Hoerbiger Corporation, the world's largest independent compressor valve manufacturer, has worked with US-headquartered RTP Company and employed RTP 2200 Series low flow, carbon fiber reinforced PEEK compound in their valve sealing elements, or valve plates. Valve plates are used in a wide range of compressor applications across different gas compositions and operating temperatures, acting as seals between different pressure zones within the compressor. They open when differential pressures between zones are reached and allow gases to flow from high to low pressure regions during the compression cycle.
Valve plate materials should ideally exhibit high degree of physical strength and maintain high impact and cyclic fatigue resistance. The PEEK compound was reportedly employed due to its high flexural modulus due to incorporation of carbon fiber into the resin matrix during compounding. Further, compared to other valve plate materials, it enhanced the lifespan of sealing elements in the valve, thereby resulting in overall reliability and high temperature performance. The reliability of compressor reliability is essential as the failure of a commercial compressor results in unprecedented shut downs and thereby downtime losses.
29-Nov-08 
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