Industrial Air Power, the air compressor specialist, announce the launch of a new contract air service.

Industrial Air Power Limited can now provide users of compressed air the choice of purchasing compressed air in the same manner as other utilities.  IAP can install a bespoke compressed air facility at your plant and will remain totally responsible for all operating and maintenance costs for a predetermined period of time, normally three to five years.  IAP guarantee to supply high quality, clean, dry compressed air at a mutually agreed flow rate, pressure and dew point for the entire period of the contract.  A fixed monthly contract price is mutually agreed based on the cost of the plant, installation and service requirements specified throughout the term of the contract.  The objective of Contract Air is also to provide 100% reliability by providing the highest standard of preventative maintenance, including SPM monitoring, oil sampling and regular service visits.  IAP also operate a buy back scheme depending on age and condition of the redundant plant.

The advantages of contract air can benefit a business greatly and none more so than in today’s tough economic times. Advantages include no capital outlay and no maintenance or breakdown costs and most of all, guaranteed quality air and flow rate.

For the past ten years IAP has been responsible for maintaining and servicing all of the compressor plant at British Ceramic Tiles Limited, the largest tile manufacturing facility in the UK.  Andy Selley, the Project / Services Manager of British Ceramic Tiles is responsible for all of their industrial compressed air plant and equipment.  Andy was considering updating all of their compressors and associated equipment at a very high capital cost.  IAP introduced the concept of Contract Air as a more cost effective option as opposed to tying up large amounts of capital.

Industrial Air Power has been a distributor for Ingersoll-Rand for thirty years specialising in the sales, service, repair, air compressor maintenance and air compressor hire of a complete range of compressed air equipment including air compressors, air tools, air winches, air pumps, air hoists, dryers, filters, air motors, spare parts and accessories. The company employs a team of factory trained sales and service engineers operating in Wales, Gloucester, Avon, Bristol, Devon and Cornwall.

For information on all of IAP’s services and products including air compressor hire and air compressor maintenance, visit http://www.airpower.co.uk

Nadcap (the National Aerospace and Defense Contractors Accreditation Program) recognizes Precision Polymer Engineering for its quality systems and manufacturing processes to the Aerospace industry.

High performance rubber seals manufacturer, Precision Polymer Engineering (PPE), a Unit of IDEX Corp., is the first manufacturer of its kind outside the Americas to receive Nadcap accreditation for the production of its elastomer rubber seals and o rings.

Nadcap is the highest standard accreditation awarded to suppliers to the aerospace industry and provides an assurance of quality and integrity in component manufacture. Accreditation is awarded only after a rigorous audit of an organization’s quality and manufacturing systems. The audit covers processes throughout the business; from raw materials, tooling and manufacturing, to inspection, packaging and dispatch.

“This accreditation is a great achievement for PPE and reflects our commitment to quality and continuous improvement in all aspects of our business”’ says Paul Gillyon, PPE managing director, “I believe it shows PPE once again taking a clear lead in aiming for the highest global standards of quality in elastomer rubber seals and o rings manufacture”.

“Achieving Nadcap accreditation is not easy: it is one of the ways in which the aerospace industry identifies those who excel at manufacturing quality product through superior special processes. Companies such as Precision Polymer Engineering work hard to obtain this status and they should be justifiably proud of it,” said Joe Pinto, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at the Performance Review Institute. “PRI is proud to support continual improvement in the aerospace industry by helping companies such as PPE be successful and we look forward to continuing to assist the industry moving forward.”

For more information on PPE o rings, rubber seals and gaskets products, visit http://www.prepol.com

Dates for training courses, seminars & workshops have been announce by Precision Polymer Engineering Ltd.

PPE conducts a range of professional development training courses, seminars and workshops throughout the year but they are pleased to announce two forthcoming course dates:

26 Oct 2011 – Elastomer technology and seal design for critical sealing applications.
Venue: Balmoral Suite, Norwood Hall Hotel, Garthdee Road, Cults, Aberdeen, AB15 9FX
23 Nov 2011 – Elastomer technology and seal design for critical sealing applications.  More info.
Venue: PPE, Greenbank Road, Blackburn, BB1 3EA

These educational events are designed to increase the delegate’s awareness of the important aspects of elastomer technology. The content of each course/seminar/workshop is industry specific and tailored to the attendees’ requirements.

Events are held at PPE’s purpose built training centre in England, at delegates’ own business premises (subject to a minimum group size) or at strategically located convention venues throughout Europe and the USA.

PPE training events are delivered by leading experts in the elastomer industry, ensuring that delegates receive the benefit of many years experience as well as the very latest technical know-how.

Current training courses include:

•    An introduction to elastomer materials and how O rings are made (1 day or ½ day)
•    Elastomer technology and seal design for critical sealing applications (1 day)
•    Elastomer technology and seal design for diesel engines (1 day)
•    Elastomer technology and seal design for the semiconductor industry (1 or 2 days)
•    Elastomer technology and seal design for the pharmaceutical industry (coming soon)

New courses are constantly being added in response to customer demand.

Founded in 1974, PPE has over 35 years specialized sealing expertise, offering an unrivalled range of products from over 170 elastomer materials. Precision Polymer Engineering (PPE) Ltd is a unit of IDEX Corp, and operates as a business within IDEX’s Health and Science Technologies segment. PPE is a world leading designer and manufacturer of high performance rubber seals and rubber gaskets solutions. The company’s elastomers product range is used in many demanding manufacturing environments around the world. Applications as varied as semi-conductor manufacturing, food processing, pharmaceuticals, marine engineering and power generation benefit from PPE’s innovative, robust and reliable rubber sealing and o rings solutions.

If you wish to attend a future training on rubber o rings technology or elastomer technology and rubber seals design courses please visit http://www.prepol.com.

Precision Polymer Engineering, a Unit of IDEX Corp. to announce latest ultra-high and extreme low temperature seals at Offshore Europe.

High performance seals specialist, Precision Polymer Engineering, a Unit of IDEX Corp., is announcing its latest developments in ultra-high temperature and extreme low temperature resistant Perlast perfluoroelastomer and Endura seals for HP/HT/LT offshore applications, at Offshore Europe on Stand No. 3E80.

For continuous use at high temperatures, without loss of mechanical performance, PPE has developed perfluoroelastomer Perlast G75TX for processes up to 327°C (621°F), together with fluoroelastomer V91J for continuous exposure at 250°C (482°F). Overcoming the traditional weakness of perfluoroelastomers at low temperature, all-round sealing performer Perlast G92E is now capable of sub-zero operation down to -30°C (-22°F) at pressures up to 5,500psi.

Endura seals for demanding applications
The Endura range of oilfield elastomers has been specifically developed by PPE for use in downhole, surface and subsea oilfield equipment and offers excellent rapid gas decompression (RGD) resistance. Many of the Endura materials have been tested to international RGD standards such as NORSOK, TOTAL and NACE. Over the past 25 years, PPE has supplied O-rings and custom seals for systems operating in the most inhospitable subsea environments in the world at temperatures from -46°C (-51°F) up to +327°C (+621°F).

PPE has sales offices in Aberdeen, the US (Houston), Europe and Asia, in addition to extensive manufacturing and technical development resources at the company’s Blackburn facility in Lancashire.

PPE is a world leading designer and manufacturer of high performance sealing solutions. The company’s elastomers product range is used in many demanding manufacturing environments around the world. Applications as varied as semi-conductor manufacturing, food processing, pharmaceuticals, marine engineering and power generation benefit from PPE’s innovative, robust and reliable sealing solutions.

Founded in 1974, PPE has over 35 years specialist sealing expertise, offering an unrivalled range of products from over 170 elastomer materials. The company’s materials scientists and applications technologists are working at the forefront of elastomer technology, developing new materials for specialist applications. These include PERLAST®, the world’s leading perfluoroelastomer for critical sealing applications such as semiconductor and pharmaceutical manufacturing, and ENDURA® which was specifically developed for use in the oil and gas industry.

For details of PPE’s range of Perlast and Endura O rings, T-section rubber seals, special profiles and custom-made seals and rubber gaskets, visit http://www.prepol.com

High temperature elastomer seal resistance has reached a new high with the announcement of Perlast G75TX perfluoroelastomer by seals specialist, Precision Polymer Engineering (PPE), a Unit of IDEX Corporation.

Perlast G75TX is the ultimate ‘next generation’ perfluoroelastomer, offering excellent chemical resistance and ultra-high temperature stability, while simultaneously extending the elastomer’s operating limits in all aspects. Resistant to temperatures up to +621°F (+327°C), G75TX has a compression set of just 8%, significantly increasing the efficiency and lifespan of the seal in pumps and valves. Rapid gas decompression (RGD) resistant grades of the perfluoroelastomer are currently in development.

Perlast G75TX is the latest addition to PPE’s high performance, oilfield sealing materials which also includes the EnDura range of elastomers developed specifically for oil and gas applications.

“Many companies have tried to improve the high temperature performance of perfluoroelastomers but this has been achieved at the cost of severely undermining the elastomer’s mechanical properties, especially compression set. Perlast G75TX is the first perfluoroelastomer to achieve ultra-high temperature resistance while still preserving its mechanical performance,” says David Holt, business development director, PPE.

Perlast G75TX is suitable for both dynamic and static applications and can be fully moulded into O-rings in any size up to 2m/6.5ft internal diameter, and custom shapes.

EnDura – high performance elastomers for oil and gas
The EnDura range of elite elastomer materials has been specifically developed for use in downhole, surface and subsea oilfield equipment with excellent Explosive Decompression (ED) resistance. EnDura is a family of different elastomer types that offer superior chemical resistance compared to conventional explosive decompression grades, greater high and low temperature capabilities and are tested to the major international explosive decompression standards such as NOROSK M-710. The EnDura range includes HNBR, TFE/P, FKM and FFKM elastomers.

For more information on Precision Polymer Engineering including rubber seals and o rings visit http://www.prepol.com.

Precision Polymer Engineering (PPE), a unit of IDEX Corp, has added a new silicone grade to its Detectaseal range of metal detectable rubber for moulded o rings.

The custom seal designs used in food processing equipment manufactured by PPE allow fragments of Detectaseal XS7H silicone rubber elastomer can be detected as small as 2mm with production in-line metal detectors.

Detectaseal XS7H is a ‘clean’ material, setting a new industry standard for silicone seals in food processing. It contains no fillers, waxes process oils and other compounding ingredients that are commonly used in other elastomers. In addition, by platinum curing the elastomer there are no curing additive residues left on the moulded seal which could react with food processing liquids. FDA and USP Class VI compliant, the XS7H silicone elastomer is suitable for operating temperatures between -60oC and +200oC making it ideal for steam cleaning, heating and cooling processes, and hygienic sealing for food processing applications in general.

Rubber contamination affects many foods
Rubber contamination product recalls reported by the Food Standards Agency in recent years have included products as diverse as ice cream, peanuts, crisps, chocolate confectionery, cakes and cheese. Over time repeated clean-in-place, sterilisation, and handling during equipment cleaning, can degrade rubber seals used in food processing equipment and pipework. As the seal degrades there is a risk of rubber fragments breaking off, leading to product contamination. In addition, hygienic processing conditions are compromised as the degraded seal’s surface itself can provide a potential site for the growth of micro-organisms.

Detectaseal uses in-line detection equipment
Rather than wait for customer complaints, possibly resulting in an expensive product recall, Detectaseal reduces the risk exposure and provides food processors with a reliable approach to detecting seal fragments as small as 2mm, using existing in-line means of metal detection. In addition to XS7H silicon grade, the full Detectaseal range includes metal detectable fluoroelastomer, nitrile and EPDM. All PPE elastomer seals used in food processing are produced
in cleanroom conditions and offer full traceability.

Growing range of food processing rubber seals
PPE is committed to supplying seals to the highest standard for food processing. It offers a growing range of FDA, USP Class VI and 3-A (dairy) approved elastomers, enabling equipment manufacturers and users to select the most appropriate elastomer to meet temperature, chemical and physical performance criteria.

In addition, PPE is the leading contributor on elastomeric materials to the latest EHEDG (European Hygienic Engineering & Design Group) guide on ‘Materials of Construction for Equipment in contact with Food’.

For further details of PPE’s Detectaseal materials, and other rubber seals and rubber o rings, visit http://www.prepol.com

The new Inventory Management Solution from Lambda calibration Ltd.

Lambda Calibration Ltd, the Chorley based UKAS calibration laboratory are pleased to announce their new Inventory Management Solution.

The Inventory Management Solution (IMS) enables clients to have free web access to their measuring equipment calibration records. The client can generate “recall” and “overdue” reports and even export the measuring equipment inventory to a spreadsheet. Calibration certificates can be downloaded, viewed or printed calibration certificates. Simple and easy to use, this new Inventory Management Solution has already been a useful tool for existing clients of Lambda calibration Ltd enabling the storage and viewing of calibration records going back years.

To access the system simply click on the IMS link at the top of the page. Complete the on-line form and submit it. Lambda Calibration will then review the details entered. Once the account has been approved, Lambda will activate the chosen username and password and an email will be sent. The new IMS account can then be used.
Lambda have made the system extremely easy to use as many of their clients are busy and do not have the time to learn a complicated new system. There is a help section inside which will only take you a minute or so to read should it be required.

Lambda Calibration Ltd is an independent laboratory providing UKAS accredited gauge, meter and equipment calibration services throughout the UK and Ireland. With years of experience spanning all sectors and UKAS accreditations across multiple disciplines, Lambda is a genuine “one stop shop” for all measuring instrument services including gauge, tool, electrical, meter, pressure, instrument, temperature, thermometer, torque and torque wrench calibration.

For more information on all the UKAS equipment calibration service offered by Lambda Calibration Ltd, visit http://www.lambda-cal.co.uk

Rubber seal and gasket manufacturer invests in new production equipment.

High performance rubber seals manufacturer, Precision Polymer Engineering (PPE), a Unit of IDEX Corp., has invested in new production equipment to meet growing demand for Endura seals by leading oil and gas companies around the world.

PPE specializes in standard and customised rubber seals for demanding applications in the oil and gas industry as well as semiconductor manufacture, chemical and food processing and pharmaceutical manufacture. Through a combination of innovative elastomer compounding, seal design expertise and rapid, precision manufacture, the company is able to meet customers’ most challenging rubber sealing needs.

Increased Production Capacity
New moulding press equipment was specified by PPE manufacturing engineers and installed at the Blackburn, UK factory in March. In procuring the presses, one of the company’s objectives was to increase production efficiency by reducing set-up-times. This has been achieved by an innovative combination of equipment configuration using magnet platens, and computer control; together delivering a 40% increase in available Endura manufacturing capacity. To operate the new o rings and seals moulding presses, production staffing has been increased by 5%.

Defining Exceptional Customer Service Standards
As a result of this significant capital investment, PPE is able to continue to provide its customers with unrivalled rapid delivery times along with exceptional quality and, where needed, customised rubber seal and o ring design. The increased Endura production capacity is complemented by a high level of both pre-sales and post-sales technical support, ensuring PPE continues to set exceptional customer service standards.

Paul Gillyon, managing director at PPE, commented, “I am very pleased to be able to make this further investment in our manufacturing capabilities. As with all major capital investments, it is targeted at improving our operating efficiency as well as helping us serve our customers more effectively”.

PPE plans further investments later in 2011 to maintain its strong level of sales growth while still delivering excellent customer service.

For more information on all the products Precision Polymer Engineering manufacture including rubber seals, gaskets and o ring seals, visit http://www.prepol.com.

CRIUS Autoflush chlorine analyzer from Process Instruments provides essential support for paper mill.

Residual chlorine monitors and indeed, ozone monitors, pH meters and chlorine dioxide analysers have all been around a long time and it would seem unlikely that they could be improved upon greatly …… but for some applications they have.

A paper mill approached Process Instruments (UK) Ltd (Pi) with a problem. They had a de-inked stock that they measured pH in to control a chemical addition. The problem was that their pH sensor was coating with ink that set hard on the glass. The pH sensors were unreliable a short time after replacement and the cost of replacing the sensors monthly was prohibitive. Following a detailed survey and discussion with the customer Pi proposed an auto-flushing device that would flush the pH sensor with warm, soapy water regularly enough to prevent rather than remove build up of ink.

Two years after installation the same pH sensor continues to give reliable results with the CRIUS® 100 chlorine analyzer not only controlling the pH sensor, but providing the PID control for the chemical addition.

The CRIUS® Autoflush is controlled by the analyser where user variables adjust the flush time, frequency and signal hold time.

Fortunately not all cleaning requirements are so tough and via a ‘customer consultation’ exercise (we asked them!) Pi discovered that the need to keep sensors clean is far greater than previously imagined. Since 2006 Pi has shipped approximately 50 autoflush units all using potable water to keep various sensors clean under varying conditions. Some of the applications that have benefitted from a CRIUS® Autoflush are:

•    pH sensor in a de-inking plant
•    free chlorine sensor in white water in a paper plant
•    chlorine dioxide sensor in a food plant
•    pH sensor in an industrial chemical plant

Pi has been providing instrument solutions since 1998 and supplies through Distributors, under Private Label/OEM agreements and to End Users within the Water, Waste, Chemical, Paper, Pool and Leisure industries.  With offices, a laboratory and new manufacturing facilities in Burnley, Lancashire, Pioperates globally with customers in Europe, America and the Middle East, including; Technostar (Egypt), Scottish Water (UK), Crow Wood Leisure (UK), Northern Ireland Water (UK), and Chemtrac (America). More recently Pi has received awards for innovation and has quadrupled its turnover in three years.

For more information on the latest innovations in chlorine meter and analyzer technology, please visit http://www.processinstruments.net/products/residual-chlorine-analyzer.php

Perlast G75TX sets new benchmark for marine engine perfluoroelastomers.

High performance, marine engine seals specialist Precision Polymer Engineering (PPE), a unit of IDEX Corp., announces Perlast G75TX, a new generation of perfluoroelastomer seal that extends the life of pre-heat chamber and exhaust valve seat seals as engines burn hotter to meet lower emissions standards.

Engine manufacturers and operators are under pressure to reduce SOx, NOx and particulate emissions whilst achieving higher efficiencies, improved fuel economy, and extended maintenance intervals. Perfluoroelastomers are commonly used in the hottest parts of the engine for pre-heat chamber and exhaust valve seat seals. However until now they have suffered from a poor compression set, typically 20%, reducing the seal’s operational life. Perlast G75TX is the first perfluoroelastomer to provide a compression set of 8%, while improving the elastomer’s characteristic high temperature and chemical resistance.

Perlast G75TX sets new performance benchmark
Perlast G75TX has been formulated to provide improved resistance to chemically aggressive, coolants at temperatures up to +327OC (+621OF). In addition, the perfluoroelastomer has low permeability to chemically aggressive coolants making it less prone to swelling, leading to extended in-service performance. And, with an ultra-low compression set of just 8%, many companies are already using the elastomer to increase the efficiency and lifespan of their marine engine seals.

Perlast G75TX is suitable for both dynamic and static applications and can be fully moulded into o rings (any size up to 2m/6.5ft internal diameter) and custom shapes.

“Perlast G75TX is the culmination of perfluoroelastomer developments at PPE over the past 5 years that have systematically improved the elastomer’s high temperature performance, then chemical resistance and now finally compression set. It sets a new performance benchmark for perfluoroelastomers that simultaneously extends the elastomer’s operating limits in marine engines,” says David Holt, business development director, PPE Ltd.

PPE is a world leading designer and manufacturer of high performance rubber sealing solutions. The company’s elastomers product range is used in many demanding manufacturing environments around the world. Applications as varied as semi-conductor manufacturing, food processing, pharmaceuticals, marine engineering and power generation benefit from PPE’s innovative, robust and reliable sealing solutions.

Founded in 1974, PPE has over 35 years specialist sealing expertise, offering an unrivalled range of products from over 170 elastomer materials. The company’s materials scientists and applications technologists are working at the forefront of elastomer technology, developing new materials for specialist applications. Thesinclude PERLAST®, the world’s leading perfluoroelastomer for critical sealing applications such as semiconductor and pharmaceutical manufacturing, and ENDURA® which was specifically developed for use in the oil and gas industry.

For more information on Perlast G75TX, rubber o rings and all the PPE products visit http://www.prepol.com.

PPE announcemene two new perfluoroelastomer sealing materials at Valve World 2010.
Precision Polymer Engineering (PPE), a unit of IDEX Corp. is driving up valve performance in demanding oil and gas, and chemical applications with the announcement of two new perfluoroelastomer sealing materials at Valve World 2010.

Perlast G75TX is the ultimate ‘next generation’ perfluoroelastomer, offering excellent chemical resistance and ultra-high temperature stability, simultaneously extending the elastomer’s operating limits in all aspects. Resistance to temperatures up to +327OC (+621OF), G75TX has a compression set of just 8%, significantly increasing the efficiency and lifespan of valve seals.

Perlast G92E is the latest addition to PPE’s EnDura range of elastomers designed specifically for the oil and gas offshore industry. The elastomer is inert to a wide range of liquids and gases such as hydrogen sulphide and methane. Suitable for environments up to +260OC (+500OF), G92E has tested successfully in a range of high temperature, aggressive gas conditions and rapid gas decompression / explosive decompression tests.

Both perfluoroelastomers can be fully moulded into O-rings in any size up to 2m/6.5ft internal diameter, and custom shapes.

Precision Polymer Engineering (PPE) Ltd is a unit of IDEX Corp, and operates as a business within IDEX’s Health and Science Technologies segment. PPE is a world leading designer and manufacturer of high performance sealing solutions. The company’s elastomers product range is used in many demanding manufacturing environments around the world. Applications as varied as semi-conductor manufacturing, food processing, pharmaceuticals, marine engineering and power generation benefit from PPE’s innovative, robust and reliable sealing solutions.

Founded in 1974, PPE has over 35 years specialized sealing expertise, offering an unrivalled range of products from over 170 elastomer materials.

For more information on PPE rubber seals and o rings call +44 (0)1254 295400, and visit the PPE web site http://www.prepol.com

High performance seals specialist, Precision Polymer Engineering (PPE) is now offering chemical engineers an independent materials consultancy and laboratory service for seal selection and testing.

The rapid pace of elastomer development often means that an engineer’s knowledge of sealing materials and customisation techniques is sometimes not totally up to date. Using the PPE service, the chemical engineer is able to draw on PPE’s extensive purpose built Material Characterisation Centre (MCC), equipped with the latest testing apparatus, PPE’s facility is one of the leading resources in Europe for the development, characterisation, testing and analysis of polymeric materials.

Typical analytical techniques include:  chemical compatibility testing, failure analysis, microscopy
thermo-mechanical evaluation and physical property determination.  Until now, these in-house services were only offered as part of PPE’s extended customer service. Now the MCC is available for use by the wider chemical and processing industries.

Combining this state-of-the-art facility with the specialist application knowledge and expertise which PPE has acquired in chemical and pharmaceutical processing over many years, this offers chemical engineers constructive assistance and problem-solving data on any polymer issue.

“Our MCC is one of the most practical in Europe, offering a variety of services and “hands- on” support at very competitive rates”  Dr Vincent Ng, Head of PPE Materials Technology.

“We are completely independent and can respond quickly and knowledgeable on all polymeric material issues“ he added.

The MCC compliments PPE’s range of on-line elastomer vs chemical compatibility selection tools and technical specifications for over 300 elastomers and rubber o rings. For more information on PPE’s MCC service http://www.prepol.com.

Size matters at high performance seals specialist, Precision Polymer Engineering (PPE).

Precision Polymer Engineering (PPE)has installed the UK’s largest o-ring moulding machine,  producing o-ring seals up to 2 metres in diameter for marine engine, oil and gas, nuclear and power generation industries worldwide.

Weighing in at 122 tonnes, the £500,000 variable down-stroking press is capable of exerting between 50 and 500 tonnes of pressure.  This, in conjunction with a vacuum chamber encompassing the mould tool to eliminate air traps, produces exceptionally accurate moulded o-rings and custom parts, including discs, in depths up to 380mm.

Designed to repeatedly produce precision moulded parts, the PPE moulding machine features a sliding double platen for easier tool fitting and increased manufacturing productivity – as one seal is being moulded another is being prepared.

“Manufacturing large o-rings and custom parts at a consistently high level of repeatability calls for the kind of precision moulding that only a machine of this size can offer,” says PPE, managing director, Peter Cloney.

PPE is one of only four European seal manufacturers capable of producing 2 metre moulded o-rings.

For more information on PPE’s o ring seals products and services, visit http://www.prepol.com/O-Rings.html