- Email: [email protected]
Simrit improves surface-finish testing methodology to increase seal performance
NEWS Among the products available from Dichtomatik is Viton Extreme TBR-S, which provides inherent resistance to caustics and amines, is resistant to hydrocarbon oils, acids and steam, and possesses good compression set resistance and lower volume swell for a longer seal service-life and wear resistance. Viton Extreme ETP-S, which is also available, is an ‘‘upgrade’’ to ETP-900 that significantly improves processing and end-use performance, while retaining the excellent fluid resistance of its predecessor. According to the firm, it provides excellent resistance to acid, hydrocarbon and low molecular weight esters, ketones and aldehydes; has inherent resistance to base attack and volume changes in highly caustic solutions, amines and hot water; possesses low-temperature flexibility; offers improved compression set and physical properties for superior seal performance; and better mould flow and faster cure rates. While officially classified as an FEPM by ASTM D1418 the performance characteristics of Viton Extreme ETP-600S combine the best characteristics of an FEPM and a speciality type Viton. In complicated environments and chemically aggressive applications where standard FKMs or FEPMs are not an option, ETP-600S is the fluoroelastomer of choice, says the company. With low swell characteristics in hydrocarbons, it can be used in automotive oil seals and oil field applications, as well as in areas where it will come into contact with automotive and aircraft fuels. Performance enhanced variations of Viton Extreme products are also available to cover specific applications, while maintaining the superior processing attributes of the Viton Extreme range. Contact: Dichtomatik Ltd, Donington House, Riverside Road, Pride Park, Derby DE24 8HX, UK. Tel: +44 1332 524401, Fax: +44 1332 524425, Email: [email protected], Web: www.dichtomatik-kalrez.co.uk
Perfluoroelastomers improve uptime in demanding semiconductor production processes
D
uPont Performance Polymers Sa used Semicon West, which was held during July in San Francisco, California, USA, as an opportunity to 4
Sealing Technology
Kalrez 9300 parts (left) are based on a proprietary cross-linking and mechanical reinforcement system developed by DuPont. Comparison of weight loss in combined physical/chemical plasma (right) processes for perfluoroelastomeric (FFKM) materials and DuPont’s Kalrez perfluoroelastomer.
introduce Kalrez 9300 and 9500 perfluoroelastomer parts for semiconductor wafer processing applications. Chip manufacturers which use oxygen and fluorine-based tetrafluoromethane (CF) plasma for wafer etch may experience unacceptable erosion of the sealing material when seals are exposed to aggressive processing or cleaning chemistry, says DuPont. Elastomers typically erode and cause unwanted particles in such ion-rich environments. The company developed Kalrez 9300 perfluoroelastomer parts for balanced performance in a variety of challenging etch conditions. ‘There are several variables in etch processes that make exceptional sealing performance difficult,’ said Dave Lipnicke, Global Semicon Market Manager, DuPont Kalrez and Vespel. ‘Our customers were using many products to solve a variety of sealing issues. Kalrez 9300 enables them to use one product for outstanding, all around performance.’ For sub-atmospheric chemical vapour deposition (SACVD) and ash/strip processes, Kalrez 9500 has demonstrated ultra-low weight loss in remotely generated plasma and offers excellent resistance to ozone, ammonia and water vapour, says DuPont. ‘Chip manufacturers continue to employ more aggressive process chemistry that can damage seal materials. Our proprietary technology has better resistance to oxygen and fluorine radicals that can erode traditional seal materials,’ continued Lipnicke. Kalrez 9500 also has excellent heat resistance with low outgassing and has a maximum continuous service temperature rating of 310°C. Contact: DuPont Performance Polymers Sa, 2 chemin du Pavillon, CH-1218 Le Grand-Saconnex, Geneva, Switzerland. Tel: +41 22 717 4042, Email: Nicole. [email protected], Web: www.kalrez.com Tel: +1 302 733 8331, Email: donna.e.swain@usa. dupont.com (Americas) Tel: +852 273 45487, Email: [email protected]. com (Asia Pacific)
Simrit improves surface-finish testing methodology to increase seal performance
T
o improve and minimise variation of rod counter surface quality for hydraulic applications, Freudenberg Simrit GmbH & Co Kg has specified six additional parameters. Expanding on the three parameters that are traditionally used to measure surface finish and define sealing technology requirements, these new attributes enable engineers to more accurately predict, and therefore anticipate, seal behaviour without taking additional measurements, says the company. ‘The precise evaluation of an application’s surface finish is critical to the overall effectiveness of the entire sealing system,’ explained Joel Johnson, Vice President of Technology, Simrit. ‘Based on the Abbott Firestone Curve and ISO methodology, our new factors modernise the standards for counter surface examination, which helps extend the life and increase the performance of sealing systems.’ Simrit determined that, while important, the traditional three testing parameters – 5D, 5PD[ and 5] – were not adequate to accurately classify surface abrasiveness and a component’s potential to hold lubricant. To address current and future industry trends and expectations, it has developed an improved methodology that better identifies surface characteristics over a defined length and complete depth of the profile. The approach consists of the following attributes that work to more accurately define surface texture and, as a result, improve the life of the sealing system:
5N – core roughness depth; 5SN – mean height of the peaks protruding from the roughness core profile;
July 2011
NEWS 5YN – mean depth of the valleys protruding from the roughness core profile; 5SN[ – the full peak height; 5YN[ – the full valley depth; and 0H – material ratios (dependent on 5SN and 5YN). Initial in-house testing by Simrit indicates that the new parameters, through the more accurate evaluation of surface characteristics, are able to reduce part wear and extend system service life. This newly identified methodology can be applied to numerous markets and dynamic applications.
Contact: Freudenberg Simrit GmbH & Co Kg, Simrit Marketing Europe, D-69465 Weinheim, Germany. Tel: +49 1805 746748, Fax: +49 1803 746748, Email: [email protected], Web: www.simrit.de Simrit Service Center Plymouth, Industrial Sector, 47690 East Anchor Court, Plymouth, MI 48170-2455, USA. Tel: +1 734 4510020, Fax.: +1 734 4515500, Email: [email protected], Web: www.freudenberg-nok.com
Concerns grow over fluorspar shortage
U
sers of fluorspar (calcium fluoride) – the basic raw material used in fluorine products – are facing a shortage of the mineral that could have a major effect on a large segment of industry over the next 10 years. Fluorspar is an important raw material that is used to make a range of fluoro-chemicals including fluorocarbon plastics. It is also used in the production of steel, aluminium, glass, ceramic materials, enriched uranium, hydrofluoric acid and refrigerants. China controls most of the world’s resources of this mineral, and the country ultimately manipulates the world market. Fluctuating exports mean that countries, including the USA, are considering reopening old, or developing new, mining resources of this critical mineral. This shortage, as well as a worldwide surge in demand for fluoropolymers and a reduction in processors of the PTFE resin, all leads to a difficult situation. According to the latest issue of Mineral Commodity Summaries (January 2011), published by the US Geological Survey (USGS), the last of the US Government’s stocks of fluorspar officially were sold in fiscal year 2007. World fluorspar demand showed some signs of recovery during 2010, but was still depressed
compared with that of 2008, says USGS. Prices were higher compared with those of 2009, but were still far below their peak in late 2008. Market conditions improved enough that some African fluorspar mines, which were forced to shut down in 2009 because of low demand and low prices, were able to resume production in 2010. With the decrease in fluorspar exports from China in recent years, companies outside of China are attempting to replace lost Chinese export supplies by expanding capacity at current mines or by developing new fluorspar mining projects. For example, Mexico’s second leading fluorspar producer was developing new fluorspar mining concessions that were expected to be in production by the end of 2010. The new operations would increase the company’s annual acidspar capacity by between 30 000 tons and 40 000 tons. Development work continued on the new US fluorspar mine in western Kentucky, which was expected to begin production in early 2011 and produce about 50 000 tons of fluorspar per year. Work proceeded on reopening the St Lawrence fluorspar mine in south-eastern Newfoundland, Canada, with a planned output of 120 000 tons to 180 000 tons of fluorspar per year. Some exploration activities were ongoing, particularly in Sweden, but development or exploration work on other project was slowed by lagging demand and lack of investment capital. Mineral Commodity Summaries also reports that Fluorspar was included in the list of 14 raw materials labelled as ‘‘critical’’ by an expert group chaired by the European Commission of the European Union (EU). The EU faces a potential shortage of these materials, which have high supply risks because a large share of the worldwide production comes from a handful of countries. This concentration of production is compounded by low substitutability and low recycling rates. The list was established in the framework of the 2008 EU Raw Materials Initiative, and the results of the report were expected to be used to help form strategies to ensure future access to critical raw materials. A promising sign of alleviating shortages is already appearing, as phosphate producers are considering recovering fluorine compounds that for years have been discarded during phosphate rock processing. The quantity of fluorine present in phosphate rock deposits is enormous, says USGS. Current US reserves of phosphate rock are estimated to be 1.0 billion tons, which at 3.5% fluorine would contain 35 million tons of fluorine, equivalent to about 72 million tons of fluorspar. World reserves of phosphate rock are estimated to be 18 billion tons, equivalent to 630 million tons of fluorine and 1.29 billion tons of fluorspar.
IN BRIEF Flexitallic appoints Jonathan Brough as its new sales director Flexitallic UK, which manufactures industrial static sealing products, has appointed Jonathan Brough as its new sales director. Brough, who has a wealth of industry experience, will be responsible for delivering the company’s global sales and marketing strategy. He will also manage the firm’s commercial integrity to develop relationships with key global accounts. Commenting on Brough’s appointment, Phil Kelshaw, Managing Director, Flexitallic, said: ‘Jonathan’s international business experience and his track record for adding real sustainable value across the oil and gas industry will be an excellent fit for our future growth plans.’ ADT closes latest round of funding Advanced Diamond Technologies Inc (ADT), a US company that develops diamond films for industrial, electronics and water treatment applications, has closed its $5.2-million Series D round of financing. S-Group Capital Management led this funding round, which also included a number of existing ADT investors. ‘Bottom line, the proceeds of this round of funding will be used to grow sales. We will invest in sales, marketing and business development activities to drive future revenue and growth or position segments of our business for acquisition,’ commented Dr John Carlisle, Chief Technical Officer, ADT, and the firm’s acting chief executive officer and co-founder. John Crane displays its wares at Power-Gen Europe John Crane used the 2011 Power-Gen Europe conference and exhibition to emphasise the wide-ranging nature of the end-to-end shaft products that it offers the power-generating industry. The company’s Type 3740 cartridge split seal formed a centre point for its mechanical sealing display at the event. The Type 3740 enables both dry-running and wetrunning applications to be served by a single seal design based on a common platform. Also on display were the firm’s heavy-duty Type 270F, for high-pressure boiler feed-water pumps, and its Type 5860 heavy-duty slurry seals and speciality seals for nuclear charging pump applications. DuPont increases Zytel HTN polymer and compounding capacity DuPont Performance Polymers has announced that it is increasing capacity of Zytel HTN highperformance polyamide by building a polymerisation facility at its site in Sakra, Singapore, and through investment in manufacturing equipment at its facility in Shenzhen, China.
5 July 2011
Sealing Technology
Perfluoroelastomers improve uptime in demanding semiconductor production processes
D
uPont Performance Polymers Sa used Semicon West, which was held during July in San Francisco, California, USA, as an opportunity to 4
Sealing Technology
Kalrez 9300 parts (left) are based on a proprietary cross-linking and mechanical reinforcement system developed by DuPont. Comparison of weight loss in combined physical/chemical plasma (right) processes for perfluoroelastomeric (FFKM) materials and DuPont’s Kalrez perfluoroelastomer.
introduce Kalrez 9300 and 9500 perfluoroelastomer parts for semiconductor wafer processing applications. Chip manufacturers which use oxygen and fluorine-based tetrafluoromethane (CF) plasma for wafer etch may experience unacceptable erosion of the sealing material when seals are exposed to aggressive processing or cleaning chemistry, says DuPont. Elastomers typically erode and cause unwanted particles in such ion-rich environments. The company developed Kalrez 9300 perfluoroelastomer parts for balanced performance in a variety of challenging etch conditions. ‘There are several variables in etch processes that make exceptional sealing performance difficult,’ said Dave Lipnicke, Global Semicon Market Manager, DuPont Kalrez and Vespel. ‘Our customers were using many products to solve a variety of sealing issues. Kalrez 9300 enables them to use one product for outstanding, all around performance.’ For sub-atmospheric chemical vapour deposition (SACVD) and ash/strip processes, Kalrez 9500 has demonstrated ultra-low weight loss in remotely generated plasma and offers excellent resistance to ozone, ammonia and water vapour, says DuPont. ‘Chip manufacturers continue to employ more aggressive process chemistry that can damage seal materials. Our proprietary technology has better resistance to oxygen and fluorine radicals that can erode traditional seal materials,’ continued Lipnicke. Kalrez 9500 also has excellent heat resistance with low outgassing and has a maximum continuous service temperature rating of 310°C. Contact: DuPont Performance Polymers Sa, 2 chemin du Pavillon, CH-1218 Le Grand-Saconnex, Geneva, Switzerland. Tel: +41 22 717 4042, Email: Nicole. [email protected], Web: www.kalrez.com Tel: +1 302 733 8331, Email: donna.e.swain@usa. dupont.com (Americas) Tel: +852 273 45487, Email: [email protected]. com (Asia Pacific)
Simrit improves surface-finish testing methodology to increase seal performance
T
o improve and minimise variation of rod counter surface quality for hydraulic applications, Freudenberg Simrit GmbH & Co Kg has specified six additional parameters. Expanding on the three parameters that are traditionally used to measure surface finish and define sealing technology requirements, these new attributes enable engineers to more accurately predict, and therefore anticipate, seal behaviour without taking additional measurements, says the company. ‘The precise evaluation of an application’s surface finish is critical to the overall effectiveness of the entire sealing system,’ explained Joel Johnson, Vice President of Technology, Simrit. ‘Based on the Abbott Firestone Curve and ISO methodology, our new factors modernise the standards for counter surface examination, which helps extend the life and increase the performance of sealing systems.’ Simrit determined that, while important, the traditional three testing parameters – 5D, 5PD[ and 5] – were not adequate to accurately classify surface abrasiveness and a component’s potential to hold lubricant. To address current and future industry trends and expectations, it has developed an improved methodology that better identifies surface characteristics over a defined length and complete depth of the profile. The approach consists of the following attributes that work to more accurately define surface texture and, as a result, improve the life of the sealing system:
5N – core roughness depth; 5SN – mean height of the peaks protruding from the roughness core profile;
July 2011
NEWS 5YN – mean depth of the valleys protruding from the roughness core profile; 5SN[ – the full peak height; 5YN[ – the full valley depth; and 0H – material ratios (dependent on 5SN and 5YN). Initial in-house testing by Simrit indicates that the new parameters, through the more accurate evaluation of surface characteristics, are able to reduce part wear and extend system service life. This newly identified methodology can be applied to numerous markets and dynamic applications.
Contact: Freudenberg Simrit GmbH & Co Kg, Simrit Marketing Europe, D-69465 Weinheim, Germany. Tel: +49 1805 746748, Fax: +49 1803 746748, Email: [email protected], Web: www.simrit.de Simrit Service Center Plymouth, Industrial Sector, 47690 East Anchor Court, Plymouth, MI 48170-2455, USA. Tel: +1 734 4510020, Fax.: +1 734 4515500, Email: [email protected], Web: www.freudenberg-nok.com
Concerns grow over fluorspar shortage
U
sers of fluorspar (calcium fluoride) – the basic raw material used in fluorine products – are facing a shortage of the mineral that could have a major effect on a large segment of industry over the next 10 years. Fluorspar is an important raw material that is used to make a range of fluoro-chemicals including fluorocarbon plastics. It is also used in the production of steel, aluminium, glass, ceramic materials, enriched uranium, hydrofluoric acid and refrigerants. China controls most of the world’s resources of this mineral, and the country ultimately manipulates the world market. Fluctuating exports mean that countries, including the USA, are considering reopening old, or developing new, mining resources of this critical mineral. This shortage, as well as a worldwide surge in demand for fluoropolymers and a reduction in processors of the PTFE resin, all leads to a difficult situation. According to the latest issue of Mineral Commodity Summaries (January 2011), published by the US Geological Survey (USGS), the last of the US Government’s stocks of fluorspar officially were sold in fiscal year 2007. World fluorspar demand showed some signs of recovery during 2010, but was still depressed
compared with that of 2008, says USGS. Prices were higher compared with those of 2009, but were still far below their peak in late 2008. Market conditions improved enough that some African fluorspar mines, which were forced to shut down in 2009 because of low demand and low prices, were able to resume production in 2010. With the decrease in fluorspar exports from China in recent years, companies outside of China are attempting to replace lost Chinese export supplies by expanding capacity at current mines or by developing new fluorspar mining projects. For example, Mexico’s second leading fluorspar producer was developing new fluorspar mining concessions that were expected to be in production by the end of 2010. The new operations would increase the company’s annual acidspar capacity by between 30 000 tons and 40 000 tons. Development work continued on the new US fluorspar mine in western Kentucky, which was expected to begin production in early 2011 and produce about 50 000 tons of fluorspar per year. Work proceeded on reopening the St Lawrence fluorspar mine in south-eastern Newfoundland, Canada, with a planned output of 120 000 tons to 180 000 tons of fluorspar per year. Some exploration activities were ongoing, particularly in Sweden, but development or exploration work on other project was slowed by lagging demand and lack of investment capital. Mineral Commodity Summaries also reports that Fluorspar was included in the list of 14 raw materials labelled as ‘‘critical’’ by an expert group chaired by the European Commission of the European Union (EU). The EU faces a potential shortage of these materials, which have high supply risks because a large share of the worldwide production comes from a handful of countries. This concentration of production is compounded by low substitutability and low recycling rates. The list was established in the framework of the 2008 EU Raw Materials Initiative, and the results of the report were expected to be used to help form strategies to ensure future access to critical raw materials. A promising sign of alleviating shortages is already appearing, as phosphate producers are considering recovering fluorine compounds that for years have been discarded during phosphate rock processing. The quantity of fluorine present in phosphate rock deposits is enormous, says USGS. Current US reserves of phosphate rock are estimated to be 1.0 billion tons, which at 3.5% fluorine would contain 35 million tons of fluorine, equivalent to about 72 million tons of fluorspar. World reserves of phosphate rock are estimated to be 18 billion tons, equivalent to 630 million tons of fluorine and 1.29 billion tons of fluorspar.
IN BRIEF Flexitallic appoints Jonathan Brough as its new sales director Flexitallic UK, which manufactures industrial static sealing products, has appointed Jonathan Brough as its new sales director. Brough, who has a wealth of industry experience, will be responsible for delivering the company’s global sales and marketing strategy. He will also manage the firm’s commercial integrity to develop relationships with key global accounts. Commenting on Brough’s appointment, Phil Kelshaw, Managing Director, Flexitallic, said: ‘Jonathan’s international business experience and his track record for adding real sustainable value across the oil and gas industry will be an excellent fit for our future growth plans.’ ADT closes latest round of funding Advanced Diamond Technologies Inc (ADT), a US company that develops diamond films for industrial, electronics and water treatment applications, has closed its $5.2-million Series D round of financing. S-Group Capital Management led this funding round, which also included a number of existing ADT investors. ‘Bottom line, the proceeds of this round of funding will be used to grow sales. We will invest in sales, marketing and business development activities to drive future revenue and growth or position segments of our business for acquisition,’ commented Dr John Carlisle, Chief Technical Officer, ADT, and the firm’s acting chief executive officer and co-founder. John Crane displays its wares at Power-Gen Europe John Crane used the 2011 Power-Gen Europe conference and exhibition to emphasise the wide-ranging nature of the end-to-end shaft products that it offers the power-generating industry. The company’s Type 3740 cartridge split seal formed a centre point for its mechanical sealing display at the event. The Type 3740 enables both dry-running and wetrunning applications to be served by a single seal design based on a common platform. Also on display were the firm’s heavy-duty Type 270F, for high-pressure boiler feed-water pumps, and its Type 5860 heavy-duty slurry seals and speciality seals for nuclear charging pump applications. DuPont increases Zytel HTN polymer and compounding capacity DuPont Performance Polymers has announced that it is increasing capacity of Zytel HTN highperformance polyamide by building a polymerisation facility at its site in Sakra, Singapore, and through investment in manufacturing equipment at its facility in Shenzhen, China.
5 July 2011
Sealing Technology