Product category:
Materials and components
News Release from: Victrex USA | Subject: Victrex Peek
Edited by the Engineeringtalk Editorial
Team on 23 March 2005
Thermoplastic solves a sticky problem
with paste
Italian-based Fluorten used the high-performance thermoplastic Victrex Peek for overmoulding the steel core of a cone valve used to process tomato paste.
Italian-based Fluorten used the high-performance thermoplastic Victrex Peek for overmoulding the steel core of a cone valve used to process tomato paste When compared with the fluoropolymer it replaced, Victrex Peek has not only extended the life of the valves, its use has also resulted in significant cost savings due to reduced downtime
This article was originally published on Engineeringtalk on 31 Dec 2001 at 8.00am (UK)
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During processing, the tomato paste is forced through a system of pipes and cone valves to obtain the right quality and consistency.
Because the valves are in contact with the paste, the valve material must be capable of withstanding continuous operating temperatures of 120C and have good nonstick properties.
It must also exhibit superior surface hardness due to the high processing rates and good adhesion to the steel core.
Victrex Peek has a glass transition temperature of 143C and can withstand continuous service temperatures close to the melting point of 340C.
"The combination of thermal properties together with low wear properties and excellent adhesion of the polymer during overmoulding were the major reasons Fluorten chose Victrex Peek", says Christine Karas, General Manager, Americas.
"The fact that Victrex Peek is FDA approved for contact with foodstuffs and has excellent chemical and hot steam resistance were also a factor".
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