Non-Breathable BFM fitting Options
With so many BFM fitting sleeve materials available, it’s hard to always know which the appropriate material for your processing installation is. We’ve found that once many of our customers select their initial installation material, they’re not always aware of the other options that may work better or that could also be utilized somewhere else in the facility.
This month, we’re pulling together all of the non-breathable BFM fitting materials available. The list below outlines the material, common uses and installations, and key features that may be helpful in selecting the proper material for your installation.
Our most popular selling BFM fitting, Seeflex 040E is a clear ether-based thermoplastic polyurethane alloy. It is very strong and flexible, so won’t fracture as a result of constant flexing.
Key features/uses:
- Used on all types of stationary, vibratory and gyratory sifters, screeners, feeders, bin discharges, hoppers, conveyors, packing equipment or any product handling equipment
- Superior wear resistance – used in CIP and washing
Seeflex 020E is a clear, lightweight ether-based thermoplastic polyurethane alloy, mainly used for weigh-scale type applications.
Key features/uses:
- Lightweight, transparent Seeflex media, specifically designed for load and weight scale type equipment
- Also excellent for applications with vertical movement as it is particularly flexible
- Ideal for feed chutes using optical level sensors (thinner, transparent connector walls)
- Seeflex 020E is strong and will not fracture as a result of constant flexing.
Seeflex 040AS is a semi-transparent, ether-based thermoplastic polyurethane alloy with Anti-static infusion.
Key features/uses:
- Designed for applications where static is a problem.
- Excellent abrasion, chemical and puncture resistance
Pressure-resistant Seeflex 060ES is a clear, ether-based thermoplastic polyurethane alloy with an internal polyester scrim.
The internally bonded scrim restricts the Seeflex sleeve from stretching and provides superior pressure resistance.
Key features/uses:
- The BFM® Seeflex 060ES connector is only used for overpressure situations for continuous pressure up to 1.3 bar (tested on a static 200mm diameter x 200mm long connector *)
- IMPORTANT NOTE: Seeflex 060ES is designed to resist extremely high pressure and therefore it should not be used where the connector is intended to act as a pressure-release point.
The Flexi-Connector is made from an ether-based polyurethane with a 316 stainless steel wire coil. Ideal for bag feeders, filling heads or bulk bag fillers.
Key features/uses:
- Very lightweight and flexible, CIP safe
- Used for bag feeders, filling heads or bulk bag fillers.
- Alternative option: Seeflex 040E with rings
The Flexi-Light Connector is made from an ether based polyurethane with a lighter 316 stainless steel wire coil than our standard Flexi, making it ideal for applications with lateral and vertical movement. The Seeflex walls are also slightly thinner and the coil is much more flexible making it perfect for weigh-scale type applications, as it provides less resistance than our standard Flexi.
Key features/uses:
- Very lightweight and flexible, CIP safe
- Has compression ratio of approx. 3:1
- Used for weigh-scale applications, bag feeders and for applications with irregular movement.
The Flexi-Earthed connector is made from an ether-based polyurethane with a 316 stainless steel wire coil and terminal lugs at each end.
Key features/uses:
- Terminal lugs are designed to be attached to
earthing cables at each end to provide maximum - Ideal for bag feeders, filling heads or bulk bag fillers.
- CIP safe, excellent microbial resistance
- Very flexible & lightweight, tight bend radius
- High mechanical strength & good hydrolytic stability
A pure PTFE connector capable of running at both low and high temperatures, and can be used across the full pH scale. Teflex NP Black also offers excellent surface resistivity – 106.
Key features/uses:
- Capable of running at very low (-73ºC/-99ºF) and very high temperatures (continuously operating at 300ºC / 572ºF with short-term surges at 316ºC / 600ºF)
- Can be used on products across the full pH scale i.e. caustic and acid products will not effect PTFE
- Designed to dissipate electrical charge – 106
- Food Grade – compliant with FDA & EU regulations
Teflex NP connectors are now available with stainless steel support rings.
Support rings help to keep the connector walls open when they are being used under negative pressure, or are longer in length.
Teflex NP Opaque
A pure PTFE connector capable of running at both low and high temperatures, and can be used across the full pH scale. Teflex NP Opaque is semi-transparent and allows visibilty of product flow.
Key features/uses:
- Capable of running at very low (-73ºC/-99ºF) and very high temperatures (continuously operating at 300ºC / 572ºF with short-term surges at 316ºC / 600ºF)
- Can be used on products across the full pH scale i.e. caustic and acid products will not affect PTFE
- Semi-transparent to allow product-flow visibility
- Food Grade – compliant with FDA & EU regulations
Next month, we’ll take a closer look at all of the breathable materials available and how those are best utilized at processing facilities.
Although this is a helpful guide, we always encourage our customers to reach out with any vexing questions so that we can help you in your selection process. Please fill out the form below with any questions and we’ll connect with you within 24 hours!
