Waukesha Cherry-Burrell Products: Live Loaded NutA FITTING
SOLUTION Problem: Teflon
(PTFE) Gaskets in "S" clamp fittings need constant
tightening. Teflon (PTFE) gaskets are widely used in systems running materials that affect EPDM, Viton, and Nitrile. Examples are: fragrances, solvents, and pigments. These are common in chemical, pharmaceutical, and health and beauty industries. Teflon (PTFE)is chemically inert and so preferred in many applications. However, it does not have a "memory". When a connection using a Teflon (PTFE) gasket is heated up and then cooled, it will leak. The metal expands when it is heated, which compresses the gasket. When the system is cooled, the metal contracts, but the Teflon (PTFE) does not return to its original size (no memory) and the connection leaks. The "LIVE LOADED" nut fits on standard S-Line clamps (5/16" - 18 thread). This nut consists of a two-piece outer housing, which contains a quantity of specially constructed springs. When the nut is tightened to 50 inch pounds on the clamp, the springs in the nut are compressed. As the product line is heated and cooled, the spring pressure maintains a constant force on the clamp to keep the gasket sealed between the two ferrules. The "LIVE LOADED" nut can be purchased as a separate item to retrofit existing clamps. |
