Adjustable Pipe Bracket and Clamping System Use TPE Compound to Help Arrest Noise


WINONA, MINNESOTA, USA -- (August 26, 2008) -- When Sioux Chief Manufacturing wanted to develop a series of universal pipe clamps with noise absorbing blocks to reduce noise transfer caused by loose pipes, it chose a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) from specialty compounder RTP Company for a bridge insert that fits over a nylon plastic base. The "Touchdown" clamps are an integral component of the company's Power Bar Universal Slider Bracketing system.

Sioux Chief is the first company in the plumbing industry to integrate a metal telescoping bracket with a slideable plastic clamp. According to Carol Flanagan, Product Group Director - Support, "The clamp reduces noise transferred in the pipe by holding the pipe away from the building structure. It also isolates the pipe from the metal bracket, eliminating any possibility of galvanic corrosion that occurs when two dissimilar metals are in contact."

"Both the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPAC) and International Plumbing Code (IPC) require pipes to be securely fastened to the supporting structure in various increments, depending on pipe or tube diameter," said Flanagan. "The TPE inserts fit into the bridge and base of the Touchdown clamp. Because they are softer than the adjoining nylon material they provide a higher degree of protection against noise transfer." Touchdown clamps can be used in any type of construction where pipes, tubes, cables or wires are installed.

RTP Company engineers recommended an RTP 2700 Series styrenic-based TPE for the clamp's insert. The compound offers elasticity comparable to rubber, a Shore A hardness of 70 and meets strength and compression set requirements when installed around a pipe. "Once the clamp was installed," explained Flanagan, "we needed to insure the material held the pipe tightly and did not relax through a broad range of temperatures."

"Other considerations were overall material costs, the material's behavior when shot through our hot runner manifold system, and the material's compatibility with CPVC tubing," added Flanagan. "We are always looking for ways to consolidate materials and vendors in order to achieve product integrity as well as overall savings."

For more information call (800) 433-4787 or (507) 454-6900, or visit our website at www.rtpcompany.com.

About RTP Company
RTP Company, headquartered in Winona, Minnesota, is a global leader in specialty thermoplastic compounding. The company has eight manufacturing plants on three continents, plus sales representatives throughout North America, Europe, and Asia/Pacific. RTP Company's engineers develop custom compounds in over 60 different engineering resin systems for applications requiring color, conductive, elastomeric, flame retardant, high temperature, shielding, structural, and wear resistant properties.

Contact: Kris Jommersbach
Gemini Communications
PH: 610-935-1633
Email: krisj@geminiinc.com

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