Archive for the ‘Wind Energy’ Category


Windpower Engineering highlights “The big impacts of small components”

General, Markets, Renewable Energy, Specialty Sealing Products, Wind Energy,

No component should be overlooked in the quest to increase energy captured by wind turbines. For example, if the seal for a blade pitch bearing—which many consider a commodity—is unreliable, designed improperly, or made with poor material, it will leak grease and eventually prevent the blades from pitching. The whole turbine will under-perform. Hence, small components can have a big impact when not properly designed or tested.

Read more on what Simrit has to say on ”The big impacts of small components” in the latest issue of Windpower Engineering.

Simrit’s Sealing Solutions for Wind featured in the October issue of Wind Systems magazine

General, Markets, Renewable Energy, Specialty Sealing Products, Wind Energy,

Check out this month’s Wind Systems for an in-depth article on Sealing Solutions for Wind.

For more information, visit the Renewable Energy section of our website or view Simrit’s Industry Solutions for Wind Turbines brochure.

Simrit Debuts Expanded Portfolio of Ventoguard™ NBR Materials at WINDPOWER 2011

General, Markets, Renewable Energy, Wind Energy,

To meet the extreme demands of the evolving windpower industry, Simrit will debut its expanded line of nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) sealing materials during the WINDPOWER 2011 show in Anaheim, Calif. from May 22 to 25 (booth #1529). Simrit’s two new NBR developments are part of its Ventoguard™ line of materials specifically designed to offer superior grease and ozone resistance, low compression set and low-temperature capability.

 “The windpower industry is growing and evolving at a rapid pace,” said Reddy Tudi, sales director, renewable energy, Simrit. “To meet the unique needs of this developing industry, Simrit engineers are continually driving the development of materials and seals that will extend the performance of windpower applications.”

 Ventoguard 453 and Ventoguard 454 are the next-generation of Simrit’s well-established line of proven NBR materials. Primarily used in slewing bearing profile seals in wind turbines, both materials were developed for long-term reliability and superior resistance to environmental and chemical concerns.

Additionally, each material was designed to address a specific windpower-related challenge with the ultimate goal of helping prolong the maintenance cycle of the sealing application. Ventoguard 453 is a premium material that offers excellent cold flexibility, very good compression set and demonstrates superior aging in several greases, including Kluber, Fuchs and Mobil. Simrit’s Ventoguard 454, also a new premium material, provides superior compression set and is optimized for use in Shell Rhodina BBZ greases.

For additional information or to speak with a Simrit expert about the company’s NBR material innovations, stop by the Simrit booth (#1529) during WINDPOWER 2011 held at the Anaheim Convention Center in California from May 22 to 25 or visit www.simrit.com.

Simrit is part of the group Freudenberg-NOK Sealing Technologies, which has total annual sales of more than $7 billion. The global Freudenberg and NOK companies offer an extensive portfolio of precision-manufactured products for the aerospace, agriculture, appliance, construction, energy, fluid power, mechanical power generation, mechanical power transmission and recreational markets. For more information, visit the Simrit website at www.simrit.com.

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 Editor’s Note: For a high-res image of Simrit’s NBR material innovations, please contact Adriana Ferrari at 248-269-1122 or aferrari@bianchipr.com.

Simrit Introduces Self-fusing Silicone Sinusoidal Tape; Expands Existing Product Line

Aerospace, General, Markets, Renewable Energy, Solar, Specialty Sealing Products, Wind Energy,

PLYMOUTH, Mich., July 19, 2010 – Simrit, the industrial products division of Freudenberg-NOK, recently expanded its Self-fusing Silicone Tape line to include sinusoidal fiberglass reinforced tape. The company’s latest offering incorporates fiberglass strands into the tape to better control the amount of stretch for consistent thickness and dielectrics, while providing improved tear and abrasion resistance.

Compliant to numerous aerospace specifications, the line’s most common uses include supporting / sealing hot and cold air ducting, wire harness wrapping and wire bundling. The Self-fusing Silicone Tape meets the following: A-A 59163, Type I & II; MIL-I-22444C; DMS 2186 Type I & II; P.S. 17115; ASNA 5107; RMS 315; HS5215; P5384 Type II.

Simrit’s line of Self-fusing Silicone Tape is produced out of specially formulated silicone which only bonds to itself without an adhesive, allowing for clean installation and re-entry. Once contact is made, fusion begins in seconds with 100 percent cohesion complete within 24 hours (at room temperature). The fused tape then becomes an impermeable barrier against contaminating fluid and environmental ingress while providing excellent dielectric protection (in excess of 400V per 0.001” in thickness).  When servicing is required, the tape can be removed easily as there is no adhesive left on the substrate. This saves time and reduces the chance of damage to any of the underlying components.

Simrit’s Self-fusing Silicone Tape line, which also includes homogeneous rectangular,  triangular guideline and non-stretch formats, is ideal as an insulating material for applications requiring additional protection from environmental concerns (Ultraviolet light, ozone, fungus, salt water), chaffing, high- and low-temperatures (-55°C to 260°C), flame and fire. The entire tape line also protects against fluid splash and is compliant to Fluid Susceptibility to RTCA / DO-160F, Section 11. 

The tape is produced from specially formulated silicone rubber optimizing its long operating life, superior resistance to thermal degradation, moisture, chemical attack (fuel, oil, coolant, acids, etc.) and mechanical abuse. Simrit also offers a special fluorosilicone self-fusing tape for applications that encounter prolonged contact with fuels and harsh chemicals.

Aerospace has demanding requirements for flammability and fire. Simrit has developed a Flame Retardant tape that is compliant to FAR 25.853, 25.855 and most recently a tape that can be used to achieve Fire Resistance and Fire Proof to AC20-135 / ISO 2685 (2000F for 5/15 mins resp.) “As applications and environments become more demanding, it is critical that Simrit works to address these changes with proven materials and products that fit our customers’ needs,” said Todd Blair, product development manager. “When we saw the need for an advanced self-fusing silicone tape that could meet even greater requirements such as improved tear and abrasion resistance, or greater fire protection, we applied our proven materials technology to develop these new products.”

The Simrit Division is based at Freudenberg-NOK’s headquarters in Plymouth, Mich. Freudenberg-NOK is part of the Freudenberg and NOK Group Companies, which have total annual sales of more than $7 billion. The global Freudenberg and NOK Group offers an extensive portfolio of precision-molded products for the aerospace, appliance, automotive, marine, medical, off-highway equipment, recreational vehicle and renewable energy markets. For more information, visit the Simrit website at www.simrit.com.

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Editor’s Note:             For high-res images of Simrit’s Self-Fusing Silicone Tape line, including its latest sinusoidal fiberglass reinforced tape, please contact Adriana Ferrari at 248-269-1122 or aferrari@bianchipr.com. 

Simrit and Klüber Lubrication to Debut Lube&Seal Sealing System at WINDPOWER 2010

O-Rings, Radial Shaft Seals, Renewable Energy, Specialty Sealing Products, Wind Energy, ,

Innovative collaboration results in precise, reliable sealing system and complementing lubricants for use in wind turbines

 DALLAS, May 17, 2010 – Wind turbines, and all of the components within each machine, must be built to withstand a wide range of harsh environmental elements. Even the smallest part, if poorly manufactured, can cause big problems. That’s why Simrit and Klüber Lubrication North America L.P., two specialists within the Freudenberg Group, have combined their expertise to offer the Lube&Seal package, which provides the windpower industry the optimal combination of lubricants and seals.

 The Lube&Seal sealing solution combines Simrit’s expertise in sealing technology and vibration control with Klüber’s unparalleled knowledge in lubricants. This collaboration integrates sealing lip systems and lubricants into a more reliable tribological system for wind turbine gears.

 “We are excited about our partnership with Klüber as it allows us to design, develop and manufacture a complete sealing system using the best possible materials and lubricants,” said Dave Monaco, president, Simrit. “As a result, we can provide our customers with an all-in-one solution of the highest quality and durability, which is critically important in the windpower industry.”

 As an integrated system, the Lube&Seal helps minimize breakdowns in wind turbines due to leaks, while simultaneously preventing wear and reducing damage that can be caused by thermal instability and other environmental elements of particular concern to wind turbine manufacturers, such as the ozone, salty air and mineral oils.

 “Repairs on wind turbines can be costly, difficult and dangerous,” said Jesse Dilk, industry group manager – wind, Klüber Lubrication North America L.P. “Therefore, it is vital to use high-quality components at every opportunity. Bearings, seals and lubricants are essential design elements when analyzing mechanical systems. Optimization of these elements leads to a more efficient, reliable machine design.”
 
 A Lube&Seal package undergoes extensive testing and certification procedures to ensure chemical compatibility, low friction, temperature resistance, corrosion protection, contamination reduction and extended service life. This collaborative technology offered by Klüber and Simrit contributes to the overall quality and performance of wind turbines by reducing wear and deterioration of key mechanical components.

 Simrit and Klüber will debut their products and services at WINDPOWER 2010, which takes place from May 23 to 26 in Dallas.  Please visit the companies’ booth (9648) at the Dallas Convention Center to gather additional information and speak to representatives about potential cost savings, increased warranty protection, extended service life and reduced failure rates of the Lube&Seal solution.

 The Simrit Division is based at Freudenberg-NOK’s headquarters in Plymouth, Mich. Freudenberg-NOK is part of the Freudenberg and NOK Group Companies, which have total annual sales of more than $7 billion. The global Freudenberg and NOK Group offers an extensive portfolio of precision-molded products for the aerospace, appliance, automotive, marine, medical, off-highway equipment, recreational vehicle and semiconductor markets. For more information, visit the Simrit website at www.simrit.com.
  
Klüber Lubrication, a worldwide manufacturer of specialty lubricants, has long been on the cutting edge of lubricant technology. For more than 80 years, we have been committed to providing tribological solutions for our customers, by manufacturing and supplying specialty lubricants for extreme applications. Our lubricants succeed where conventional lubricants fail. Our philosophy of product innovation demands that we work cooperatively with our customers and has earned us the reputation of reliable partner and solution provider. With representation around the globe, and a product portfolio of more than 2,000 standard lubricants, Klüber’s products and services are available wherever and whenever they are needed. Lubrication is our World! For more information, visit www.klubersolutions.com/wind.  

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Editor’s Note:  For an image of the Lube&Seal solution or a copy of an informational brochure, please contact Adriana Ferrari at 248-269-1122 or aferrari@bianchipr.com.

“Engineered Seals Withstand Extreme Conditions,” as featured in Machine Design

Aerospace, Agriculture / Construction, Diaphragms, Fluid Power, General, Markets, O-Rings, Radial Shaft Seals, Recreation, Renewable Energy, Semiconductor, Solar, Specialty Sealing Products, Wind Energy, ,

Click here to view the article on Simrit’s sealing solutions for extreme conditions that Machine Design recently featured on their website and in their printed magazine. 

Quote taken from the article:

Key points:
• Aerospace applications may call for seals that are fireproof, resist fluids, and work over a large temperature range.

• Viscoelastic properties help elastomeric seals work in subfreezing temperatures.

• Semiconductor and alternative energy applications require low-maintenance seals that resist chemicals and weather.