The Influence of a Gas Atmosphere and Its Moisture on Sliding Wear in PTFE Compositions

Abstract

PTFE materials with various types of filler are required to operate in nonlubricated piston compressors for increasingly long periods. This is not merely a matter of the material used but also of careful design calculation. In order to be able to meet certain frequently encountered requirements various filled PTFE compositions were tested in a wear lest rig and the effects of the gas and its moisture on the wear characteristics have been worked out. A different effect of the gases was sometimes stated on the wear factor of the PTFE compositions formed with different fillers so that specific application might be recognized. Finally the success is shown with results from some field compressors which were also equipped with piston rings totally pressure balanced in a new efficient method running for almost two years without ever having to replace a set of rings.