SMC Teflon Products Training

Session 1 Basic Introduction LQ3 HyperFlare

Introduction to Fluoropolymers used by SMC

Teflon is a registered trademark of the DuPont Corporation. The generic term for Teflon is fluoropolymer. DuPont now has many competitors but they are still the market leader in fluoropolymers. Fluorpolymers unique properties include significant chemical and heat resistance, very low surface friction, and a great ability to withstand corrosion, even in the most challenging environments, where chemical resistance is required. Fluoropolymers are integral to clean environments because of the very low or, in most cases, non-existent presence of metallic and other contamination that can leach into the media. The short list of chemicals that can attack Fluoropolymers and break down the critical bond between Carbon and Fluorine atoms are dissolved alkali metals (such as Sodium in Liquid Ammonia), Chlorine Trifluoride, gaseous Fluorine at elevated temps, and aggressive Fluoro-surfactants.

Introduction to Fluoropolymers used by SMC

SMC uses several of the Fluoropolymer product families in our high purity product line: PTFE: Polytetrafluoroethylene. Daikin M139 resin Excellent resistive properties, solid form => machined Valve diaphragms, manifolds, low qty prototypes High production cost, low surface friction PFA: Perfluoroalkoxy. DuPont 440HP-J, 451HP-J resins Similar properties to PTFE, injection molded/extruded Valve/fitting bodies, PFA tubing. PVDF: Polyvinylidene Fluoride: Kynar resin Slightly lower resistive properties to specific chemicals Valve bonnets/actuator housings. High strength. FEP: Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene: DuPont 135HP-J resin Slightly lower resin grade, injection molded/extruded FEP tubing, special jacketing material on electrical cables

Introduction to Fluoropolymers used by SMC

Fluoropolymer components have a wide range of industry uses: Semiconductor processing Medical applications Chemical manufacturing Food processing (FDA compliance proof required) Textile processing, industrial cleaning operations Wastewater treatment Solar cell fabrication Flat panel fabrication Hydrogen fuel cell production Large capacity battery production And more Primary US/European competition for fluoropolymer components: Entegris, Saint Gobain, Parker, Swagelok, Gemu Primary Japanese competition for fluoropolymer components: CKD, Advance, Surpass, Koganei, Asahi, Tokyo Kieso

HyperFlare Series LQ3

HyperFlare Series LQ3

HyperFlare Series LQ3

PFA Nut PFA Fitting body

PFA Tubing

HyperFlare Series LQ3

No fine threads are used with the LQ3 design. The use of ACME threads that are trapezoidal in shape ensure no cross-threading and aid in attaining the superior high temperature (200C), vibrational, and pressure pulsation application performance.

HyperFlare Series LQ3

Unique collet (gripper) design produces a robust connection, yielding superior performance for pressure, temperature, side load, and tensile load. 3rd party test data available.

The PFA nut is tapered on the ID and will apply a holding force on the collets when tightened.

HyperFlare Series LQ3

PFA nut can not be over-torqued due to physical stop as part of the fitting body. This ensures the primary sealing point is not damaged when tightening.

Radius at end of pipe nipple creates a swept flow path that allows for quick cleanup and fewer particulates that can accumulate at this Location more easily with the std flare design. When the nut is engaged with the fitting body stop, a lateral force is exerted on the ACME threads. This force applies a side load on the threads and aids in preventing the nut from loosening from temp and pressure variations.

HyperFlare Series LQ3

3rd boss detent ensures tube stability. Creates Secondary seal. Boss detents (2) prevent cold flow movement of PFA tubing by gripping the tube when the nut is engaged. Creates primary Seal.

Tube strain relief design used for all sizes of PFA nuts. Allows for side load of tubing without compromising the sealing point of the flare.

HyperFlare Series LQ3

Real time cross-section photos of LQ3 vs. Flowell, a Japanese version of the std flare fitting design. Notice the deformation of the flare on the Flowell fitting as a result of no support and prevention of cold flow.

Flare depth for sizes is the same as standard flare fitting design. Larger sizes, 1, 1-1/4, and 1-1/2 are a deeper flare design for the LQ3. This ensures the leak-free protection on the larger OD tube connections. Use SMC flare tools to prevent improper flares for these sizes.

HyperFlare Series LQ3

HyperFlare Series LQ3

No outer tube support results in poor side load capability and no protection to cold flow, both of which allow for leaks to occur.

The use of fine threads increases the risk of cross-threading which will compromise the force applied to the sealing surface, allowing leaks to occur.

The sharp edge of the male fitting nipple creates an entrapment area for particulate and is not easily flushed out.

The proper torque required for the std flare design requires the user to measure the gap between the nut and body this is not practical and is too subjective to over-torqueing that can damage the primary seal surface. Under torqueing can result in not enough force applied to the sealing surface, allowing leaks to occur.

HyperFlare Series LQ3

The std flare does not contain many of the newer chemicals used. This is a CuSO4 application where leakage is observed on a pump outlet, into a pulse dampener. Using the LQ3 will save the user $$ and time by preventing these leaks!

HyperFlare Series LQ3

Flare Tools

HyperFlare Series LQ3

Flare Tools

HyperFlare Series LQ3

Flare tool designed for the 1/8 and LQ3 fitting sizes. Uses a cold flare process that forces a flare pin into the ID of the tubing that is held in place be a tubing holder. SMC is the ONLY manufacturer that can provide an 1/8 flare fitting connection. It is much more reliable than the compression style fitting, with no risk of losing the small compression ring.

HyperFlare Series LQ3

LQ3 PFA nut spanner wrenches assist the user in ensuring the nut engages with the fitting body stop. Typically used on the larger OD tube fittings.