New from Dichtomatik Ltd is a range of high performance encapsulated gaskets for use with cam-lock and quick-release pipeline couplings. They are designed to maintain maximum sealing integrity, under adverse conditions of chemical and thermal attack, even where subject to continuous closure/release operations.
These products are highly resistant to known chemicals and solvents as well as being tolerant of high temperatures, making them ideal for use with even aggressive fluids. Typical applications include fuel transport and distribution systems, distillation, printing and marking, marine discharge, pulp and paper production as well as sewage and effluent treatments. The silicone/FEP gasket materials are also FDA and USP class VI compliant, making them suitable for pharmaceutical, cosmetics and food treatment operations.
Manufactured from a square or rectangular elastomer core material of silicone or Viton, the gaskets are encapsulated in a uniform 0.02-inch thick wall of virgin Teflon-FEP resin. This combination is designed to eliminate premature seal failure resulting from chemical attack, while maintaining leak-free fluid transfers with continuous sealing contact achieved with the energiser core.
The non-stick low coefficient coating helps with installation, prevents product adhesion and simplifies clean-up procedures.
The temperature parameter range of -60°C to +204°C guarantees wide transfer product compatibility while also permitting autoclave sterilisation. The retention of core material properties including elastomeric memory and flexibility, with resistance to embrittlement, hardening and compression set, ensures these products outperform fluorelastomer, rubber and even solid PTFE.
Cam lock couplings are used for rapid connect/disconnect applications, without the use of separate clamps, bolts or other fasteners. They must ensure good pipe alignment, with a tight vacuum or pressure seal, while guaranteeing correct direction of bulk material flow. They can be supplied in ferrous and non-ferrous materials, as well as high-strength plastics, and can be re-used when flexible pipework needs replacement. These couplings are also widely specified for pneumatic conveyors, together with the easy removal of pumps and check valves for repair and maintenance while providing a (restrained joint) connection for pumping. Such diversity in application has led to a surge in demand, which is why Dichtomatik Ltd has introduced their new Teflon encapsulated gaskets for couplings, covering from 0.75 inch to 4 inch nominal sizes.