Why is Simsite a structural composite and how does it differ from other composites on the market?
Almost all other pump parts manufactured from other composites are either cast or compression moulded. Other manufacturers use chopped up fibres as reinforcement. When you use chopped up fibres to make parts, you do not have control over the displacement of the reinforcement on complex shapes such as impellers and you are limited in structural strength.
Sims does not cast or mould the parts it manufactures. Simsite is a structural composite laminate utilizing a continuous weave graphite carbon fibre reinforcement with phenolic or epoxy resin. All of the pieces are machined from a structural block of Simsite material. We do not chop any of our reinforcement. Rather, the reinforcement is interwoven with a certain weave per cubic inch. The amount of weave per cubic inch, the thickness of the carbon fibre, the type of weave, and the amount of resin per cubic inch determines the structural strength of the Simsite material. For maximum strength, Simsite utilizes a fibre reinforcement in three dimensions x, y, and z. Therefore, the Simsite composite can achieve tremendous strength and integrity.
I have a pump which is always a problem -- can Simsite help?
Yes. If you have a pump which is always giving you a problem, Sims can analyze the problem and in most cases can redesign the impeller or other rotating parts involved to alleviate the situation. Since Simsite is machined, costly pattern charges are not involved.
Should I use Simsite for salt water applications only?
No. Although the use of Simsite impellers is extremely important in salt water applications because it does not corrode, it is just as important in fresh water applications. Because Simsite impellers are light weight and completely machined, they do not have the balance problems that cast metal impellers will have. It is the imbalance problem that leads to premature wear for the complete rotating element.
Does Simsite have noise absorbing characteristics?
Since Simsite is not metallic, it does not reflect noise or vibrations the same way a metallic piece would. Simsite has noise absorbing characteristics in that it absorbs a percentage of the noise and vibrations as opposed to reflecting them. Simsite material has been used as a noise barrier to reduce the effects of noise and vibrations.
Simsite impellers run more smoothly and quietly than metallic impellers primarily because they operate at a slightly higher efficiency. Simsite impellers do not have casting imperfections, hydraulic or mechanical balance problems, and they have fewer hydraulic losses.
Simsite has a reading of "120" on the Rockwell M Scale for composites. Compared to most composites it is very hard. We can add a ceramic coating to the material to make it much harder which helps against abrasion attack. However, Simsite impellers should not be use in heavy abrasive or "trash pump" applications.
What grade of Simsite can I use when I can not use any material that contains graphite?
Simsite grade SMS-250 has almost the same properties as our standard marine grade Simsite SMS-300 only it does not have any graphite or carbon reinforcement. Instead we use a combination of other reinforcements which have no effect on the medium being pumped including smell or taste.
What is the difference in temperature limitations between the different grades of Simsite?
Our standard grade of Simsite SMS-300 is good up to 150°C. Above that temperature we must switch to a high temperature resin Simsite SMS-400 when we are manufacturing Simsite to achieve a limit of up to and including 210°C continuously.
What grade of Simsite should I specify when ordering new parts?
When ordering new impellers, rings or other parts, please specify Simsite Grade SMS-300. This is our standard grade of Simsite composite, which is excellent in salt water, brackish water and most chemical applications. Simsite Grade SMS-300 can withstand a vane tip peripheral speed of 152m/sec, pressures up to 600 psi and can withstand 150°C continuously.
Simsite Grade SMS-325 is our premium grade bearing material which contains two lubricants which are built into the resin system. This grade is softer (65 of the Rockwell M Scale) and will support a longer life for the shaft or sleeve on which the bearing is running.
For applications with temperatures over 150°C but under 210°C, please specify Simsite Grade SMS-400. This grade of Simsite is manufactured with our high temperature phenolic resin.
Simsite Grade SMS-375 should be specified for slurry or abrasive conditions. This grade of Simsite utilizes an epoxy resin system for greater abrasion resistance.
Should an application require a higher temperature or greater mechanical strength, please call Adrecotech Limited for analysis.
