LinkTech to Unveil New High-Flow Coupling Made of Solvay's Udel® PSU for Healthcare Industry
New 60PS Series of High-Flow Couplings Feature Udel® PSU for Strength and High Heat Resistance
NEW YORK, N.Y. – LinkTech Couplings, a leading global supplier of quick couplings and valves with headquarters in Ventura, Calif., will launch in July the new 60PS series of high-flow couplings made of Udel® polysulfone (PSU) resin from Solvay Specialty Polymers for healthcare and industrial applications. The 3/8-in (0.95 cm) diam. high-flow couplings are more durable and provide greater high temperature stability (up to 280°F/138°C) compared to competing thermoplastics like polypropylene (PP). Solvay made the announcement at the Medical Design Manufacturing (MD&M) East 2014 Exhibition June 10-12 in New York City.
The 60PS series features a new and improved panel mount design with a larger and more robust and reliable thumb-latch which makes the coupling more durable and easier and faster to use. The new coupling is also a replacement for brass in pressurized hot water applications thanks to Udel® PSU’s compressive strength, high-temperature resistance, and autoclavability.
LinkTech Couplings has a successful track record with Solvay’s line of sulfone polymers including Radel® polyphenylsulfone (PPSU) for a range of quick coupling products. Radel® PPSU has been used in couplings for sterilization units due to its strong chemical resistance. ”Polysulfones are strong and easy to mold, making them highly suitable for these demanding applications,” said Hector Cordero, design engineer for LinkTech Couplings.
The multi-component injection molded coupling - available in valved and non-valved configurations – are typically 2-in (5 cm) long, 1-in (2.5 cm) wide, and 1.25-in (3.1 cm) high, according to Cordero. They are available in up to 60 styles and can interconnect with all other 60 series LinkTech couplings as well as competitive high-flow couplings.
In healthcare, the 60PS high-flow couplings are used in repeated use and single-use applications in biopharma devices, surgical equipment, patient monitoring devices, and pressure therapy equipment.
Udel® PSU excels in many fluid handling applications and has successfully replaced brass in pressurized hot water applications for over 20 years. It exhibits low creep under a sustained load at elevated temperatures and can withstand continuous exposure to hot chlorinated water. It also features a heat distortion temperature (HDT) of 174°C (345°F) and is compliant with ISO 10993-1 for limited exposure, non-implantable applications.
Solvay Specialty Polymers is the global leader in the development of sulfone polymer technology, launching Udel® PSU nearly 45 years ago. In addition, Solvay’s experience as a key materials supplier in the healthcare field spans more than 25 years. The company is a leading manufacturer of high-performance plastics, offering a broad range of materials for healthcare instruments and medical devices. More recently, Solvay has successfully introduced its line of Solviva® Biomaterials and offers them for use in a range of implantable devices.
About LinkTech Couplings
Headquartered in Ventura, Calif., LinkTech Couplings is a global supplier of quick couplings and valves. The company manufactures high-quality, easy-to-use quick couplings, valves, and fittings. LinkTech’s product range is well suited for use in durable and disposable medical equipment, analytical devices, food and beverage, and industrial applications. For more information, call (805) 339-0055 or visit www.linktechcouplings.com.
About Solvay Specialty Polymers
Solvay Specialty Polymers is a leading global supplier of high-performance thermoplastics for permanent and prolonged exposure implants and limited exposure devices. The company has expanded its focus on the healthcare industry to meet the growing needs of its global customers by providing global technical and regulatory support. Solvay is building on its 25-year history as a key material supplier in the healthcare field, devoting considerable new resources to help customers be more efficient and cut costs. Metal-to-plastic replacement remains a key focus for manufacturers, but increased cost pressures pose a new challenge as the market continues to grow at a double-digit pace. Solvay also continues to devote considerable research and development activities to polymer technology and commercialization of new and unique material options for medical OEMs and processors.
Solvay Specialty Polymers manufactures over 1500 products across 35 brands of high-performance polymers – fluoropolymers, fluoroelastomers, fluorinated fluids, semi-aromatic polyamides, sulfone polymers, aromatic ultra polymers, high-barrier polymers and cross-linked high-performance compounds - for use in Aerospace, Alternative Energy, Automotive, Healthcare, Membranes, Oil & Gas, Packaging, Plumbing, Semiconductors, Wire and Cable, and other industries. Learn more at www.SolvaySpecialtyPolymers.com.
Solvay (www.solvay.com) is an international chemical Group committed to sustainable development with a clear focus on innovation and operational excellence. It is realizing over 90% of its sales in markets where it is among the top 3 global leaders. Solvay offers a broad range of products that contribute to improving quality of life and the performance of its customers in markets such as consumer goods, construction, automotive, energy, water and environment, and electronics. The Group is headquartered in Brussels and its companies, which employ about 29,400 people in 56 countries, generated EUR 9.9 billion in net sales in 2013 (pro forma). Solvay SA is listed as SOLB on NYSE Euronext (www.euronext.com)Â in Brussels and Paris. Bloomberg (www.bloomberg.com) = SOLB:BB and Reuters (www.reuters.com) = SOLB.BR.
Press Contact:
Joseph Grande
Media Relations
413.684.2463
