Have you considered a new solution? PEEK™ Springs for the chemical processing industry

When’s the last time you looked for an innovative alternative to the springs you currently use?  Because there are some. 

As well as canted coil being a valid alternative to the traditional compression spring, there’s also a material that you may never have considered for your springs. 

Innovative, and still reliable, PEEK seal energising springs were first created 20 years ago by Clifford Springs.  They were developed specifically in response to a customer problem, where a metal anti extrusion spring was damaging the housing leading to reduced effectiveness, a shortened lifespan and increased replacement costs. 

Clifford Springs looked at a variety of options, but ultimately determined that a less abrasive material was needed if damage was to be prevented.  The Innovation team proposed a plastic spring as an alternative to the metal one.  Despite initial scepticism, the company’s relentless research and development efforts resulted in the successful creation of a PEEK spring that met and exceeded the client’s expectations. 

That PEEK spring extended the product’s lifespan, and is a viable solution within the chemical processing industry for a number of reasons: 

Excellent Chemical Resistance:  Its exceptional resistance to a wide range of chemicals makes PEEK the perfect material for seals in valves handling aggressive fluids or chemicals in the chemical processing industry. 

High Temperature Performance:  Although PEEK springs may lose some mechanical properties at high temperatures, they still offer reliable performance in a variety of temperature conditions.  This makes them a versatile option for applications with diverse temperature requirements. 

Low Friction Coefficient:  PEEK’s ability to operate smoothly, without generating excessive wear or heat, leads to reduced valve seal maintenance and replacement costs, providing opportunities for cost savings. 

Good Wear Resistance: PEEK is a tough and durable material that can resist wear and tear over long periods of use, even in high stress applications. 

Non-metallic/non-magnetic/non- conductive – PEEK is an ideal solution if any of these characteristics are needed in the component within the seal mechanism.   

By embracing PEEK springs as an alternative solution, manufacturers can differentiate themselves from competitors whilst offering unique and valuable benefits to their clients in the chemical processing industry.

To further enhance the proposition, Clifford Springs has the expertise and capabilities to customise PEEK springs to suit individual client requirements.  This tailored approach ensures optimal performance and compatibility with various applications, giving manufacturers another competitive edge.

For more information about PEEK springs, and to understand whether they’re an appropriate option for your business, contact John Clifford or Graham Fowler at Clifford Springs today:  john.clifford@cliffordsprings.co.uk / graham.fowler@cliffordsprings.co.uk.

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