform to ethical (medical) standards, inclusion in this publication does not constitute a guarantee or endorsement of the quality or value of such product or of the claims made of it by its manufacturer.
12980 Digitally Produced by 02129 Mayfield Press (Oxford) Ltd Digitally Produced by Mayfield Press (Oxford) Ltd
2
Sealing Technology
Viton fluoroelastomer resists aggressive organic acids
T
he Chemours Co, a publicly traded company created from the DuPont Performance Chemicals businesses, recently announced the commercial availability of Viton VTR-9307 – a bisphenolcured fluorinated rubber pre-compound for the production of fluoroelastomer (FKM) parts with long-term resistance to hot acidic gases and condensates. This product combines the advantages of high temperature and chemical resistance with the added acid resistance necessary for applications such as exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) sensors, positive crankcase ventilation (PCV), diesel particulate filters, gaskets for charge air coolers, intake pipes, EGR coolers and quick connectors, in addition to O-rings and sleeves for air-flow elements. Previously, higher-priced peroxide crosslinked FKM was required for these applications, says the company. Viton VTR-9307 can be used without the addition of conventional metal oxide activators to avoid the extreme swelling caused by these materials when exposed to organic acids. Elastomers produced on the basis of Viton VTR-9307 swell only slightly under such conditions (for example less than 5% in 1 N acetic acid). The mechanical properties of these products, such as tensile strength, elongation at break, hardness and compression set, which are similar to the properties of peroxide cross-
linked FKM, are also largely unaffected by long-term exposure to organic acids. Viton VTR-9307 fluorinated rubber precompounds do not require any classic metal oxide activators. However, when added in small quantities for the purpose of improving cure, and consequently enhancing properties such as compression set and heat resistance, the acid resistance and elongation of the vulcanisate at break are not significantly affected. ‘This new Viton fluoroelastomer pre-compound offers a cost-effective material versus peroxide-cured FKM, used for many demanding applications, especially in the automotive industry,’ commented Jean-Marc Imbert, Global Product Manager, Fluoroelastomers, Chemours. Contact: Chemours International Operations Sarl, 2 Chemin du Pavillon, CH-1218 Le Grand-Saconnex, Geneva, Switzerland. Tel: +41 22 719 1500, Web: www.chemours.com
Quadrant EPP Nylatron 66 SA FST is targeted at the aerospace sector
Q
uadrant Engineering Plastic Products (EPP), which specialises in high-performance engineering plastics and polymers, is offering a thermoplastic product that is targeted at applications in the aerospace industry. Called Nylatron 66 SA FST, this polyamide material, which was showcased at this year’s
A comparison of two mineral-filled elastomers – the sample based on the new Viton VTR-9307 pre-compound exhibits far better property retention after 168 h immersion in 1 N acetic acid at 100°C than a conventional elastomer, cured with bisphenol using metal oxide activators.
November 2015
NEWS/in brief Paris Air Show, is designed specifically for aircraft interior applications that are required to withstand extreme temperatures. The unique features of Nylatron 66 SA FST make it the first engineering plastic product of its kind available as semi-finished shapes (rods and sheets), says the firm. Fire, smoke and toxicity (FST) retardant capabilities enable it to resist extreme temperatures up to 175°C. It is particularly suitable for any kind of application in aircraft interiors where metal parts (for example, brackets, seal bushings, slide rails and duct seals) or high performance polymers traditionally have been specified. This material has passed tests to comply with Federal Aviation Regulations FAR 25.853 – the first engineering plastic shape to achieve this standard. It enables engineers to manufacture various components where robust and reliable material qualities are essential for safety and integrity of the aircraft. Aircraft design and engineering has become increasingly complex, with a focus on safety and reliability. Aerospace construction managers require light and flexible materials to withstand high temperatures and pressures, as well as maintain their robustness throughout long periods of use. Nylatron 66 SA FST addresses the needs for durable and fire-retardant plastic materials. It also offers wear-resistance and low moisture absorption, which contributes to its long-lasting functionality. Frank Johänning, Global Market Manager, Aerospace, Quadrant EPP, said: ‘We have carried out stringent testing and it has proven a highly reliable and robust material, crucial for ensuring that components are safe to use in aircraft construction.’ Quadrant’s materials are accredited to stringent certifications and standards, such as AS9100C, ISO 9001, ISO 14001, OEM approvals and JAR/FAR 25.853. Contacts: Quadrant Ag, Talstrasse 70, 8001 Zurich, Switzerland. Tel: +41 44 213 66 66, Fax: +41 44 213 66 99, Web: www.quadrantplastics.com Quadrant EPP Deutschland GmbH, Am Leitzelbach 11, 74889 Sinsheim, Germany. Tel: +49 7261 155 0, Fax: +49 7261 155 155
James Walker develops seals for EBA chromatography columns
J
ames Walker UK Ltd has developed a range of inflatable seals for the latest design of expanded bed adsorption (EBA) chromatography columns
November 2015
manufactured by UK chromatography technology expert Biotechflow. These seals operate between the piston body and the sides of the column, and the design engineers faced a number of challenges from a series of unique demands on the piston seals, including: • the requirement for the seal to move the piston smoothly against the column (no juddering); • the capability to lock the piston in place when required; • achieving zero dead space for sanitary operation; • permitting cleaning-in-place between the piston and the column cylinder; and • allowing the bed height to be adjusted when the seal is engaged. Explaining how these demands were satisfied, Dr John Toynbee, lead engineer – new materials at James Walker, said: ‘Being involved at an early stage in the overall design of the column was a huge benefit. We were able to provide recommendations and subtle adjustments to the design and operation of the seals and piston unit to ensure the system worked perfectly and met the original list of user requirements.’ ‘The final design incorporates an inflatable C-profile elastomeric seal and O-rings, locked in place with a custom-engineered stainless steel carrier and sealing plate. This arrangement is duplicated at the top and bottom of the piston and provides subtle management of the inflation of the seal which, in turn, provides accurate control over piston movement.’ According to the company, its Elast-OPure EP75 Black EPDM elastomer is ideal for this application as it achieves the specified biocompatibility requirements of USP <87> and USP <88> and cleanliness requirements of USP <643> and USP <381>. ‘Specially formulated for bioprocessing and pharmaceuticals use, Elast-O-Pure EP75 Black complies with FDA 21 CFR 177.2600 , is free of any animal-derived ingredients, offers extremely low levels of extractables (USP <643> and USP <381>) and is certified to USP Class VI. In addition, extensive long-term testing in typical cleaning solutions, such as caustic and phosphoric acids, has shown that this material is resistant in both hot and cold solutions – even after 150 days,’ continued Dr Toynbee. Dr Martin Hofmann, Managing Director, Biotechflow, says that the piston seals are one of the key elements to the outstanding performance of the new EBA column. He added: ‘The capabilities to move, yet maintain a seal, lock the piston in place and permit easy cleaning between piston and column wall with no dead space issues, all contribute to the overall column performance and provide a
IN BRIEF Ashton Seals appoints new managing director As Thomas A. Ashton Ltd approaches its 150th anniversary next year it has appointed Zoe Fearnley as the managing director of its subsidiary Ashton Seals Ltd. Tim Wills, Chairman, The Ashton Group, commented: ‘Whilst we are proud of our history, we need to focus on the future and see continued growth of our business and the expansion of our product portfolio with more products sitting alongside our core seals, gaskets and lubrication equipment. Zoe has a strong track record in both these two key areas.’ Henniges Automotive expands global footprint Henniges Automotive Holdings Inc, a US-based supplier of sealing and anti-vibration systems for the global automotive market, has opened a new technical and tooling centre in Beijing, China, as well as a new engineering and sales office in Munich, Germany. ‘These strategic initiatives will enable Henniges Automotive to better support the rapidly increasing technical, commercial and developmental needs of key automotive OEMs in China and Germany, and encourage future business growth,’ commented Peter Seto, Vice President, Global Engineering, Henniges. As reported previously, the company recently broke ground on its new manufacturing facility in Gómez Palacio, Mexico. Metamaterial absorbers set to enhance infrared inspection technologies In Japan, researchers at Okayama University have fabricated a novel plasmonic metamaterial absorber comprising gold and magnesium fluorine that is capable of high sensitivity infrared (IR) detection. The metamaterial could prove invaluable in the development of next-generation IR inspection technologies. The researchers carefully designed their absorber to maximise the IR signal and minimise background noise. The metamaterial consists of 50 nm gold ribbons on a thick, gold film, separated by a layer of magnesium fluoride. More information: Web: www.nature.com/articles/srep12570 FSA appoints new members to its board of directors In the USA, the Fluid Sealing Association (FSA) has appointment Jeff Bernthisel, General Sales Manager, EGC Enterprises Inc, Chardon, Ohio, and Carl Jones, Packing Market Specialist at W.L. Gore & Associates Inc, Coraopolis, Pennsylvania, to its board of directors. Both Bernthisel and Jones are long-standing members of the FSA and currently take leadership roles in many of the association’s technical committees and divisions.
Sealing Technology
3
Editorial Office: Elsevier Ltd The Boulevard, Langford Lane Kidlington, Oxford OX5 1GB, UK Fax: Tel:+44 +44(0)1865 1865 843239 843973 Web: www.sealingtechnology.info Publisher: Greg Valero Logan Publishing Director: Deborah E-mail: [email protected] Editor: Simon Atkinson Editor: Simon Atkinson Tel/Fax: +44 (0) 1904 655944 Tel: +44 (0) 1904 655944 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Production Support Manager: Lin Lucas Technical Editor: Bob Flitney E-mail: [email protected] Tel: +44 (0)1799 501659 E-mail: [email protected] Editorial advisory board: Production Support Lin Lucas Didier Fribourg (F)Manager: • Cyril X Latty (F) E-mail:(UK) [email protected] Amrat Parmar • Richard F Salant (USA) Wolfgang Schöpplein (D) • Shuzo Seya (J) Editorial advisory board: Scott Svendsen (USA) • Dr Brian S Ellis (UK) Yves Birembaut (F) • Cyril Bob Flitney (UK)X Latty (F) Amrat Parmar (UK) • Richard F Salant (USA) Subscription Information Wolfgang Schöpplein (D) • Shuzo Seya (J) An annual subscription to Svendsen Sealing Technology Scott (USA) includes 12 issues and online access for up to 5 users. Subscription Information Prices: An annual Sealing Technology E1477 forsubscription all Europeantocountries & Iran includes 12 issues andfor online access forexcept up to 5Europe users. and Japan US$1655 all countries Prices: ¥196 100 for Japan E1215 for all run European & Iran Subscriptions for 12 countries months, from the date US$1362 isforreceived. all countries except Europe and Japan payment ¥161 400 for Japan More information: (Prices valid until 31 July-November 2015) http://store.elsevier.com/product.jsp?isbn=13504789 To subscribe send payment to the address above. Tel: +44 (0)1865 843687/Fax: +44 from (0)1865 834971 Permissions may be sought directly Elsevier Global Rights Email: [email protected], Department, PO Box 800, Oxford OX5 1DX, UK; phone: +44 1865 or via www.sealingtechnology.info. 843830, fax: +44 1865 853333, email: [email protected]. You Subscriptions for 12 months, the Elsevier’s date payment is may also contactrun Global Rights directlyfrom through home page received. (www.elsevier.com), selecting first ‘Support & contact’, then ‘Copyright & permission’. In the USA, users may clear permissions and make payments through Clearance Center, Inc., 222 Rosewood Permissions may the be Copyright sought directly from Elsevier Global Rights Drive, Danvers,POMABox 01923, phone: 978UK; 750 phone: 8400, fax: 978 Department, 800,USA; Oxford OX5+1 1DX, +44+11865 750 4744,fax: and+44 in the UK853333, throughemail: the Copyright Licensing Agency Rapid 843830, 1865 [email protected]. You Clearance Service Global (CLARCS), 90 directly Tottenham CourtElsevier’s Road, London W1P may also contact Rights through home page 0LP, UK; phone: +44 (0)20 7631first 5555; fax: +44 (0)20 7631 Other (www.elsevier.com), selecting ‘Support & contact’, then5500. ‘Copyright countries may have a local for payments. & permission’. In the USA,reprographic users may rights clear agency permissions and make Derivative Works the Copyright Clearance Center, Inc., 222 payments through Subscribers may reproduce tables of contents or prepare artiRosewood Drive, Danvers, MA 01923, USA; phone: +1 978lists 750of8400, cles including abstracts for in internal within their institutions. fax: +1 978 750 4744, and the UKcirculation through the Copyright Licensing Permission of the Publisher is required for resale or distribution Agency Rapid Clearance Service (CLARCS), 90 Tottenham Courtoutside Road, the institution. Permission of the is required for+44 all (0)20 other London W1P 0LP, UK; phone: +44 Publisher (0)20 7631 5555; fax: derivative works, including compilations translations. 7631 5500. Other countries may haveand a local reprographic rights Electronic Storage or Usage agency for payments. Permission the Publisher is required to store or use electronically DerivativeofWorks any materialmay contained in this journal, including articlelists or of partartiof Subscribers reproduce tables of contents or any prepare an Except as outlined above,circulation no part of this their publication may clesarticle. including abstracts for internal within institutions. be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form Permission of the Publisher is required for resale or distribution outside or any means, electronic,of mechanical, photocopying, recording or thebyinstitution. Permission the Publisher is required for all other otherwise, without prior written permission of the Publisher. Address derivative works, including compilations and translations. permissions requests to: Electronic Storage orElsevier Usage Science Global Rights Department, at the mail, faxofand addresses noted above. Permission theemail Publisher is required to store or use electronically Notice any material contained in this journal, including any article or part of No responsibility the Publisher and/ may an article. Exceptisasassumed outlinedbyabove, no partfor of any this injury publication or to persons a matter products liability, be damage reproduced, stored or in property a retrievalassystem or of transmitted in any form negligence or otherwise, or from any use orphotocopying, operation of any meth- or or by any means, electronic, mechanical, recording ods, products, instructions or ideaspermission contained of in the material otherwise, without prior written Publisher.herein. Address Because of rapid advan in the Science medicalGlobal sciences, in particular, inde-at permissions requests to:ces Elsevier Rights Department, pendent of diagnoses drug dosages should be made. the mail,verification fax and email addresses and noted above. Although Notice all advertising material is expected to conform to ethical (medical) standards, inclusionbyinthe thisPublisher publication not constitute a No responsibility is assumed for does any injury and/ guarantee of the quality or value of such product or damageor toendorsement persons or property as a matter of products liability, or of the claims of it by manufacturer. negligence ormade otherwise, or its from any use or operation of any methods, products, instructions or ideas contained in the material herein. Because of rapid advances in the medical sciences, in particular, independent verification of diagnoses and drug dosages should be made. Although all advertising material is expected to conform to ethical (medical) standards, inclusion in this publication does not constitute a guarantee or endorsement of the quality or value of such product or of the claims made of it by its manufacturer.
12980 Digitally Produced by 02129 Mayfield Press (Oxford) Ltd Digitally Produced by Mayfield Press (Oxford) Ltd
2
Sealing Technology
Viton fluoroelastomer resists aggressive organic acids
T
he Chemours Co, a publicly traded company created from the DuPont Performance Chemicals businesses, recently announced the commercial availability of Viton VTR-9307 – a bisphenolcured fluorinated rubber pre-compound for the production of fluoroelastomer (FKM) parts with long-term resistance to hot acidic gases and condensates. This product combines the advantages of high temperature and chemical resistance with the added acid resistance necessary for applications such as exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) sensors, positive crankcase ventilation (PCV), diesel particulate filters, gaskets for charge air coolers, intake pipes, EGR coolers and quick connectors, in addition to O-rings and sleeves for air-flow elements. Previously, higher-priced peroxide crosslinked FKM was required for these applications, says the company. Viton VTR-9307 can be used without the addition of conventional metal oxide activators to avoid the extreme swelling caused by these materials when exposed to organic acids. Elastomers produced on the basis of Viton VTR-9307 swell only slightly under such conditions (for example less than 5% in 1 N acetic acid). The mechanical properties of these products, such as tensile strength, elongation at break, hardness and compression set, which are similar to the properties of peroxide cross-
linked FKM, are also largely unaffected by long-term exposure to organic acids. Viton VTR-9307 fluorinated rubber precompounds do not require any classic metal oxide activators. However, when added in small quantities for the purpose of improving cure, and consequently enhancing properties such as compression set and heat resistance, the acid resistance and elongation of the vulcanisate at break are not significantly affected. ‘This new Viton fluoroelastomer pre-compound offers a cost-effective material versus peroxide-cured FKM, used for many demanding applications, especially in the automotive industry,’ commented Jean-Marc Imbert, Global Product Manager, Fluoroelastomers, Chemours. Contact: Chemours International Operations Sarl, 2 Chemin du Pavillon, CH-1218 Le Grand-Saconnex, Geneva, Switzerland. Tel: +41 22 719 1500, Web: www.chemours.com
Quadrant EPP Nylatron 66 SA FST is targeted at the aerospace sector
Q
uadrant Engineering Plastic Products (EPP), which specialises in high-performance engineering plastics and polymers, is offering a thermoplastic product that is targeted at applications in the aerospace industry. Called Nylatron 66 SA FST, this polyamide material, which was showcased at this year’s
A comparison of two mineral-filled elastomers – the sample based on the new Viton VTR-9307 pre-compound exhibits far better property retention after 168 h immersion in 1 N acetic acid at 100°C than a conventional elastomer, cured with bisphenol using metal oxide activators.
November 2015
NEWS/in brief Paris Air Show, is designed specifically for aircraft interior applications that are required to withstand extreme temperatures. The unique features of Nylatron 66 SA FST make it the first engineering plastic product of its kind available as semi-finished shapes (rods and sheets), says the firm. Fire, smoke and toxicity (FST) retardant capabilities enable it to resist extreme temperatures up to 175°C. It is particularly suitable for any kind of application in aircraft interiors where metal parts (for example, brackets, seal bushings, slide rails and duct seals) or high performance polymers traditionally have been specified. This material has passed tests to comply with Federal Aviation Regulations FAR 25.853 – the first engineering plastic shape to achieve this standard. It enables engineers to manufacture various components where robust and reliable material qualities are essential for safety and integrity of the aircraft. Aircraft design and engineering has become increasingly complex, with a focus on safety and reliability. Aerospace construction managers require light and flexible materials to withstand high temperatures and pressures, as well as maintain their robustness throughout long periods of use. Nylatron 66 SA FST addresses the needs for durable and fire-retardant plastic materials. It also offers wear-resistance and low moisture absorption, which contributes to its long-lasting functionality. Frank Johänning, Global Market Manager, Aerospace, Quadrant EPP, said: ‘We have carried out stringent testing and it has proven a highly reliable and robust material, crucial for ensuring that components are safe to use in aircraft construction.’ Quadrant’s materials are accredited to stringent certifications and standards, such as AS9100C, ISO 9001, ISO 14001, OEM approvals and JAR/FAR 25.853. Contacts: Quadrant Ag, Talstrasse 70, 8001 Zurich, Switzerland. Tel: +41 44 213 66 66, Fax: +41 44 213 66 99, Web: www.quadrantplastics.com Quadrant EPP Deutschland GmbH, Am Leitzelbach 11, 74889 Sinsheim, Germany. Tel: +49 7261 155 0, Fax: +49 7261 155 155
James Walker develops seals for EBA chromatography columns
J
ames Walker UK Ltd has developed a range of inflatable seals for the latest design of expanded bed adsorption (EBA) chromatography columns
November 2015
manufactured by UK chromatography technology expert Biotechflow. These seals operate between the piston body and the sides of the column, and the design engineers faced a number of challenges from a series of unique demands on the piston seals, including: • the requirement for the seal to move the piston smoothly against the column (no juddering); • the capability to lock the piston in place when required; • achieving zero dead space for sanitary operation; • permitting cleaning-in-place between the piston and the column cylinder; and • allowing the bed height to be adjusted when the seal is engaged. Explaining how these demands were satisfied, Dr John Toynbee, lead engineer – new materials at James Walker, said: ‘Being involved at an early stage in the overall design of the column was a huge benefit. We were able to provide recommendations and subtle adjustments to the design and operation of the seals and piston unit to ensure the system worked perfectly and met the original list of user requirements.’ ‘The final design incorporates an inflatable C-profile elastomeric seal and O-rings, locked in place with a custom-engineered stainless steel carrier and sealing plate. This arrangement is duplicated at the top and bottom of the piston and provides subtle management of the inflation of the seal which, in turn, provides accurate control over piston movement.’ According to the company, its Elast-OPure EP75 Black EPDM elastomer is ideal for this application as it achieves the specified biocompatibility requirements of USP <87> and USP <88> and cleanliness requirements of USP <643> and USP <381>. ‘Specially formulated for bioprocessing and pharmaceuticals use, Elast-O-Pure EP75 Black complies with FDA 21 CFR 177.2600 , is free of any animal-derived ingredients, offers extremely low levels of extractables (USP <643> and USP <381>) and is certified to USP Class VI. In addition, extensive long-term testing in typical cleaning solutions, such as caustic and phosphoric acids, has shown that this material is resistant in both hot and cold solutions – even after 150 days,’ continued Dr Toynbee. Dr Martin Hofmann, Managing Director, Biotechflow, says that the piston seals are one of the key elements to the outstanding performance of the new EBA column. He added: ‘The capabilities to move, yet maintain a seal, lock the piston in place and permit easy cleaning between piston and column wall with no dead space issues, all contribute to the overall column performance and provide a
IN BRIEF Ashton Seals appoints new managing director As Thomas A. Ashton Ltd approaches its 150th anniversary next year it has appointed Zoe Fearnley as the managing director of its subsidiary Ashton Seals Ltd. Tim Wills, Chairman, The Ashton Group, commented: ‘Whilst we are proud of our history, we need to focus on the future and see continued growth of our business and the expansion of our product portfolio with more products sitting alongside our core seals, gaskets and lubrication equipment. Zoe has a strong track record in both these two key areas.’ Henniges Automotive expands global footprint Henniges Automotive Holdings Inc, a US-based supplier of sealing and anti-vibration systems for the global automotive market, has opened a new technical and tooling centre in Beijing, China, as well as a new engineering and sales office in Munich, Germany. ‘These strategic initiatives will enable Henniges Automotive to better support the rapidly increasing technical, commercial and developmental needs of key automotive OEMs in China and Germany, and encourage future business growth,’ commented Peter Seto, Vice President, Global Engineering, Henniges. As reported previously, the company recently broke ground on its new manufacturing facility in Gómez Palacio, Mexico. Metamaterial absorbers set to enhance infrared inspection technologies In Japan, researchers at Okayama University have fabricated a novel plasmonic metamaterial absorber comprising gold and magnesium fluorine that is capable of high sensitivity infrared (IR) detection. The metamaterial could prove invaluable in the development of next-generation IR inspection technologies. The researchers carefully designed their absorber to maximise the IR signal and minimise background noise. The metamaterial consists of 50 nm gold ribbons on a thick, gold film, separated by a layer of magnesium fluoride. More information: Web: www.nature.com/articles/srep12570 FSA appoints new members to its board of directors In the USA, the Fluid Sealing Association (FSA) has appointment Jeff Bernthisel, General Sales Manager, EGC Enterprises Inc, Chardon, Ohio, and Carl Jones, Packing Market Specialist at W.L. Gore & Associates Inc, Coraopolis, Pennsylvania, to its board of directors. Both Bernthisel and Jones are long-standing members of the FSA and currently take leadership roles in many of the association’s technical committees and divisions.
Sealing Technology
3