New dures™ brand of materials to benefit pumps in demanding environments
EGC Critical Components, a leading manufacturer of high-performance thermoplastic performance-critical components, has 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. 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% of pumps currently in operation can benefit from this material.
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. dures150 and 250 are the most recent additions to this family of composite formulations. They were developed to meet the need for outstanding chemical, thermal shock and impact and abrasive resistance, with a temperature range of 150°F and 250°F 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.
dures A451 produced from chop carbon fibre 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°F. In comparison, dures XPC2, formulated from continuous carbon fiber with PEEK base polymer, is recommended and approved for operating temperatures up to 550°F making it most appropriate for use in boiler feed and process pumps. dures A451 and XPC2 have been successfully used by industry for decades.
General Manager for EGC, Michael Boylan commented:
"Pump operators using dures materials can now set much tighter equipment clearances, enhancing efficiency and savings in life cycle costs. 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. For applications where the slightest variance can produce unacceptable results, this ensures the highest standards are always met."
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."
Adapted from a press release by Louise Mulhall