Austria-based Hoerbiger, a global supplier of compressor components, produces reciprocating compressor valve plates (also known as 
valve sealing elements) and wear-resistant rings and packings utilizing KetaSpire polyetheretherketone (PEEK) resin from Solvay Specialty Polymers. These high-performance components are designed for high service temperatures (up to 246°C/475°F) and meet chemical and fatigue resistance requirements in reciprocating compressors for a range of industries including oil and gas, petrochemical, refining, and other industries.
The company uses glass fiber or carbon fiber reinforced KetaSpire PEEK to injection mold compression valve plates while unfilled PEEK material is used in Hoerbiger proprietary formulations to compression mold wear-resistant rings and packings.
KetaSpire PEEK is among thermoplastic-based materials used for valve sealing elements alongside base materials including nylon and polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) and is selected when service temperatures exceed the inherent thermal capabilities of these lower melting polymers. The material also withstands aggressive fluids and corrosive substances without suffering deformation or loss of performance.
www.hoerbiger.com
www.solvay.com
Compressor valve plates made of KetaSpire PEEK (photo: Solvay Specialty Polymers)
