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August 2011 - Issue 123
e-news for Flow Control Solutions
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Testing Titanium Springs
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in Model #150 for Series 300 Modular Check Valves
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 Smart Products engineers are currently testing Titanium Springs for our Model #150, which is used in our Series 300 Modular Check Valves. Benefits of using Titanium Springs include strength and toughness, as well as corrosion resistance.
If performance and evaluation results are positive, we will test and try more spring sizes and opening pressures for our other valve models. We believe it is very likely titanium springs will work in Model #150/Series 300 Valves and beyond, and we could start offering them as soon as Fall 2011.
 As our customers currently know, we offer stainless steel springs, which are very compatible with most applications. However, Titanium’s properties enable it to work better in highly corrosive environments versus stainless steel. It is especially ideal for medical devices or implants, aerospace, and pressure vessels. In our experience, we have seen the need for Titanium for customers working with saline, polluted water, and/or saltwater because the properties of this material are likely to hold up better over a longer period of time.
As always, it is extremely important to discuss all liquids/gasses coming into contact with our valves, as well as all environmental conditions the valve will be under with a Product & Application Specialist while ordering. This information ensures we create the right valve for your unique design criteria. We can also sample valves for customers to test any conditions they will be exposed to within their applications.
We are currently exploring a Titanium alloy referred to as Ti 6AI-4V. If this type passes our internal testing, we will offer it as another spring option and have a spec sheet available to customers.
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Understanding Stiction
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Are your valves at risk?
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 Stiction, defined as the friction that tends to prevent stationary surfaces from being set in motion, is a fact of life. If a valve is inactive and sits for a long period of time, the o-ring can stick to the o-ring seat and cause an elevated opening pressure – it can’t be eliminated completely and awareness is key to ensure the optimal performance of a valve.
At Smart Products, we’re always working to improve our valves and pumps, and this standard includes addressing the issue of stiction. We’re currently in the process of exploring two possible solutions to reduce stiction as much as possible.
One potential solution is internally lubricated o-rings. This process involves injecting an o-ring’s rubber with a fluropolymer, which is similar to plastic pellets, before molding the o-ring. When the o-ring is formed, its scientific properties are now better equipped to handle stiction. Another potential solution for stiction is to apply a parylene coating. We will be investigating both of these options further in coming weeks.
With eight different plastic body materials, seven o-ring materials, and a wide variety of ultra low opening spring pressures, it is virtually impossible to test all possible combinations of our valves, as well as anticipate all environmental conditions a valve will undergo. We do know that if a valve sits on a shelf for 30 days in a hot environment, it will most likely yield different results versus a valve that is going to be used right away. As a preventative method, it is a good idea to give us as much information about your application as possible on the front end to prevent stiction from being an issue and ensure your valve works precisely every time.
For questions or more information contact a Product & Application Specialist at (800) 338-0404 or sales@smartproducts.com.
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Featured O-ring Material: EPDM
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Ethylene Propylene, aka EPDM, is another popular choice for o-rings offered by Smart Products, and it has the added bonus of being Class VI compatible. (Click here for more information on Class VI materials that we offer).
 This material works especially well with:
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Sunlight/Ozone/Weathering
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Hot Water and Steam
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Auto/Aircraft Brake Fluids
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Keytones and Alcohols
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Certain Acids and Bases
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Plumbing
Smart Products offers EPDM o-rings in a 50 to 70 Durometer (hardness of o-ring) range, with 70 being the standard size. However, the compounds of these o-rings at Class VI compatibility require that we use a higher durometer such as 60 or 70.
EPDM is able to withstand temperatures from -60°F to 250°F.
Customers also have the option of peroxide or sulfur cured EPDM o-rings, depending on a particular application’s needs. However, if you are dealing with ozone, we always recommend peroxide cured to ensure the o-ring does not corrode.
As you will see in the chart below, EPDM also has a “good” rating for resistance and a “moderate” rating for short-term resilience.
For questions about any of the o-ring materials we offer, give us a call at (800) 338-0404.
Upcoming Tradeshows
 Design 2 Part - Nashville, TN
Date: September 28 & 29
Time: 9:30am – 3:00pm
Location: Gaylord Opryland Convention Center
Booth: #216
www.d2p.com/showinfo
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This Issue