• Category Archives iPolymer
  • Check Out Our Selection of Nitrogen Spray Guns for Cleanroom Manufacturing and Assembly

    nitrogen spray gun

    Manufacturing and assembling products in a cleanroom environment require specialized equipment to
    reach specific ISO cleanroom standards. One common tool used in cleanroom manufacturing and
    assembly is the nitrogen spray gun. iPolymer is a dedicated global manufacturer of high-purity fluid
    handling products and cleanroom manufacturing equipment. We offer 3 different nozzle configurations:
    Nitro-1, Nitro-2, and Nitro-2-FT which are the standard hand spray, standard spray gun, and front trigger
    spray gun respectively.  In combination with various hose material and fittings, we offer 6 different
    packages: the Nitro-3, Nitro-3T, Nitro-4, Nitro-4T, Nitro-4-FT, and Nitro-4T-FT.

    Nitrogen spray guns are a specialized cleaning tool designed to effectively clean large surfaces in
    cleanroom manufacturing and assembly applications. Molecular Nitrogen () is a common diatomic
    molecule composing of 78% of the Earth’s atmosphere. Two nitrogen atoms form a triple bond resulting
    in a colorless, odorless, tasteless, and inert gas at normal temperatures and pressures. Nitrogen gas is
    cleaner and drier than conventional air, making it effective for clearing microscopic debris from surfaces.
    PTFE is a synthetic fluoropolymer of tetrafluoroethylene consisting of long chains of carbon and fluorine
    atoms which results in chemical inertness. Polypropylene is similarly a thermoplastic polymer consisting
    of long chains of carbon and hydrogen atoms which also results in high chemical resistance. Our spray
    guns are primarily composed of PTFE and Polypropylene and are designed for peak protection against
    corrosion, acid deterioration, and acid fume attacks.

    The most common products you will see produced with nitrogen spray guns include semiconductors,
    medical devices, optical lenses, military, and aerospace equipment, food packaging, and various small
    electronics. Manufacturers will most often require nitrogen spray guns to keep surfaces clean that
    cannot otherwise be touched or exposed to liquids and/or metals. These tools are typically mounted to
    wet benches and work process stations.

    Customers typically can find the right nitrogen spray gun for their needs within our selection of stock
    models. We also, however, offer highly customizable design services, to prototype and produce a unique
    nitrogen spray gun for your specific application.

    Our nitrogen guns have a max operating pressure of 75PSI with a media temperature range of 40°F to
    130°F.

    iPolymer is your global partner for advanced high-purity fluid handling equipment, including a robust
    selection of nitrogen spray guns. To learn more about our products and services, call us at 435.783.6040,
    complete our contact form, or request a free quote today!


  • A Definitive Guide to Choosing the Right PTFE Solenoid Valve

    PTFE is a widely utilized material in high purity fluid handling applications, such as chemical processing and gas analytics. iPolymer solenoid valves feature a wetted PTFE surface that offers chemical resistance and easy cleaning between process runs. At iPolymer, we offer two main categories of PTFE solenoid valves: Miniature and Subminiature. Both are available with multiple body configurations, seat sealing methods, and solenoid coils. We offer our PTFE solenoid valves in 2-way normally closed, 2-way normally open, and 3-way configurations. Compare the key benefits and differences between our miniature and subminiature valves below.

     

    Miniature PTFE Solenoid Valves

    PTFE Solenoid Valve

    Our iPolymer Miniature Solenoid Valves use an all PTFE wetted flow path design that is optimized for ultra-clean, semiconductor, pharmaceutical, biomedical, and chemical processing applications. These valves will work well in extreme conditions, including vacuum applications and unique manifold configurations. We strive to make our valves as versatile as possible, with the option to configure an EPDM, Viton, Aflas, Kalrez O-Ring, or PTFE Hard Seat. Because of our great configurability, iPolymer Miniature PTFE Solenoid Valves can work with a wide array of media. Other key advantages of these valves include:

    • Diaphragm configured to completely isolate solenoid coil from media
    • Proven technology that maximizes the speed, accuracy, and repeatability of coil response time
    • Valve seat design for tight shut-off and positive flushing
    • Ability to handle aggressive media, vacuum applications, and elevated temperatures
    • Available as a 2-way or 3-way valve, with multiple body configurations

     

    Subminiature PTFE Solenoid Valves

    sub miniature PTFE solenoid valves

    iPolymer Subminiature Solenoid Valves are also designed to perform under extreme conditions, with exceptional resistance to chemicals, temperature, and corrosion. An all-wetted PTFE surface design ensures these valves can be used in high-purity and sanitary applications, such as chemical and bio-medical production. Our standard Subminiature Solenoid valve is configured with PTFE surfaces for the body, stem, and diaphragm.  Like our Miniature models, our Subminiature Solenoid Valves offer the same O-ring seat seal options, including EPDM, Viton, Aflas, and Kalrez. Some key highlights of these valves include:

     

    • Ability to configure for AC and DC voltages
    • Quick, accurate, and consistent coil technology
    • Non-porous diaphragm for coil isolation
    • Recommended max duty cycle of 62%
    • Ability to handle harsh media and extreme temperatures.

    iPolymer strives to provide the most comprehensive selection of high purity fluid handling processing equipment on the market, with a great selection of PTFE solenoid valves. Our knowledgeable staff has years of experience producing both standard and custom solenoid valves for an array of applications.  Interested in learning more? Give us a call at 435.783.6040 or request a free quote.


  • Key Types of Pneumatically Actuated Ball Valves

    iPolymer ball valve ISO-5211 Pneumatic Actuated

    Chemical processing equipment is an essential part of producing critical media for several industries.  Foods, beverages, oil and gas, chemicals, and even water are all processed through comprehensive chemical processing systems, using an array of advanced equipment. One of the most common pieces of equipment is the pneumatically actuated ball valve. At iPolymer, we specialize in delivering the very best fluid handling chemical process equipment to our customers across a wide range of industries. Narrow down your search further by referencing this quick guide on key types of pneumatically actuated ball valves.

    iPolymer actuated pneumatic ball valve                        iPolymer PTFE ball valve

    Materials of Construction: Teflon (“PTFE”)

     

    Compared to brass and stainless steel, Teflon (“PTFE”) Pneumatically Actuated Ball Valves are designed to handle extremely corrosive media.  The materials of construction for the wetted flow path are exclusively manufactured from high-quality pure Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). The PTFE Body, Ball, Stem, and Ports of the Valve ensure both corrosion resistance and minimal leachable exposure. High purity media for critical applications in semiconductor and pharmaceutical production cannot be exposed to brass or stainless steel.  The PTFE Pneumatically Actuated Ball Valve offers an inert flow path that protests the media.

     

    Two-Piece Construction

     

    The most common type of construction for a PTFE Pneumatically Actuated Ball Valve is a two-piece design.  A PTFE ball is placed within a PTFE body.  Adding end ports and a stem completes the critical design components.  A pneumatic actuator is added at the top of the valve, mounting to the stem and supported by the body.

     

    These valves are easily maintained and can operate for several years maintenance-free.  The Teflon on Teflon running surfaces ensure a low maintenance long life.

     

    Actuator and Source Pressure

     

    Pneumatically Actuated Ball Valves require a source control pressure to actuate the valve.  While this is typically clean dry air (CDA), some applications call for Nitrogen (N2) gas.  The actuation pressure drives the actuator mounted on top of the ball valve.  These actuators can be configured for Air to Open and Spring to Closed, or Air to Open and Air to Close, or Spring to Open and Air to Close.  The actuators can include end-of-travel limit switches and positive position indication.  The most common Pneumatically Actuated Ball Valve is a quarter-turn (90-degree rotation) valve.  The ball within the valve body is rotated by the stem and actuator 90 degrees from an open to closed position.

     

    Alternate Body Configurations

     

    While the PTFE Ball Valve is our most common configuration.  Ball Valve bodies and stems can be manufactured from Polypropylene, PVC, and UHMW.  Frequently the internal ball will remain manufactured from PTFE material.  Some designs are configured with O-Ring seals, while others use a Double Split-V Ferrule configuration to seal the media from the outside world.

     

    Semiconductor Wafer Processing Tools

     

    Common applications for Pneumatically Actuated PTFE Ball Valves include main shutoff and blocking valves for harsh chemistry and DI water in Semiconductor Wafer Processing Tools.

     

    Wafer Processing equipment frequently will daisy chain two, three, or four banks of tools together and use PTFE Ball Valves to feed chemistry from a common holding vessel to the tools.  PTFE Ball Valves act as excellent blocking valves and main shutoff valves.

     

    At iPolymer, we pride ourselves in supplying the very best in fluid handling process equipment. We offer a great selection of Pneumatically Actuated Ball Valves, with a knowledgeable staff that can help you find exactly what you need. Give us a call at 435.783.6040 or request a free quote.


  • What Material Should Be Considered to Carry Your Laboratory Agents?

    Highly resistant to corrosion and heavy acids, chemical resistant solenoid valves are one of the most vital components in the high-purity liquid transfer process. Manufactured using polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), our valves function as both corrosion resistant valves and acid resistant valves. These work well with high purity media, such as 18 megohm deionized water, or with super acidic (low pH) or caustic (high pH) chemicals. At iPolymer, we are worldwide suppliers of engineered high-purity fluid handling products, such as PTFE valves, manifolds, spray guns and connectors. Maintaining purity and chemical resistance are some of the key features of PTFE material, making it ideal for chemical handling. Continue reading  Post ID 304


  • Effects of High and Low Temperatures on PTFE Performance

    If you are involved in high purity fluid handling processes, it is important to know the impact of various environmental factors on your processing equipment. One of the most common materials used for high purity liquid transfer parts and components is Polytetrafluoroethylene, or PTFE – a common high-density plastic material that will not compromise or contaminate the liquid being handled. Industries like chemical processing, pharmaceuticals, and food and beverage all rely on Polytetrafluoroethylene valves and components to ensure their mix is unaltered and pure throughout the entire process. In order to ensure your process is performing its best, it is also important to know how temperatures can affect the PTFE material. At iPolymer, we are proud to be a worldwide supplier of engineered high purity fluid handling products, committed to providing the highest quality PTFE valves, fittings, spray guns and more. Continue reading  Post ID 304


  • Applications and Uses of PTFE in Industry Process

    In various processing applications, PTFE valves and components are highly utilized for various high purity liquid transfer applications. From the food and beverage industry, to the chemical processing in the Semiconductor and Pharmaceutical industries – there are several high-value industries that rely on these parts and components for the integrity of their product. That is why iPolymer specializes in some of the highest quality PTFE valves and components for your business. We keep our inventory stocked with various sizes and designed to fit your exact application, and can even offer custom options for application requirements not easily met by our stock items. Continue reading  Post ID 304


  • iPolymer Polypropylene Valves and Other Valve Types

    At our facility in Irvine, CA iPolymer develops and produces a wide-array of high-purity, pneumatically actuated fluid handling valves. We offer various polypropylene valves and other valve options to fulfill your industrial requirements, whether that involves stopping or releasing fluid flow, maintaining single fluid direction, or dividing the flow of a fluid. Continue reading  Post ID 304


  • Using a Nitrogen Spray Gun in the Most Challenging Conditions

    Various industrial applications require the use of tools that can withstand challenging conditions. Our nitrogen spray gun is designed and manufactured to do just that. With a PTFE construction, it has the capability to operate successfully under the influence of various deteriorating and corrosive elements and agents, including moisture. At iPolymer, we supply nitrogen and other types of spray guns to customers on an international basis. Continue reading  Post ID 304


  • How to Use a PTFE Stopcock in Aggressive Liquid Applications

    PTFE Stopcock Valve

    PTFE Stopcock Valves are a type of manual valve that function in a similar way as a ball valve. The body, stem and ports of the stopcock are made from polytetrafluoroethylene, commonly known as PTFE or Teflon®, an inert, durable, sintered polymer that is resistant to corrosive media, which makes it ideal for aggressive liquid applications. Here is how to use them: Continue reading  Post ID 304


  • Comparisons: Which Type of Fluoropolymer Coating Should You Use?

    Fluoropolymer Coating

    Fluoropolymers are synthetic plastics, rubbers, or resins with valuable attributes that provide suitable protective coatings for various industrial applications. Many metals including aluminum, brass, cast iron, copper, stainless steel, and steel alloys can be coated or treated with fluoropolymer resins, as well as many non-metallic media such as glass, fiberglass, plastics, and rubber. Continue reading  Post ID 304


  • 4 Unusual Applications for PFA Plastic

    PFA Plastic

    PFA plastic hosts several unique properties perfect for a variety of high purity applications. Its excellent chemical resistance against corrosive liquids and smooth low friction surfaces resist deterioration. With a wide temperature range, PFA ensures great stability in extremely hostile environments. Its weldability makes it perfect for fabrication purposes. Engineers and fabricators alike, take advantage of its partial optical clarity during routine inspection for signs of stress within the plastic walls. The polymer chain formation of PFA results in a low dielectric constant which makes PFA a worthy insulator. Undoubtedly, PFA is a powerful and robust plastic within the family of engineered fluoropolymers. Here are just a few unusual applications: Continue reading  Post ID 304


  • Why a Custom Fabrication for Nitric Acid Storage Can Be a Better Solution

    Custom Fabrication for Nitric Acid Storage

    Nitric acid, or HNO3, is a colorless compound that tends to turn brownish-yellow when it decomposes into nitrogen oxides and water. It’s commonly used in the production of grass and plant fertilizers with ammonia to make ammonium nitrate, which is perfect for nitrogen-hungry vegetation. HNO3 works as a compound within rocket propellant, as well as a regular combustible fuel in diesel engines. It’s also used for oxidizing metal, artificially aging maple and pine in woodworking, the manufacture of some clothing dyes, the production of some plastics, and for making explosives such as nitroglycerin and TNT. Continue reading  Post ID 304