Victrex® Peek™ Polymer Helps Sensor Meet Demanding Hygienic Requirements

Greenville, SC - When Endress+Hauser was developing its new Indumax HCLS54 conductivity sensor, it chose VICTREX® PEEK™ polymer for the housing because of the material's ability to meet the extreme demands of the food industry. The sensor is used for inductive conductivity measurement of liquids in the food and beverage industry as well as the chemical industry.

According to Andrew Ragan, Product Manager, Victrex USA, Inc., "The outstanding chemical resistance of VICTREX® PEEK™ polymer to all common solvents, acids and bases ensures that the sensor can be used in direct contact with aggressive media. And, because VICTREX® PEEK™ polymer conforms with FDA requirements for repeated food contact, it is safe to use in the food and beverage industry." The sensor's VICTREX® PEEK™ polymer housing is completely free of all joints and gaps for optimum hygiene. "Its high surface quality ensures easy cleaning and prevents the deposition of particles, or contamination of liquids," says Ragan. "Because VICTREX® PEEK™ polymer has a continuous use temperature of 260°C (500°F), the sensor can be sterilized for more than 60 minutes at 150°C (302°F) and 5 bar without any degradation."

The Indumax H CLS54 sensor operates in continuous use temperatures ranging from -10°C (14°F) to +125°C (257°F). "The polymer's excellent mechanical properties and low creep give the sensor a compressive strength of 12 bar at both room temperature and temperatures exceeding the given steam pressure," explains Ragan. The sensor can also be used in vacuum applications.

The ability to injection mold the sensor housing has automated the production process of the Indumax H CLS54. By encapsulating the sensor in VICTREX® PEEK™ polymer the need for seals was eliminated. This significantly extends the service life of the sensor, claim the Victrex sources.

For more information on the properties and performance advantages of VICTREX® PEEK™ polymer, you can call (800) VICTREX or visit the Victrex website at www.victrex.com.

SOURCE: Endress+Hauser