Clear Polymer helps avoid indutrial battery breakdown.
Press Release Summary:
UDEL(R) P-1700 transparent thermoplastic polymer exhibits resistance to moisture absorption, shock, and vibration. Heat deflection temperature is 345 deg F. Transparent, opaque, and glass-fiber reinforced grades of UDEL polysulfone can be used for injection molding into complex parts or extrusion into forms such as rod, film, sheet, profile, and tubing. UDEL polysulfone resin can also be blow-molded.Original Press Release:
UDEL(R) Polysulfone Helps Avoid Industrial Battery Breakdown
Alpharetta, Ga. - A high-performance polymer from Solvay Advanced Polymers, L.L.C., is a key ingredient in Saft's SRM F3 series battery cells, one of several customer application products being displayed in Solvay Advanced Polymers' booth (#6639) at this year's National Manufacturing Week. The event is being held from March 18-21, at McCormick Place, in Chicago, Ill.
Typically used for electrical backup systems in rail transport systems, the industrial-strength nickel-cadmium batteries offer reliable emergency power for onboard lighting, air conditioning, computing systems, and door control functions. UDEL P-1700 from Solvay Advanced Polymers is one of the materials Saft uses to manufacture the cases (called cell "jars") that hold the battery cell components. These cells are then configured into groups, or trays, to comprise the completed battery.
Ted Mavronicolas, railway applications engineering manager of Saft's Industrial Battery Group, in Cockeysville, Md., said that UDEL polysulfone has the kind of properties that translate into longer life, durability, and stability for Saft's SRM F3 series batteries.
"These cells are filled with potassium hydroxide electrolyte fluid and are expected to function without water replenishment for up to two years. UDEL P-1700's resistance to moisture absorption, shock and vibration are key to maintaining long-term battery stability," said Mavronicolas. "And because it's a transparent material, we can see inside the cell jar to determine water levels without having to open the vent cap," he added.
UDEL P-1700 excels in many fluid-handling applications. This durable, rigid, high-strength thermoplastic has a heat deflection temperature of 345°F (174°C), and maintains its properties over a wide temperature range.
In addition to chemical and moisture resistance, UDEL P-1700 has low smoke and toxicity emissions and a high flame resistance, and must meet stringent standards from the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), as well as Boeing, Bombardier, and other manufacturers.
Transparent, opaque, and glass-fiber reinforced grades of UDEL polysulfone can be used for injection molding into complex parts or extrusion into forms such as rod, film, sheet, profile, and tubing. Shapes can be machined for prototype evaluations; film and sheet can be thermoformed on conventional equipment. UDEL polysulfone resin can also be blow-molded.
About Solvay Advanced Polymers
Solvay Advanced Polymers, L.L.C., is a subsidiary of Solvay America, Inc. The company produces high-performance polymers that are used in a wide range of demanding applications in the automotive, aerospace, industrial, foodservice, medical and electronics industries worldwide. Solvay Advanced Polymers was formed when Solvay S.A. combined its PA-MX6 and PPS product lines with a portfolio of materials that had comprised BP Amoco's engineering resins business.
Solvay S.A. is an international pharmaceuticals and chemicals group with headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, employing about 32,000 people in 50 countries. In 2001, its consolidated sales amounted to EUR 8.7 billion generated by its four activity sectors: Pharmaceuticals, Chemicals, Plastics and Processing. Solvay is listed in the Euronext 100 index of top European companies. Details are available at www.solvay.com.
About Saft
Saft, with annual sales of over 700 million Euros, holds a leading position in the worldwide marketplace for self-contained energy solutions. Saft's product range includes portable, industrial and advanced technology batteries. Saft provides standardized and custom-designed battery systems based on a large range of chemistries including Nickel-Cadmium, Nickel-Metal Hydride and Lithium Ion. For additional information, contact Sarah Smart or visit the Saft website at www.saftbatteries.com.
