Maybe a cure-all, at least if you must use expansion joints, is to use PTFE and not rubber. It will give you better chemical resistance, no aging problems, and are available with protective T-bands to protect the PTFE bellows from exterior impacts.
You are mistaken about the low temperature capabilities of PTFE (Teflon) hose. It is much more flexible than any metal down to -300 F. We can provide a 6" convoluted PTFE hose that will be more flexible and lighter than what you're used to, but not 8".
We compression mold thick wall, greater than 1-1/2" THK, thermoset composites and agree with compositepro. The key to consistent quality is a slow repeatable cure. Compression molding does allow for more intricate geometries and better 3-dimensional physical properties than oriented processes...
It is critical to separate PSZ, or partially stabilized zirconia, from alumina regarding thermal/mechanical shock resistance. It will be a significant improvement. There are various grades of ceramic tailored for application as there are various grades of metals. We make a fully lined PSZ valve...
You're missing some info..
What flexure (sag) is allowed along the 1M of unsupported span ?
What is the shape of the item ?
Do you want a more conductive or more resistive material ?
brittle failure of the ceramic lining can be due to the mechanical and/or thermal shock resistance of the ceramic lining. Alumina will readily fail, whereas partially stabilized zirconia will exhibit some ductility with little loss of abrasion resistance.
You will certainly shorten the expected life of a flexible hose if it will be expected to contract/expand axially. If you design the hose as a loop, so that axial movement opens/closes the loop, you can expect much better life.
expansion joints are preferred for SLIGHT lateral, axial, and angular motions or vibration isolation. Hoses can do the same except with not allowable axial movements. At 230 F, you may want PTFE over the elastomers.
Can anyone recommend a seminar for a complete newbie in the field of composites that offers a broad spectrum of introductions from materials to processes to applications ? And, most importantly, a seminar which is not intended to sell someones products or services.
If a fire breaks out around Teflon lined valves, very corrosive and worker-unfriendly fumes will emit and the lined face which is sealing against the gasket will go away. Worrying about the gasket is a waste of time. You either get corrosion resistance with a valve that will disintegrate in a...
