EGC Critical Components, a leading manufacturer of high-performance thermoplastic performance-critical components, today announced its dures™ brand of materials—a new family of proprietary thermoplastic polymer composites developed specifically for the manufacture of bushings, bearings, and wear rings in pumps handling a wide range of liquids, including those that contain solid matter.
POLYMER SOLUTIONS FOR PUMP APPLICATIONS
The dures™ family of polymer solutions for pump applications includes four products with unique performance characteristics: dures™ 150, dures™ 250, dures™ A451, and dures™ XPC2. The most recent additions to this family of composite formulations, dures™ 150 and 250, were developed to meet the need for outstanding chemical, thermal shock and impact, and abrasive resistance, with a temperature range of 150 and 250 degrees Fahrenheit (66 to 121 degrees Celsius). These dures™ polymers provide greater wear performance than many other materials such as rubber or bronze, offer superior abrasive resistance, dry run capability, and vibration dampening with negligible hydrolysis or swell.
The dures™A451, which is produced from chop carbon fiber and reinforced compression molded PEEK, is used in the manufacture of bushings, bearings, and wear rings with excellent chemical resistance, non galling, and non seizing properties. But it is not suited for abrasive applications or operating temperatures above 275 degrees Fahrenheit (135 degrees Celsius). In comparison, dures™XPC2, formulated from continuous carbon fiber with PEEK base polymer, is recommended and approved for operating temperatures up to 550 degrees Fahrenheit (288 degrees Celsius) making it most appropriate for use in boiler feed and process pumps.
THOROUGH TESTING FOR RELIABLE RESULTS
Both dures™ A451 and XPC2 have been successfully used by industry for decades. “Pump operators using dures™ materials can now set much tighter equipment clearances, enhancing efficiency and savings in lifecycle costs,” says Michael Boylan, general manager for EGC.
“Also, because we have a laboratory and testing facility on the same campus as our manufacturing center, we have full control over the design, specification, quality, and performance of materials,” Boylan adds. “For applications where the slightest variance can produce unacceptable results, this ensures the highest standards are always met.”
BROAD EXPERIENCE
A multi-disciplined engineering team with a depth of experience using a wide variety of advanced materials provides an added benefit for pump operators using dures™ materials.
“We focus on the science of polymer materials. The work we do in our laboratory and testing facilities is a powerful resource for innovation and future success, and this sets us apart from other manufacturers,” says Kurt Hayden, director of engineering and technology development for EGC. “Continuous investment in material development and testing ensures our use of the latest achievements and technology to help industry reach ever-increasing performance demands and objectives.”
READY FOR DELIVERY
The new material, produced exclusively by EGC, is in stock and immediately available to address the maintenance, upgrade, and repair needs of pumps operating in a wide range of performance demanding environments including refineries, chemical plants, and pipelines. In the refinery environment, EGC estimates that approximately 60 percent of pumps currently in operation can benefit from this material. ◆
About The Author
David Miseldine is vice president of sales and marketing for EGC Critical Components and can be reached at 281.774.6100 or david.miseldine@egccomponents.com. EGC Critical Components (EGC) is a leading manufacturer of precision, customized, high-performance thermoplastic and elastomeric performance-critical components. EGC designs, engineers, and manufactures a wide range of compressor, pump, valve, and sealing solutions for the chemical processing, petrochemical and refining, nuclear and power generation, LNG, and pipeline transportation markets. The company also has expertise in material science and development providing a broad range of proprietary advanced polymer formulations tailored for specific applications. EGC is a member of the Fenner PLC Group of companies. For more information, visit www.egccomponents.com.
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MODERN PUMPING TODAY, December 2015
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