New Valves Maintain Piping System Integrity at High Temperatures, Provide Increased Chemical Reaction Time

March 13, 2003
High-tech Focus

Thermoplastic piping systems have gained extraordinary acceptance in the life science and semiconductor industries over the past decade. Specifically, PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride), a flouroplastic, is the material of choice for high purity water and chemical applications due to its excellent purity, temperature, surface and strength characteristics.

Other physical properties of PVDF include low weight, abrasion resistance, and high impact strength. With excellent all-round chemical resistance and low water absorption, these properties combine to provide a valve material that meets stringent requirements in a variety of high purity and chemical applications.

A growing application for both semiconductor and life science markets is the use of hot Ultra Pure Water (UPW), or hot De-Ionized Water (DIW). In the past, these systems have operated at 70°F, but due to benefits of increased chemical reaction times by introducing elevated temperatures, more and more companies are specifying 180°F (80°C) water systems. This has been a challenge for thermoplastic piping system manufacturers.

The melt point of PVDF is 352°F. Therefore, the material expands as the temperature increases. Successful management of this expansion is critical to maintaining the integrity of a piping system. Particularly, diaphragm valves are most susceptible to leakage based on its different materials of construction, which include a PVDF body, PTFE diaphragm, EPDM backing diaphragm and polypropylene housing. Each of these thermoplastic materials has a different melt point and expansion coefficient that must be accounted for.

To solve this challenge, George Fischer, Inc. designed the first SYGEF® PVDF High Temperature Resistant (HTR) diaphragm valve. This valve incorporates secondary sealing components manufactured from high purity TFM within the valve body to absorb the different expansion characteristics of the valve materials. The benefit is a high purity diaphragm valve that:

* Meets the specifications of the SYGEF PVDF system,

* Does not leak during wide and continuous temperature fluctuations, and

* Maintains specified pressure ratings along the entire temperature curve.

The HTR series valve is differentiated physically from the standard temperature valve by its handle. The HTR valve is manufactured with a red handle compared to the black handle installed on the standard valve. This differentiation is critical to field personnel for properly identifying and understanding the capabilities and service characteristics of the product. The handle also features a snap-on handwheel design for easy removal and installation and provides an optional locking mechanism.

To support the flexible requirements of engineers, contractors and end users when installing a piping system, George Fischer has introduced a diverse HTR diaphragm valve product range offered in sizes from 1?2 in. through 2 in. (20mm - 63mm). Flow can be provided in either direction irrespective of installation position, offering further system design flexibility.

All of the new valves offer superior cycle-life and compact dimensions with the shortest possible branch geometry requiring the least amount of space for installation. Available in multiple configurations, each is manufactured to standard or HTR specifications and can be pneumatically actuated for automated control.

The SYGEF Type 314 valve configuration features patented high purity union end connectors for easy removal of the product once installed. The SYGEF Type 315 valve offers multiple fusion end connections from the popular Infrared (IR) Plus® to the smooth Bead and Crevice Free (BCF) Plus® fusion technology. These valves can also be customized with NPT, flange or tube flare end connections.

The Type 319 valve configuration is a single molded tee/valve assembly that limits the area for bacterial build-up when the branch valve is closed. The SYGEF Type 319 is designed with no dead area between the PTFE diaphragm seal and media flow to maintain optimal purity for ultrapure water applications.

The introduction of the SYGEF HTR diaphragm valve series provides significant financial benefits of a leak-free valve: low maintenance and service costs due to reduced system shutdowns. This in turn increases productivity and product yields.

For more information, phone George Fischer, Inc. at 714-731-8800.

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