Sand and other abrasives are often a challenge for pump users in the power industry. Clearances on line shaft bearings and bowl wear rings open up, increasing pump vibrations and reducing pump efficiency. Greene, Tweed’s proprietary AR® thermoplastic materials exhibit outstanding wear characteristics in media containing solids.
AR1 offers excellent abrasive resistance as well as chemical resistance approaching that of PTFE. AR1 is rated from ambient to 120°F
(50°C). AR1 is easy to machine, and clearance requirements are easily determined. AR1 works well in a variety of pumps in the power industry including those working with circulating water, open and closed cooling water and river water as well as screen wash pumps. AR materials have performance characteristics that exceed traditional technologies such as cutlass rubber, bronze and carbon materials.
For applications outside the suggested temperature range please contact GT engineering for further design assistance.
Greene, Tweed manufactures AR1 machined components world-wide at our own QRCs (Quick Response Centers), dedicated machine centers, making them readily available in short-lead times. Greene, Tweed’s on-site manufacturing capabilities allow us to produce simple or complex parts to our customers’ specifications. Billet sizes range from diameters of 1 in. to 30 in. (2.54 cm to 76.2 cm) with lengths up to 9 in. (22.86 cm) (depending on diameter and wall thickness).
The chart shows percent weight change (loss) per hour of Greene, Tweed’s AR materials compared to traditional materials.
Note: Bearings made from each of the materials (size: 2 in. x 1.5 in. x 1.5 in./ 5.08 cm x 3.81 cm x 3.81 cm) were tested at 900 rpm under 25 psi (0.172 MPa). The run time of the test was eight hours. The test was conducted on 300 series SS shaft, in 95 percent water and 5 percent silica sand. All materials were tested at 70°F (22°C). Additionally, ARHT was tested at 250°F (121°C) in ethylene glycol.