New Product Announcement- Introducing the ITT BioviZion Diaphragm Valve
On behalf of ITT Engineered Valves, Holland Applied Technologies is pleased to announce the launch of the BioviZion diaphragm valve. As an expansion of the EnviZion valve platform, the BioviZion valve includes fractional valve sizes (0.25”, 0.375”, 0.5”) designed for low flow applications in the Biopharmaceutical market.
The EnviZion hygienic valve platform was introduced to the market for 5 years. Awarded as the Breakthrough Product of the Year in 2014 by Processing Magazine, the EnviZion valve builds upon ITT’s reputation for innovation, quality and performance by dramatically reducing maintenance time and total cost of ownership. Let us first review the EnviZion valve platform and what makes this technology unique.
The BioviZion Valve with Manual Bonnet (left) and Actuated Bonnet (right)
With a tool-less topworks, the EnviZion valve utilizes a breakthrough mount and turn design that allows for quick and easy valve disassembly. Fasteners are eliminated and no tools are required for valve installation and diaphragm replacement—the maintenance process is simply much easier. This design allows for diaphragm changes to be reduced from an industry average of 23 minutes to 3 minutes. Just think of all of your valves in those especially hard-to-reach places—no more tools, nuts, or screws to worry about.
Another important feature of the EnviZion valve platform is that it eliminates the effects of thermal cycling with an integrated thermal compensation system. With a design that ensures a 360 degree active seal at all times, the valve does not need to be torqued following an SIP cycle(!). The EnviZion hygienic diaphragm valve passed the testing required by ASME BPE 2014 Edition Appendix J – Standard Process Test Conditions (SPTC) For Seal Performance Evaluation. The EnviZion valve received the maximum cycle rating, classified as a Level 500 seal corresponding to the number of SIP exposure/cool-down cycles, from ASME after it completed the test at three times the required test pressure.
The BioviZion incorporates all of the performance and reliability features of the EnviZion valve into a much smaller design. BioviZion, with it’s high strength stainless steel studs, eliminates traditional small fasteners. These small fasteners, standard on traditional small body valves and prone to galling, can’t provide the force required to achieve consistent and reliable sealing, especially after thermal cycling. With the BioviZion, all of these features- fastener free top works, reliable sealing, quick diaphragm changes and the patented thermal compensation system- are squeezed into a smaller package, perfect for tight transfer panel jumpers or zero static valve sampling.
Whether your application uses transfer panels, portable vessels, or a sampling system, the BioviZion is the perfect diaphragm valve to consider due to its size and ease of diaphragm change out. For more information about the EnviZion valve platform including the new BioviZion valve, contact a Holland Sales Engineer today.
HAT Partners with Princeton University for Development of Groundbreaking Flash Nanoprecipitation Mixer
Today, Holland Applied Technologies is excited to announce a new product developed with Princeton University- the CIJ and MIVM nanoprecipitation mixers. We wanted to highlight this development to not only shed light on an exciting new frontier of medicine, but also to provide a case study of HAT engineers working with our partners to develop and manufacture unique solutions for the high purity process industry.
The use of nanotechnology in medicine is spreading rapidly. A nanoparticle is a microscopic particle of a size below 100 nm. Nanoparticles can possess physical properties such as uniformity, conductance or special optical properties that make them desirable in materials science and biology. Their large surface area to volume ratio, their desirable quantum properties, and their ability to absorb and carry compounds are unique features that make nanoparticles attractive for medical purposes. Examples include products for drug delivery, gene therapy, biosensors, and tissue engineering.
In drug delivery applications, nanoparticles are utilized as delivery agents by encapsulating drugs to enhance delivery. The surfaces of the nanoparticles can be decorated with targeting agents that localize the nanoparticles at specific sites in the body. One such highly publicized application is the use of nanoparticles to deliver drugs to cancer cells. Particles are engineered to specifically interact with cancer cells, allowing for more precise treatment. This technique reduces damage to healthy cells in the body. Today, researchers continue to explore applications of the technology to other areas such as treating heart disease, glaucoma through nanodiamond (carbon nanoparticles) -embedded contact lenses, and diabetes through a mixture containing nanoparticles with a solid core of insulin.
Nanoprecipitation is a common fabrication technique used for encapsulation of both hydrophilic (i.e. having a tendency to mix with, dissolve in, or be wetted by water) and hydrophobic (i.e. tending to repel or fail to mix with water) drugs in nanoparticles. Flash NanoPrecipitation (FNP) provides a simple, rapid and scalable technique to form these drug nanoparticles.
The Confined Impinging Jet (CIJ) is the simplest mixer design for FNP and permits mixing of two streams in a scalable and continuous fashion. A Multi Inlet Vortex Mixer (MIVM) was also developed to enable up to four different stream inputs while still achieving the rapid micromixing required for uniform particle formation. The Confined Impinging Jet (CIJ) and Multi Inlet Vortex Mixer (MIVM) mixers have been designed and characterized in research led by Prof. Robert Prud’homme at Princeton University. His research group has produced a number of articles highlighting their use in the production of nanoparticles using scalable processing techniques. Holland Applied Technologies has collaborated with Princeton University in the fabrication of the CIJ and MIVM mixers. As seen below, there exists two versions of the MIVM mixer; the Micro-MIVM for 100 ml/min mixing and the MIVM for 550 ml/min mixing.
The CIJ & MIVM Flash Nanoprecipitation Mixers
FNP enables simple formulation screening that can readily be translated to commercial-scale production.
Holland Applied Technologies would like to thank Prof. Robert Prud’homme and his research group at Princeton University for their research and their continued support in the design and development of the CIJ and MIVM technologies. Holland Applied Technologies is proud to offer both the CIJ & MIVM mixers, as well as other sanitary stainless steel and single-use solutions, including needles, tanks, pumps, and manifolds to help our customers with their unique applications. For more information about your next custom sanitary application, contact a Holland Sales Engineer today.
What is the Difference Between EN 10204 3.1 and 3.2 Inspection Certificates?
When purchasing steel products, metal manufacturers should release the MTC (Mill Test Certificate) to the buyer. The MTC contains all specifications of steel products including weight, dimensions, chemical composition, mechanical strength, heat treatment status, test results, traceability, etc. This information is to ensure that a certain standard of quality for steel products has been met.
In Germany, inspection documents and certifications were originally specified in the DIN 50049 standard. The definitions of material testing and certificate types in DIN 50049 was eventually adopted for the European standard EN 10204, first published in 1991. Certificate types 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 3.1A, 3.1B, 3.1C, and 3.2 were defined, closely following the definitions in the German standard.
EN 10204 was revised in 2004 and published as BS EN 10204:2004, Metallic Products—Types of Inspection Documents, with a simplified range of inspection documents (certificate types). These now only include types 2.1, 2.2, 3.1 and 3.2. Type 2.3 has been deleted, Type 3.1 replaces 3.1B, and Type 3.2 replaces 3.1A, 3.1C and 3.2. A brief overview of each of the BS EN 10204 certificate types is shown below:
|
Certificate Type |
Title |
Summary of EN 10204 Requirements |
| 2.1 | Declaration of Compliance with the Order |
Statement of compliance with the order by the manufacturer. |
| 2.1 | Test Report |
Statement of compliance with the order by the manufacturer based on non-specific inspections (tests) by the manufacturer. |
| 3.1 | Inspection Certificate |
Statement of compliance with the order by the manufacturer with results of specific inspection |
| 3.2 | Inspection Certificate |
Statement of compliance with the order with indication of results of specific inspection |
The standard is usually applied to metal produced by mills in the form of metal bars, plates, tube, etc. The standard can also be adapted to products manufacturers from such material such as valve bodies, flow meter casings, pressure gauges, etc. Of the 4 types for EN 10204, the latter two types are the most widely used in steel products.
Differences between 3.1 and 3.2
The EN 10204 Type 3.1 Inspection Certificate are actual test results from the material in the lot from which the steel products have been supplied (formally referred to as “specific testing”). A 3.1 Inspection Certificate is endorsed only by the manufacturers own representative who has to be independent from the manufacturing process, such as the Quality department or a test house manager/supervisor.
The EN 10204 Type 3.2 Inspection Certificate is similar to the 3.1, but has additionally been countersigned and verified by an independent third-party to validate the material by way of verification test. When the 3.2 certificate type is requested the manufacturing mill may prepare a 3.1 type certificate to present to the ‘outside inspector’ to use as a basis for preparing the independent 3.2 certificate.
With a wide offering of sanitary process components, Holland Applied Technologies is familiar with the requirements of a Type 3.1 inspection certificate and we understand its importance to our customers. While the 3.2 certificate is rare due to the higher cost, it provides independent assurance of a material’s properties. If you need more help understanding your 3.1 certificate, or simply need help retrieving a certification for a component you’ve purchased previously, contact a Holland Sales Engineer today.
Product Focus – StoneL: Valve Communication and Control
In today’s post we are going to look at our valve control top offerings .
StoneL is a global leader in process networking and valve communication for the process industries, offering a broad range of solutions that enable you to cut costs and improve performance by adopting field-based networking technology.
Quarter-Turn Applications
Axiom AN
StoneL’s Axiom AN series offers unmatched reliability by combining advanced, proven technologies with an efficient design and durable materials.
Axiom AN
The Axiom AN encloses all electrical components in a compact package for a space efficient design. The automated valve spacing envelope is minimized without compromising performance or maintainability.
Designed with the user in mind, the Axiom AN offers the utmost in ease and convenience with rapid enclosure entry and easy configuration. The Wireless Link capability provides compatible devices, such as your iPhone or iPad, a secure and convenient remote access from up to 50 meters. This capability allows for many special features such as controlling hard-to-reach automated valves, monitoring valve cycle count, and remotely entering and storing key automated valve system information including user tags and maintenance logs.
Axiom AN Wireless Link
Eclipse
The Eclipse features dual solid state sensors with optional communications neatly integrated into a sealed module. The function module and trigger/indicator
StoneL Eclipse
attach quickly and conveniently to standard VDI/VDE 3845 (Namur) actuator accessory mounting pads. The Eclipse is available in two enclosure options; the EN and the EG. The EN leverages nonincendive wiring with integral wire termination area making it suitable for all hazardous areas. The EG option is a general purpose enclosure with completely sealed micro-connector wiring.
Quartz
The Quartz is a versatile platform that can adapt to a wide variety of valve systems for a wide range of environments. With less than 5” clearance requirement, the Quartz boldly displays valve positon and encloses electrical components in an explosionproof compartment .The QX enclosure provides an explosionproof, water tight and corrosion-resistant enclosure approved for use in Div. 1/Zone 1 hazardous areas. The QN is nonincendive and approved for all div.2/zone 2 hazardous environments with proximity sensors using a clear cover. The QG is a general purpose version featuring a clear Lexan® cover with mechanical switches.
The StoneL Quartz series is durable, corrosion-resistant, and versatile.
Linear Applications
Prism PI
The Prism PI integrates an advanced position sensing system and integral pneumatic control for sanitary diaphragms and other linear applications. The Prism series offers the ultimate in ease of set-up, reliability and consistent performance.
StoneL Prism Topworks
The PI offers precision feedback for valve stroke lengths varying from 0.13” up to 2.6”. Options include three cover heights; the low profile version with no visual indicator and a medium or tall cover version both with a visual indicator.
To conclude, StoneL offers a wide variety of valve switch tops with a compact and efficient footprint suitable for many environments. Whether you use a ¼ turn pneumatically actuated valve or linear diaphragm valves, contact a Holland Sales Engineer today to find the right valve control top for you.
Viscosity of Common Liquids in Sanitary Pumping Applications
The following viscosity chart can help you get an idea of how “thick” your product is. It should be noted that these are only average viscosity estimates and we hope this chart proves useful to get an idea of the viscosity of your product when working with a Holland Sales Engineer when trying to find an appropriate solution to your application.
|
Fluid |
Viscosity (cP) |
| Water @ 70 F | 1 -5 |
| Milk | 3 |
| Blood | 10 |
| Ethylene Glycol | 15 |
| Vegetable oil | 40 |
| Corn Syrup | 50 – 100 |
| Maple Syrup | 150 – 200 |
| Tomato Juice | 180 |
| Molasses | 5,000 -10,000 |
| Mayonnaise | 5,000 |
| Honey | 10,000 |
| Chocolate Syrup | 25,000 |
| Ketchup | 50,000 |
| Mustard | 70,000 |
| Sour Cream | 100,000 |
| Peanut Butter | 250,000 |
*Chart should be used for reference only
What is Viscosity?
Our last blog post we looked at a case study where we were seeing a lot of slip in a Waukesha Universal 2 pump. While there are many factors that can impact a process, fluid viscosity will be one of the most important factors that decide ho
w we size the proper equipment for your application. Today, we will share a brief overview of viscosity and why most applications are dominated by the effects of viscosity.
Viscosity is the measure of the internal friction of a fluid. In other words, viscosity is a fluid’s resistance to flow. Imagine a thin layer of fluid is made to move parallel in relation to another layer. The greater the friction within the fluid means the greater the amount of force required to maintain this movement. This type of force is known as shear and it is this shearing action that occurs whenever a fluid flows whether it be pouring, spraying, mixing, etc. Viscosity can help us to explain why we can more easily move through air, which has a very low viscosity, than we can move through water, which has a 50 times higher viscosity.
Newtonian vs Non-Newtonian Fluids
When Isaac Newton performed his studies on fluids, he assumed that all materials have, at a given temperature, a viscosity that is independent of the shear rate. In other words, twice the force would move the fluid twice as fast. Fluids that exhibit this type of behavior are Newtonian fluids. It turns out that Newton was only partially right—a much more complex group of fluids exists and, unfortunately, are much more common.
Thixotropic fluids –A thixotropic fluid undergoes a decrease in viscosity with time while subject to a constant shearing. Some examples include yogurt, peanut butter, soaps, vegetable oils, and some slurries.
Dilatant fluids— Viscosity increases as shear rate increases (shear thickening). Some liquids with dilatant behavior are slurries, candy compounds, and cornstarch & water mixtures.
Pseudoplastic fluids—Viscosity decreases as shear rate increases (shear thinning). Examples ketchup, molasses, syrups, blood, and some silicone oils and coatings.
As you can imagine, there are dramatic differences in fluid viscosities within the food industry. The chocolate industry presents one manufacturability challenge where the desired texture and flow of chocolate can be difficult to maintain. Not only does the production process of molten chocolate depend on a well-defined viscosity, but properties of the finished product such as the texture and taste are directly related to its viscous behavior as well. Chocolate manufacturers must carefully consider the viscosity of their product in order to achieve their desired density, texture, and taste.
In the biotech industry, investments in new drugs and devices are enormous and viscosity is a key indicator of quality in a wide range of biotech applications from pharmaceuticals to mechanical devices to medical laboratories. For example in pharmaceuticals, we would want our cough syrup to smoothly flow past the digestive tract for proper delivery. Or we would want an ointment to stay in the affected area and not flow off. Therefore it is important that the desired value of a viscosity is achieved for every pharmaceutical product.
At Holland, we offer a wide range of products and solutions for your sanitary applications regardless of viscosity. Whether you need help selecting the right peristaltic pump tubing or you need help sizing a mixer, contact a Holland Sales Engineer today for your application needs.
Sanitary PD Pumps & Eliminating Slip: A Case Study
A few months back we looked at the various clearance options available on a Waukesha Cherry-Burrell Universal 1, 2, & 3 PD Pump. In this post we are going to look at a specific sanitary pump application that we recently ran into with a customer in the field and the impact rotor clearance played in pump performance.
Is your pump slipping?
The volumetric efficiency of a pump is dependent on the fluid slip, which often occurs in a pump. Slip is affected by internal clearances of the parts, temperature, pressure, and viscosity. In a sanitary ECP pump, slip increases directly with pressure and clearance, and inversely with viscosity. The major effect of slip on ECP pump performance is the loss in flow capacity. The expanding cavity on the inlet side of the pump creates a low-pressure area that sucks fluid in to equalize the pressure. This cavity can be filled with fluid from the inlet line in normal performance. However, if the slip is high, the cavity can be partly filled with fluid flowing back through the pump from the outlet side.
Recently, we had a customer who wanted to use an existing pump at one of their sister facilities. Their target flow rate was limited to about .2 gpm due to their high downstream pressure requirement and a fluid viscosity of over 40,000 cps. We took their application data and sized them up for a U2 Model 006 pump. Now that the pump was appropriately sizes, the customer was all set to get their new pump and they ordered a Holland Universal Pump assembly complete with a VFD. Upon installation to their line they quickly ran into a problem—the pump was simply not delivering the expected flow.
With less than a 40% volumetric efficiency, the customer could not generate more flow no matter how fast the pump was run. Applying more pressure to the inlet side of the pump to ensure the pump was primed did not help. Was the downstream pressure condition much higher than expected? Without a pressure gauge anywhere downstream of the pump it was impossible to tell.
Maybe the fluid viscosity has become a factor? Could it have been higher? With a higher viscosity then maybe there is more energy loss than expected.
With some guidance from Holland, the customer ran a test of the pump with a straight horizontal hose with an equivalent total run length of their existing set up. The flow rate remained insufficient even at a full 60 Hz from the VFD. Next, the customer removed the pump and fed a bucket just downstream of the feed tank with the help of some backpressure. Their fluid was now flowing at what appeared to be almost 3 gpm! It was clear their issue could not have been a feed issue.
Videos of each of the two tests were sent in to Holland and it was clear that the pump was not delivering the required flow, but what stood out was how easily the fluid was pouring out from the tank. Perhaps their fluid behaves like a pseudoplastic; a non-Newtonian fluid where the viscosity decreases with an increasing shear rate. We also knew that the pump was outfitted with Hot Clearance rotors due to the customer’s CIP requirements. Perhaps the combination of the low viscosity and/or the Hot Clearance rotors was causing a high slip. So a pair of Standard Clearance rotors were sent for the customer to test out and just like that, the performance was instantly increased and the customer saw positive results.
While it is difficult for most end-users to predict and/or measure viscosity characteristics of their fluids under different flow conditions, today’s case study can serve as an important reminder of the various factors that can impact pump performance. The next time you are having trouble with your pump performance or need help with sizing a new pump for your application then feel free to give us a call or contact us via our website
The New EnviZion Advantage Actuator Option
On behalf of ITT, Holland Applied Technologies is pleased to announce the Envizion Advantage actuator option that is now available for the EnviZion hygienic valve product family. The Advantage actuator is a diaphragm driven, compact, lightweight actuator designed to meet the stringent space constraints of the
The EnviZion Advantage Actuator
Bioprocessing and Pharmaceutical Industries. The unit is designed as an on/off pneumatic actuator available with three modes of closure.
The EnviZion Advantage pneumatic actuator combines the well-known and ultra-reliable Advantage actuator with the breakthrough EnviZion thermal compensation system t
o provide the ultimate in overall valve reliability. The diaphragm driven EnviZion Advantage actuator allows the EnviZion valve to be utilized in applications requiring precise control. The EnviZion Advantage actuator also allows for more flexible conversion of operating modes, change of spring sets, and maintenance of the actuator.
The Advantage actuator platform has been utilized for more than 25 years in the Biopharmaceutical industry. The EnviZion Advantage is offered as follows:
- Valve Sizes: .75” – 2” (DN 20 – 50)
- Operating Modes: Fail Closed (60# and 90# spring sets), Fail Open, Double Acting
- Actuator Material: Glass Reinforced Polyethersulfone (PES)
- Bonnet Material: Stainless Steel
- Corrosion Resistance: Resistant to common industry wash downs.
- Autoclavable
- Thermal compensation system
- Safety lock-pin
- Visual position indication
- Weep hole
- 360 degree airport rotation
Let us take this opportunity to revisit the EnviZion sanitary valve and what makes it special. It begins with the top works; the bonnet for all EnviZion valves are mounted to the valve body with a simple twist and secured with a few turns of a locking cover. The rest of the “tools” needed for assembly are all within the bonnet itself. This simple assembly process also engages the most innovative feature of the EnviZion valve platform: a thermal compensation system that ensures a 360 degree active seal at all times – even following SIP.
Just how effective is the thermal compensation system that was engineered into this valve? The EnviZion hygienic diaphragm valve passed the testing required by ASME BPE 2014 Edition Appendix J – Standard Process Test Conditions (SPTC) For Seal Performance Evaluation.
The ASME BPE Standard was established in 1997 for the design of equipment for the production of biopharmaceuticals. The SG Sealing Components subcommittee of ASME published Appendix J as a set of standard process test conditions for seal performance including diaphragm valve diaphragms.
The ASME BPE 2014 Edition Appendix J test provided validation of the integrity and liability of the EnviZion valve’s live thermal cycle compensation system. The valve received the maximum cycle rating, classified as a Level 500 seal corresponding to the number of SIP exposure/cool-down cycles, from ASME after it completed the test at three times the required test pressure.
What does this mean for the end user? It means we’re going to eliminate a tremendous amount of downtime and further reduce the possibility of losing a batch of valuable product due to a valve leak because the Teflon diaphragm creeped. By minimizing downtime, we maximize uptime, effectively increasing the capacity of the system. These two features- decreased chance of leakage and increased productivity- make the valves extremely economic when viewed from a total cost of ownership perspective.
The EnviZion valve platform was developed with one overarching goal – to reduce the customer’s total cost of ownership. Costs associated with installation, validation, operation, and maintenance are significantly reduced with the EnviZion valve. Backed by extensive in-house testing, independent third party ASME BPE Appendix J testing, and EHEDG certification, the EnviZion valve is setting a new standard for the performance of hygienic diaphragm valves. For more information about the EnviZion valve, contact a Holland Sales Engineer today.
As an OEM for PSG Dover’s Quattroflow product line, Holland Applied Technologies is excited to announce the addition of the QF30SU Single-Use Diaphragm Pump to the Quattroflow Single Use Product line. As the leading brand of quaternary diaphragm pumps, the Quattroflow series of pumps has been one of our offerings that continues to innovate by offering our biopharmaceutical customers scalability, flexibility, and performance that traditional product offerings can’t match. Today, we will look at their latest product offering, the QF30SU, which has been developed for lower flow rates in single-use applications.
Quattroflow QF30SU
Until very recently, the Quattroflow single-use pumps have been available in the QF150SU, QF1200SU, QF4400SU, QF5050SU, and the QF20kSU sizes. Quattroflow has now extended its Single-Use product line to the lower end. Featuring a flow range from 0.06 to 30 lph, the new QF30SU is the ideal solution for your pharmaceutical and biotech applications requiring a lower flow rate that the QF150SU couldn’t quite reach.
Retrofittable on both QF150S (Multiple Use) and QF150SU (Single Use) drives, the QF30SU pump features a disposable polypropylene (PP) wetted pump chamber with tool-free installation. Offering a small footprint with a high turndown ratio at 500:1, the QF30SU pump is ideally suited for lab and low flow applications such as chromatography, TFF and virus filtration operations.
While the maximum motor speed of a QF150 drive is 3000 rpm, the QF30 has a proportional (linear) motor speed to flow characteristic that goes up to 1000 rpm. At higher motor speeds, the flow characteristic (performance curve) starts to flatten. The brushless single phase, 230V (110V as option) 90W motor drives that are standard with the QF150 drives can be changed to limit the motor speed to 1000 rpm.
The QF30SU polypropylene pump head features 4 mm (1/8”) hose barb connectors. All soft parts are fully characterized, made of USP Class VI materials with extractable and leachable reports available. Available accessories for the QF30SU include a power box, diaphragm sensor and PID pressure controller.
With the new QF30SU, the Quattroflow series of pumps now cover a range of flow rates from 1 lph with the QF30SU to 16000 lph with the QF20kSU. For any questions about your next biopharmaceutical application or to see if any of the Quattroflow series of pumps is right for you, feel free to contact a Holland Sales Engineer.
Product Focus: Gore Sta-Pure Pump Tubing
In today’s post we are going to take a look at the Gore Sta-Pure peristaltic pump tubing. The Gore Sta-Pure product line offers two series of products; the Series PFL and the Series PCS. Gore’s pump tubing products are engineered to deliver consistent flow even at high pressures (up to 100 psig) and chemically aggressive applications. Let us dive into what distinguishes each product.
The Gore Sta-Pure Pump Tubing Series PFL is manufactured with a patented composite of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) and platinum-cured perfluoroelastomer for increased reliability with aggressive chemicals in peristaltic pumps. It is free from plasticizers, acid acceptors and other processing aids, making it one of the most pure tubing products available. The Series PFL handles nearly all aggressive chemicals, including organic solvents such as methyl ethyl ketone, toluene, and acetone. Let’s find out why…
Gore Sta-Pure Series PFL Tubing
Expanded polytetrafluoroethylene is created when PTFE—a linear polymer consisting of a carbon backbone completely surrounded and protected by fluorine atoms—is expanded, creating a microporous structure with desirable characteristics such as a high strength-to-weight ratio, biocompatibility, and high thermal resistance. This expansion process, innovated by W.L. Gore & Associates in 1969, is what makes GORE products so unique. This unique process significantly improves the mechanical properties while also maintaining the positive chemical attributes of the PTFE base material.
PTFE Structure. The Carbon-Fluorine bond is among the strongest and most stable bond in organic chemistry.a caption
A perfluoroelastomer, represented by the letters FFKM or FFPM (ASTM and ISO designations, respectively), is very similar to PTFE except that PTFE is a more crystalline, or plastic, material while FFKMs can be thought of as the elastomeric form of PTFE in that it is soft and flexible at room temperature. Given the chemical structure and performance similarities between perfluoroelastomers and PTFE, it should be no surprise that perfluoroelastomers are used in sealing applications involving high temperature and/or aggressive chemicals.
Perfluoroelastomer Structure
Combining the two compounds provides better chemical compatibility than silicone and thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) tubing. In addition, the patented structure of the composite enables consistent flow rates over extended production cycles up to 60 psig. The Series PFL also withstands the rigors of clean-in-place and steam-in-place (CIP/SIP) processing, which helps simplify sterile fluid applications.
Series PCS Tubing
The Series PCS is a composite of platinum-cured silicone and reinforced with expanded polytetrafluoroelthylene (ePTFE) for added strength and resilience. With a unique composition of silicone and PTFE, the Series PCS has superior burst resistance up to 100 psi. This tubing is widely used for ultra-pure applications such as ultra-filtration, live cell transfer, fermentation, and bioreactor feed.
While platinum-cured silicone products are known for their extremely low levels of extractables and leachables and have gained a reputation for being the highest purity products, they may balloon or rupture under high pressure. The Series PCS employs a unique composite structure that overcomes this limitation and provides greater reliability and security against rupture. In a peristaltic pump, at a back pressure of 60 psi (4 atm), Series PCS tubing lasts over 1,000 hours under continuous use at 200 rpm. Under transfer conditions, it lasts more than 18 times longer than silicone rubber tubing, and almost twice as long as thermoplastic elastomer tubing at 360 rpm. The Series PCS has also been validated to operate after steam-in-place/clean-in-place (SIP/CIP) and autoclave sterilization.
Expanded polytetrafluoroethylene, or ePTFE, is the core material in many of Gore’s solutions. You likely may be familiar with the many products Gore has to offer. Today, we have seen that Gore can tailor ePTFE for chemically aggressive high purity applications in their Series PFL tubing, or high-pressure and physically demanding applications in their Series PCS.
If you have any questions on your peristaltic pump application or any of our single use products, contact a Holland Sales Engineer today.