Armstrong Energy - Servicing the Mining, Power and Defence Industries

Vesconite Pumps

Vesconite Pump bearings are used worldwide in critical applications when reliability and bearing life are the main criteria.

APPLICATIONS INCLUDE:

Fire fighting and service water pumps for offshore drilling platforms.

High pressure bilge pumps for submarines.

Cooling water pumps for Power stations.

Irrigation and Potable Water Supply.

High pressure dewatering pumps for underground mines.

Vesconite is a unique polymer bearing material designed to specifically work in wet abrasive conditions.
The specific formulation and additives are not disclosed. However we can say that Vesconite standard (Dark Grey) and Vesconite Hilube (white) contain lubricants well suited to use with stainless steel shafts.

Genuine Vesconite and Vesconite Hilube products are available from Armstrong Energy. Make sure you receive the genuine article, demand a certificate of conformance.

There are no equivalents to Vesconite. Anyone offering you a "Just the same" product should be asked for a written guarantee of equal performance, along with case histories and their own technical data.
What makes Vesconite special ?

Dimensional stability. Vesconite does not swell or soften in water.

Low friction. Even when running dry.

Good chemical

Ease of machining

Vesconite long life bearings for:

Lineshaft bearings

Pump bowl bearings

Stuffing box bearings

Wear rings

Suction covers

Lantern rings

VESCONITE AND VESCONITE HILUBE

Water lubricated pump bearings - better performance for pumps.

There is no equivalent to Vesconite and Vesconite Hilube

Water swell comparison

Vesconite and Vesconite Hilube do not swell. Close tolerances can be achieved and maintained in wet conditions.

Stress/Strain comparison after water
Vesconite and Vesconite Hilube are high strength materials. They do not swell and loose their compression strength when in a moist environment or immersed in water.

MATERIAL SAFETY DATA

Vesconite being a thermoplastic based product is a particularly safe product to handle.

It does not contain any asbestos or other dangerous fillers which could cause a problem to persons machining the product.

The product can be considered safe for ingestion, and it does not pose a carcinogenic risk.

Vesconite does not present a hazard in handling as the constituents are not considered skin irritants or sensitisers.

FIRE

A high temperature is required to ignite Vesconite, which has a melting point of 260° C. Vesconite therefore has a limited fire risk, but normal good housekeeping precautions should be used in respect of machined shavings, etc, as like most organic materials it will burn once ignited above 500° C.

It is composed of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen which produce carbon dioxide and water vapour on burning, the respiratory gases of mammals.

Should a fire involving Vesconite occur, any commonly available fire extinguishers can be used. Care should thus be taken to avoid direct contact of molten material on the skin, as it will then be hot enough to adhere to the skin and cause severe burns. In a fire situation, care should be taken to avoid breathing the products of combustion

Vesconite Hilube contains P.T.F.E. (Teflon) which is liable to evolve small amounts of fluorine at high temperatures (above 400° C).

Vesconite shavings and other waste products, can be safely left in landfills as it will remain virtually unchanged for very long periods, without giving rise to problems of leaching into ground waters.