DOMO Chemicals has expanded its THERMEC range of enhanced polymers, with the introduction of a new solution for the replacement of sintered carbon in submersible pump thrust bearings applications.
THERMEC S is a glass and mineral filled, lubricated polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) based material that offers outstanding abrasion and wear resistance properties to improve tool life, says DOMO Chemicals.
Sintered carbon thrust bearings are suitable non-metal products for submersible pumps, due to their good wear performance at elevated temperatures, and cost performance ratio. However, the drawback of this material is its brittleness, which means that parts containing it are often fragile. The processing of these solutions is also not easy, which can mean longer dwell times, cooling temperatures, and resultantly low productivity.
DOMO’s THERMEC S is designed to replace sintered carbons in submersible pumps that are exposed to continuous application temperatures of up to 200°C. Combining PPS, glass, mineral fillers and lubricating additives, results in a synergistic effect that brings excellent abrasion resistance. This delivers a final product with higher mechanical properties than sintered carbon samples.
Due to its excellent processability, THERMEC S is suitable for both injection moulding and extrusion applications.
“Sintered carbon thrust bearings have a long tradition of use within submersible pumps, but there is a risk of easy breakage during handling,” says Tushar Parida, Country manager India at DOMO.
“THERMEC S overcomes these issues by delivering on high compressive strength and temperature resistance, while also offering excellent mechanical performance, and low creep. It’s an excellent addition to the THERMEC™ portfolio.”