FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
February 12th, 2010
NEW BRITAIN, CT, February 12, 2010 – Peter Paul Electronics, Co., Inc, explains why in rugged, dirty, corrosive application one is better served by a plastic valve with an encapsulated coil over a metal valve. The points of differentiation follow:
- The initial cost savings of a plastic valve over metal is obvious, but additional cost savings are incurred with lower costs to install, reduced freight, maintenance costs and a longer service life of the valves. Plastic valves, on average, out-perform metal valves and have maintenance free service.
- Installation is easier due to lighter weight of ½ to 1/3 of metal which in turn reduces material handling of labor, freight and installation costs.
- A plastic valve can handle high temperatures or has low thermal conductivity and corrosive chemicals. The coil encapsulation technique is used to segregate the winding from the outside world and receives the hazardous location ratings. The “high end engineering grade polymer” used for the “Encapsulated Type Coils”, is a polyamide, a very tough material that is glass reinforced. This polymer is perfect for high heat applications with a UL Class H 180°C rating. It can withstand severe thermal Cycling without cracking.
The encapsulated coil has a high T rating of T4 (low watt version T5), allowing it to operate in an ambient flammable environment of 135c, a starting point of 60c, the industry standard is 40c.
The polymer is leaps above conventional 66 nylons and is not affected by exposure to many chemicals or solvents and does not contain halogenated fire retardants (i.e. Brominates) which are considered toxic.
In order to achieve agency ratings using the encapsulation technique, the encapsulated coil has been exposed to 13 different solvents (Acidic Acid, Acetone, Ammonium Hydroxide, Benzene, Ethanol Acetate, Furfural, 2-Nitro Propane, N-Hexane, Methanol, Methyl Ethyl Ketone, Ethylene Dichloride, and Diethyl Ether) and then traumatized by a ball drop test.
• In addition, there is no need for a fire stop in the conduit run.
• The encapsulated coil is more
impervious to salt.
- Plastic valves can be regarded as “greener” because of the lower amount of energy it takes to produce than a metal valve.
- The interior lining of a plastic valve is very smooth creating a high flow coefficient that will not rust, corrode or pit like metal. Resulting in an even flow rates over time.
- The conduit Boss is made of Stainless Steel with an electrolysis nickel coating, making it very durable. These units are therefore comparable to the Potted, Stainless Steel version of the legacy counterpart.
“I think the reluctance to use the plastic molded “explosion proof” has little to do with the technical aspects but much more to do with the culture or status quo” states Bill Millish an engineer with PeterPaul. He goes onto to give an example, “people who use Intrinsically Safe (IS) explosion-proof equipment are more likely to use explosion proof molded plastic material. The control systems that use IS don't need the heavy metallic structure to contain an accidental explosion, it is prevented from happening in the first place by the IS valve controller”.
Peter Paul Electronics Co., Inc., founded in 1947, is a premier manufacturer of solenoid valves including general purpose use, high flow, explosion proof, high pressure, cryogenic, diverter, manifold, plastic, safety, stainless steel and mini valves. PeterPaul (PPE) offers many of thousands of possibilities from solenoid valves that operate with power as low as 1/2 watt to pressure as high as 3000 psi. PPE has two facilities, one in New Britain, CT consisting of a 77,000 square foot plant in New Britain, Connecticut, and a 23,500 square foot facility in Fajardo, Puerto Rico. High quality design, innovative research and development set PeterPaul apart from other manufactures. Continuous improvement is in the fabric of the company on all levels with people having years of experience, dedication and pride.
