- Email: [email protected]
Seals increase worm gear efficiency and reduce operating temperature
NEWS and integrate them into its existing production facilities in Kallo, Belgium, and Bushy Park, South Carolina, USA. By offering its Vulkacit brand, Lanxess is already a supplier of primary accelerators, and it has invested E10 million over the last two years to upgrade its plant based in Kallo. In addition, Lanxess will take over Flexsys’ anti-reversion agent Perkalink 900. According to the company, it is one of the leading products that is used to avoid the risk of reversion during the vulcanisation process and thus improve the service life of tyres, as well as other technical rubber products. It also complements Lanxess’ existing specialities portfolio, which includes products such as the anti-reversion agent Vulcuren. Contact: Lanxess Ag, Building K10, Leverkusen 51369, Germany. Tel: +49 214 30 33333, Fax: +49 214 30 40944, Web: www.lanxess.com
Deublin establishes wholly owned subsidiary in Russia
D
eublin has recently established a wholly owned subsidiary in Russia. The company says that with a direct presence in Russia it is now able to offer sales and technical services to the growing local market. With the addition of this newest subsidiary, Deublin now has 20 offices worldwide, which includes four manufacturing plants located in 17 countries. In addition, its products and services are available through a network of authorised distributors throughout the world.
neering, for Garlock Sealing Technologies in Palmyra, New York. Azibert received his Baccalauréat from Lycée Louis Le Grand, a Bachelor of Arts in political science from the University of Massachusetts, a doctorate in jurisprudence from Boston College, and a masters degree in mechanical engineering from Northeastern University. After a varied career, Azibert joined A.W. Chesterton during 1980 as a design engineer in the Mechanical Seals Division. He now has responsibility for all the mechanical seal and packing engineering staff and product lines. He has been granted over 30 patents on mechanical seal designs and improvements. Azibert maintains his standing in the Massachusetts Bar. He is a member of the API 682 and 3A Mechanical Seal Standard task forces, and a member of the Texas A&M Pump Symposium Advisory Board. He also serves the Fluid Sealing Association as chairman of the Mechanical Seal Division and the Mechanical Seal Technical Committee, as well as a member of the Government Affairs Committee and the Publicity Committee. Jessen’s prior experience includes 10 years in the consumer marketing sector as vice president of business development for Waterford Wedgwood and 15 years in global business development roles for Garlock Sealing Technologies. Jessen also serves the Fluid Sealing Association as chairman of the Publicity Committee and as vice chair of the Compression Packing Committee. Contact: Fluid Sealing Association, 994 Old Eagle School Road, Suite 1019, Wayne, PA 19087–1866, USA. Tel: +1 610 971 4850, Fax: +1 610 971 4859, Email: [email protected], Web: www.fluidsealing.com
Contact: Deublin Russia, Dorogobuzhskaya str. 14, 121354 Moscow, Russia. Tel: +7 926 239 9475, Fax: +7 495 645 30 12, Email: [email protected], Web: www.deublin.com
FSA appoints two new directors
T
he Fluid Sealing Association (FSA) has announced that it has appointed Henri V. Azibert and Janet Jessen to its board of directors. Azibert is the chief technology officer for A.W. Chesterton Co in Woburn, Massachusetts and Jessen currently serves as the vice president of global marketing, innovation and engi-
December 2010
Henri V. Azibert of A.W. Chesterton Co is one of the new directors of the Fluid Sealing Association.
Smithers Group forms global brand
T
he Smithers Group is combining Smithers Rapra Technology Ltd in the UK with its North American facilities – creating an integrated, global identity Smithers Rapra. The combination of the organisations’ capabilities and expertise creates, under a unified brand, a comprehensive range of high-quality scientific services in the field of rubbers, plastics and composites. A new logo has also been designed and launched to mark the structural change and create an up-to-date feel. Over the coming months various changes – from the company Web-site to business cards – will also become apparent. It is worth noting that contacts and services within Smithers Rapra UK will not change.
Contact: Smithers Rapra, Shawbury, Shrewsbury, Shropshire SY4 4NR, UK. Tel: +44 1939 250383, Email: [email protected], Web: www.rapra.net
Applications News Seals increase worm gear efficiency and reduce operating temperature
C
hina’s Fixedstar Power Transmission Group has extended the performance of a number of aluminium case worm gear reducers by specifying a new rubber outside diameter radial shaft seal from SKF. Gearbox efficiency has increased by approximately 6% while the operating temperature has decreased by 25%. The designers at Fixedstar started a technical review of selected reducers in the aluminium case range. Because most of the customers for this particular model of gear reducer are based in Europe and USA the need to compete at the highest level was a business necessity, says the firm. Their overall objective was to increase the reducer’s efficiency and lower its operating temperature. Much time was spent evaluating and proposing design changes for the major mechanical in-house components – worm gear, gear profiles and gear housing. The firm’s investigations and tests dedicated to bought-in components
Sealing Technology
7
NEWS showed that seals are a key part and an area where major performance gains can be made. In their search for the best-performing seal the designers contacted SKF and uncovered a lot of information that clarified why the seals performed as they did, the potential improvements that could be achieved and how SKF’s new radial shaft seal, with a rubber outer diameter, would be the best option for upgrading the reducer. Some of the key things the Fixedstar engineers learned about seals and sealing mechanisms were: UÊ >ÌiÀ>ÊV ViÊ>`ÊÌÃÊÜi>ÀÊÀiÃÃÌ>Vi]Ê>}i}Ê resistance and compatibility with oils; and UÊ ÜÊ>Ê}`ÊÃi>ÊÀi>ÞÊÜÀÃÆÊ ÜÊÌÃÊ`iÃ}Ê features make it effective and efficient; its pumping ability; and how all of these aspects affect the service life and friction. The search for the best seals took place during a two-year programme that investigated potential candidates from China, Japan, Taiwan and Europe. Fixedstar finally concluded that the SKF seal would be the best product for the application but still carried out a rigorous two-month test programme at its development centre in Hangzhou. The tests provided consistent and clear data on the key performance criteria: reducer efficiency and temperature, and seal pressure resistance.
The SKF seal underwent rigorous testing for a two-month period in the gear reducer at Fixedstar’s development centre in Hangzhou, China.
ing ability. The particular design chosen by Fixedstar has an auxiliary lip on the outboard side of the seal. This increases the resistance to ingress of contaminants and also reduces contaminant-generated wear on the primary lip. The grooved rubber on the outside diameter provides an improved sealing ability and reliable retention in the bore. Fugen Gao, Chairman, Fixedstar, said ‘The whole exercise of searching for the best seal was a very pleasant surprise. Not only did we learn a lot about seals and sealing mechanisms, we also learnt that SKF is as good a designer and manufacturer of seals as it is of bearings. We did not know that before the upgrade project was started. And the cooperation, service and support has been excellent. Now we are supplying our worm reducers into markets where we are convinced that our products are regarded as highly as the best in Europe and USA.’ Contact: SKF Group Communication, PO Box 2350, NL-3430 DT Nieuwegein, The Netherlands. Tel: +31 30 607 5608, Fax: +31 30 604 3812, Email: [email protected], Web: www.skf.com
Conferences and Meetings News
SKF’s HMSA10 seal with the auxiliary lip on the outboard side.
SKF’s HMSA10 rubber outside diameter seal was selected for the test programme. This seal is made from a nitrile rubber compound that has good resistance to most mineral and synthetic oils and greases. In addition, its wear resistance and resistance to ageing is also good. The seal is designed with a metal insert and a spring-loaded sealing lip. The design and micro-structure gives it excellent pump8
Sealing Technology
Success of 16th ISC marked by high attendance
T
he 16th International Sealing Conference (ISC), organised by the VDMA and IMA at Stuttgart University, was once again a successful event, attracting over 300 delegates and providing two very full days of presentations. Although labelled an international event this conference still conspires to be a largely German event, which is rather disappointing as
a significant amount of new material was presented, with the quality of papers being noticeably better than previous events. The mix of German and English presentations is obviously not ideal, but there is no simple solution to the language problem, but based on the attendance figures – 85% from Germany – it is the most obvious one. The conference was attended by a large number of academics and students from universities in Germany. However, in addition to representatives of the sealing industry, some 30% of those attending the event were from seal user companies. The attendance emphasised the strong position of Germany in seal manufacturing and research, and the interest in the subject from major OEMs. Apart from the opening and closing sessions, the remainder of the conference was held in two parallel sessions. This can lead to some shuffling between sessions to try and catch the papers of most interest. For your editor, trying to take an interest in everything that is happening can be a little frustrating at times, but for most delegates, with a more specialised interest, it means that a higher proportion of the event has some useful content. The range of papers demonstrated the extent of the effort committed to understanding the lubrication of rotary and reciprocating elastomer seals. Material developments for both elastomers and polytetrafluoroethylene compounds were presented and a number of papers discussed seal designs to reduce friction and, hence, power consumption. Among the keynote presentations, two were of notable interest. A critical review of elastomer compatibility standards highlighted how the test method can affect the result, notably the relative volume of elastomer to liquid and also the access of air to the test fluid. This raises a number of questions with regards to the reliability of compatibility information. A very different presentation introduced the numerous possibilities that can be provided by ‘smart seals’. These vary from laser-printed identification codes to the inclusion of sensors for measuring pressure, temperature, lubricant quality or leakage. It was even suggested that an integrated data-logger is also a possibility. As this conference has grown the venues and status of the banquet has also grown. This year we were entertained in the Altes Schloss (the Old Castle) in the centre of Stuttgart. Delegates were able to tour part of the museum before enjoying a splendid buffet. This was also used as an occasion to mark the retirement of Ralf Stemmjack from the VDMA. Ralf has been a key figure in the progress of this conference since the VDMA assumed responsibility for running it. The papers presented, with the language in which they are available, are listed opposite.
December 2010
Deublin establishes wholly owned subsidiary in Russia
D
eublin has recently established a wholly owned subsidiary in Russia. The company says that with a direct presence in Russia it is now able to offer sales and technical services to the growing local market. With the addition of this newest subsidiary, Deublin now has 20 offices worldwide, which includes four manufacturing plants located in 17 countries. In addition, its products and services are available through a network of authorised distributors throughout the world.
neering, for Garlock Sealing Technologies in Palmyra, New York. Azibert received his Baccalauréat from Lycée Louis Le Grand, a Bachelor of Arts in political science from the University of Massachusetts, a doctorate in jurisprudence from Boston College, and a masters degree in mechanical engineering from Northeastern University. After a varied career, Azibert joined A.W. Chesterton during 1980 as a design engineer in the Mechanical Seals Division. He now has responsibility for all the mechanical seal and packing engineering staff and product lines. He has been granted over 30 patents on mechanical seal designs and improvements. Azibert maintains his standing in the Massachusetts Bar. He is a member of the API 682 and 3A Mechanical Seal Standard task forces, and a member of the Texas A&M Pump Symposium Advisory Board. He also serves the Fluid Sealing Association as chairman of the Mechanical Seal Division and the Mechanical Seal Technical Committee, as well as a member of the Government Affairs Committee and the Publicity Committee. Jessen’s prior experience includes 10 years in the consumer marketing sector as vice president of business development for Waterford Wedgwood and 15 years in global business development roles for Garlock Sealing Technologies. Jessen also serves the Fluid Sealing Association as chairman of the Publicity Committee and as vice chair of the Compression Packing Committee. Contact: Fluid Sealing Association, 994 Old Eagle School Road, Suite 1019, Wayne, PA 19087–1866, USA. Tel: +1 610 971 4850, Fax: +1 610 971 4859, Email: [email protected], Web: www.fluidsealing.com
Contact: Deublin Russia, Dorogobuzhskaya str. 14, 121354 Moscow, Russia. Tel: +7 926 239 9475, Fax: +7 495 645 30 12, Email: [email protected], Web: www.deublin.com
FSA appoints two new directors
T
he Fluid Sealing Association (FSA) has announced that it has appointed Henri V. Azibert and Janet Jessen to its board of directors. Azibert is the chief technology officer for A.W. Chesterton Co in Woburn, Massachusetts and Jessen currently serves as the vice president of global marketing, innovation and engi-
December 2010
Henri V. Azibert of A.W. Chesterton Co is one of the new directors of the Fluid Sealing Association.
Smithers Group forms global brand
T
he Smithers Group is combining Smithers Rapra Technology Ltd in the UK with its North American facilities – creating an integrated, global identity Smithers Rapra. The combination of the organisations’ capabilities and expertise creates, under a unified brand, a comprehensive range of high-quality scientific services in the field of rubbers, plastics and composites. A new logo has also been designed and launched to mark the structural change and create an up-to-date feel. Over the coming months various changes – from the company Web-site to business cards – will also become apparent. It is worth noting that contacts and services within Smithers Rapra UK will not change.
Contact: Smithers Rapra, Shawbury, Shrewsbury, Shropshire SY4 4NR, UK. Tel: +44 1939 250383, Email: [email protected], Web: www.rapra.net
Applications News Seals increase worm gear efficiency and reduce operating temperature
C
hina’s Fixedstar Power Transmission Group has extended the performance of a number of aluminium case worm gear reducers by specifying a new rubber outside diameter radial shaft seal from SKF. Gearbox efficiency has increased by approximately 6% while the operating temperature has decreased by 25%. The designers at Fixedstar started a technical review of selected reducers in the aluminium case range. Because most of the customers for this particular model of gear reducer are based in Europe and USA the need to compete at the highest level was a business necessity, says the firm. Their overall objective was to increase the reducer’s efficiency and lower its operating temperature. Much time was spent evaluating and proposing design changes for the major mechanical in-house components – worm gear, gear profiles and gear housing. The firm’s investigations and tests dedicated to bought-in components
Sealing Technology
7
NEWS showed that seals are a key part and an area where major performance gains can be made. In their search for the best-performing seal the designers contacted SKF and uncovered a lot of information that clarified why the seals performed as they did, the potential improvements that could be achieved and how SKF’s new radial shaft seal, with a rubber outer diameter, would be the best option for upgrading the reducer. Some of the key things the Fixedstar engineers learned about seals and sealing mechanisms were: UÊ >ÌiÀ>ÊV ViÊ>`ÊÌÃÊÜi>ÀÊÀiÃÃÌ>Vi]Ê>}i}Ê resistance and compatibility with oils; and UÊ ÜÊ>Ê}`ÊÃi>ÊÀi>ÞÊÜÀÃÆÊ ÜÊÌÃÊ`iÃ}Ê features make it effective and efficient; its pumping ability; and how all of these aspects affect the service life and friction. The search for the best seals took place during a two-year programme that investigated potential candidates from China, Japan, Taiwan and Europe. Fixedstar finally concluded that the SKF seal would be the best product for the application but still carried out a rigorous two-month test programme at its development centre in Hangzhou. The tests provided consistent and clear data on the key performance criteria: reducer efficiency and temperature, and seal pressure resistance.
The SKF seal underwent rigorous testing for a two-month period in the gear reducer at Fixedstar’s development centre in Hangzhou, China.
ing ability. The particular design chosen by Fixedstar has an auxiliary lip on the outboard side of the seal. This increases the resistance to ingress of contaminants and also reduces contaminant-generated wear on the primary lip. The grooved rubber on the outside diameter provides an improved sealing ability and reliable retention in the bore. Fugen Gao, Chairman, Fixedstar, said ‘The whole exercise of searching for the best seal was a very pleasant surprise. Not only did we learn a lot about seals and sealing mechanisms, we also learnt that SKF is as good a designer and manufacturer of seals as it is of bearings. We did not know that before the upgrade project was started. And the cooperation, service and support has been excellent. Now we are supplying our worm reducers into markets where we are convinced that our products are regarded as highly as the best in Europe and USA.’ Contact: SKF Group Communication, PO Box 2350, NL-3430 DT Nieuwegein, The Netherlands. Tel: +31 30 607 5608, Fax: +31 30 604 3812, Email: [email protected], Web: www.skf.com
Conferences and Meetings News
SKF’s HMSA10 seal with the auxiliary lip on the outboard side.
SKF’s HMSA10 rubber outside diameter seal was selected for the test programme. This seal is made from a nitrile rubber compound that has good resistance to most mineral and synthetic oils and greases. In addition, its wear resistance and resistance to ageing is also good. The seal is designed with a metal insert and a spring-loaded sealing lip. The design and micro-structure gives it excellent pump8
Sealing Technology
Success of 16th ISC marked by high attendance
T
he 16th International Sealing Conference (ISC), organised by the VDMA and IMA at Stuttgart University, was once again a successful event, attracting over 300 delegates and providing two very full days of presentations. Although labelled an international event this conference still conspires to be a largely German event, which is rather disappointing as
a significant amount of new material was presented, with the quality of papers being noticeably better than previous events. The mix of German and English presentations is obviously not ideal, but there is no simple solution to the language problem, but based on the attendance figures – 85% from Germany – it is the most obvious one. The conference was attended by a large number of academics and students from universities in Germany. However, in addition to representatives of the sealing industry, some 30% of those attending the event were from seal user companies. The attendance emphasised the strong position of Germany in seal manufacturing and research, and the interest in the subject from major OEMs. Apart from the opening and closing sessions, the remainder of the conference was held in two parallel sessions. This can lead to some shuffling between sessions to try and catch the papers of most interest. For your editor, trying to take an interest in everything that is happening can be a little frustrating at times, but for most delegates, with a more specialised interest, it means that a higher proportion of the event has some useful content. The range of papers demonstrated the extent of the effort committed to understanding the lubrication of rotary and reciprocating elastomer seals. Material developments for both elastomers and polytetrafluoroethylene compounds were presented and a number of papers discussed seal designs to reduce friction and, hence, power consumption. Among the keynote presentations, two were of notable interest. A critical review of elastomer compatibility standards highlighted how the test method can affect the result, notably the relative volume of elastomer to liquid and also the access of air to the test fluid. This raises a number of questions with regards to the reliability of compatibility information. A very different presentation introduced the numerous possibilities that can be provided by ‘smart seals’. These vary from laser-printed identification codes to the inclusion of sensors for measuring pressure, temperature, lubricant quality or leakage. It was even suggested that an integrated data-logger is also a possibility. As this conference has grown the venues and status of the banquet has also grown. This year we were entertained in the Altes Schloss (the Old Castle) in the centre of Stuttgart. Delegates were able to tour part of the museum before enjoying a splendid buffet. This was also used as an occasion to mark the retirement of Ralf Stemmjack from the VDMA. Ralf has been a key figure in the progress of this conference since the VDMA assumed responsibility for running it. The papers presented, with the language in which they are available, are listed opposite.
December 2010