There are two grades of PTFE that can be used in the manufacture of diaphragms: conventional (homopolymer) and modified (copolymer). The lowest performing grade...

Figure 1: Cutaway view of a pneumatic pump fitted with a PTFE diaphragm. Invented nearly 160 years ago, diaphragm or membrane pumps are used...

Individually specifying, ordering and installing all of the components needed for proper lubrication can be an overwhelming, perilous task. Choosing the wrong component or...

Operators looking to protect shaft seals in hydraulic systems now have another option in Zero-Max Overhung Load Adaptors, which provide an extra layer of...

Mechanical seals can fail for many reasons, and vacuum applications present particular challenges. For example, certain seal faces exposed to vacuum can become starved...

In last month’s installment, we outlined a few of the unforeseen consequences that stem from the decision to single-source reliability-critical components and explained why...

It would be inappropriate to criticize equitable owner-manufacturer partnerships; however, there is still a need to become more aware of the hidden, long-term adverse...

Oil or grease lubricated bearings and plastic bearings can cause problems for users needing high temperature applications. However, there are alternatives. Metallized Carbon Corporation...

In this final part of the four-part series, we will examine face-seal options for bearing protection and provide an example cost justification tabulated for...

In this third part of the four-part series, we will highlight ratings and standards for bearing housing protector seals as well as take a...