30 Jul 2001
PEEK polymer bushings significantly reduce BP downtime
BP's hydrocarbon processing plant in Grangemouth, Scotland has accomplished a major reduction in downtime by replacing the PTFE-bronze bushings on two of its reactor pumps with bushings manufactured with VICTREX® PEEK™ polymer.
BP turned to plastics specialist 3P when they discovered that the PTFE-bronze bushings on their reactor pumps were wearing out in six months. Working with the pump manufacturers, 3P recommended replacing the bushings with ones made with PEEK™ polymer, a non-brittle carbon fibre-reinforced composite which 3P markets under the trade name Xytrex. The result has been a major reduction in downtime.
According to BP mechanical engineer David Dickson, "Once we were sure that there was no risk of the composite contaminating our sensitive polyethylene production process, we installed the PEEK™ polymer bushing on one of the pumps. It has been running now for over 12 months." After six months, BP engineers opened up the pump to check the bushing. As there was no evidence of wear, BP installed a similar bushing on the second pump which has been running for over seven months.
Bushings made with PEEK™ polymer are non-galling and non-seizing in contact with metal and can operate at a continuous temperature of up to 177°C. PEEK™ polymer offers inherently high friction and wear resistance. Its self-lubricating properties combined with high temperature capability make it an ideal choice for replacing metal wear components in pumps. Furthermore, as it expands less than stainless steel at high temperatures, it enables sealing rings to be machined to closer clearances. This increases pump efficiency through reduced re-circulation.
PEEK™ polymer is a harder material than the PTFE-bronze used on the original BP bushings. This provides components with an extended life expectancy through improved wear resistance. Kevin Jennings, General Manager Victrex USA explains: "A shaft running on a bushing causes high pressure which can actually wear away the bushing. Using a hard material such as PEEK™ polymer to resist the pressure means that the bushing will not wear out as fast. This is especially important in the hydrocarbon processing industry where reducing the downtime is critical."
Reader enquiries
Helen SwarbrickVictrex plc
Victrex Technology Centre
Hillhouse International
Thornton Cleveleys
Lancashire FY5 4QD
United Kingdom
Tel +44 1253 897700
Fax +44 1253 897701
United Kingdom
Notes for editors
Victrex plc, which has its sales, technical and production headquarters at Thornton Cleveleys in Lancashire, UK, had a turnover of more than £58m in the last financial year. The company exports 98 percent of its VICTREX® PEEK™ polymer output to OEMs in the automotive, industrial, medical, food and electronics market sectors in Europe, North America and Asia Pacific.
Information on products, technical support services and sales and distribution contacts worldwide, can be accessed through the company’s web site: www.victrex.com
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The PEEK™ Trademark
For many years Victrex plc has been using the PEEK™ trademark to refer to its brand of Polyaryletherketone. Victrex plc is the sole manufacturer and supplier of the PEEK™ brand polymer world-wide. PEEK™ is a trademark of Victrex plc.