Posted to News on 11th Jan 2016, 11:27
Slots deliver better flow through safety screens than holes
Protecting components in critical fluids-handling applications from the risks of blockages caused by unwanted contaminants is essential in helping to eliminate system failure and downtime. Lee Products is continually developing and enhancing its field-proven range of HI-BAR Safety Screens, which are highly effective in blocking contaminants. As a result of a special testing programme associated with an oil tool application, Lee Products is now able to offer custom-designed safety screens with rectangular slots as an alternative to round holes.
Tests revealed that HI-BAR safety screens with rectangular slots, as opposed to circular holes, provided significantly improved flow control. In the tests, two screens, one with 100u slots and one with 100u circular holes (with both screens having the same open area), were subjected to a flow test while introducing glass beads to simulate contamination. As the screens became clogged with the spherical particles, the results confirmed that the screen with the rectangular slots experienced a 50 per cent less pressure drop compared to the screen with the holes.
Typical applications for this type of safety screen will include oil tool production where the likelihood of spherical particles (eg sand) could potentially lead to traditional types of safety screens clogging more easily than those with rectangular slots. Depending on size and material, they can withstand pressure differentials up to 7500psid, without rupture.
The screens are manufactured in 17-4PH S/S and are available in UNF and metric threaded boss mount versions and flange mount styles with hole sizes ranging from 75 to 500 microns.
Flange mount screens are also available in brass and therefore are suitable in applications where resistance to corrosion and combustion is important, and also in PEEK (PolyEtherEtherKetone) for use in medical, scientific and aerospace applications.
Custom designs are also available for more specific application requirements and the availability of rectangular slots significantly extends the capability of HI-BAR Safety Screens.
Further details about HI-BAR Safety Screens are available from www.leeproducts.co.uk.
