Protein and Stainless steel

[Tmoore]

Does anyone know how protein found in meat (pork, beef) would interact with stainless steel. I have found that in an actuator I am working on the pork leaves a film on the stainless steel shaft and it enters the pneumatic cylinder and destroys it. What material could I use that would not let the protein bond with the shaft? Thanks

 

[JOM]

Sounds like a fat deposit, rather than protein. I don't think the meat will "interact" with the stainless ateel in a chemical way.

Physically cleaing the actuator might be your only solution. Or better seals.

John.

Cheers,
John.

 

[25362]

Are you sure it is not a biological attack by the aerobic micro-organisms multiplying in the organic film ?

 

[Tmoore]

I have no way of checking nor do I know anything about these microorganisms...

 

[saxon]

Tmoore, When you say destroys the actuator, what is the exact failure mode? Are the seals and piston rings failing? Is the system just gumming up inside and jamming the unit? What is the motive fluid used and is it clean enough? Are the rod seals compatible with the fat deposits?

One solution may be to add a rod wiper to remove any material built up on the rod before it is pulled into the cylinder.

Hope this helps.
saxon

 

[Tmoore]

saxon,
unfortunately I am not being given enough info to answer your questions, but from what I have heard, the rod wipers have been used and have been unsuccessful. I do not know how or why the cylinder is failing, just that it has something to do with this coating covering the shaft and entering the pneumatic cylinder.
Sorry

 

[azertyuiop]

you can ask your supplier to install an outside clamped bellow over your piston rod , so that the bellow gets dirty instead of your SS piston rod. Your piston rod will have to be lengthened a bit , but that will definitely solve your problem. If the bellows gets too dirty , just replace it by a cleanaed one , and wash thoroughly the dirty one , before recycling it for a new switch cyclus.

It is a common application in wet/powderous environment.