Durability

Whether it’s the product itself or cleaning agents used during CIP (Clean In Place), certain chemicals can cause premature degradation of any flexible connector. It’s also important to ensure the correct concentration levels of cleaning agents used during a CIP for acid or caustic cleaning processes.

Any greater level does not provide an increased benefit in terms of cleaning the system; it is purely wasting chemicals. Excess levels will also adversely affect other system parts, such as seals and gaskets.

If connectors are left in place during CIP, they should always be removed after cleaning and any residue removed before start-up to avoid possible chemical build-up.

One of the most important factors in ensuring durability is having the right length connector installed for the space between the inlet/outlet feed, particularly when installing on a sifter or other moving equipment.

If the connector is too long for the gap, the areas where the material folds will be most prone to abrasion and eventual cracking. If the connector is installed too short, it can easily tear apart or tear off the equipment.

Learn more about measuring for the right connector length and other installation tips on our 'Installation Guides' page.

The extent of movement can have a big impact on connector life.  Sifters and sieves are one of the most challenging applications for this reason.

The larger the throw (movement) is in relation to the connector length, the more stress it will put on the connector.

Movement should be measured during operation and start-up/shutdown to account for the largest potential movement.

The maximum movement of a sifter shouldn’t exceed 20% of the total connector length to minimize these stresses.

Download the following guide for some tips on measuring movement:

When product comes into contact with the walls of the connector during operation, it will naturally cause wear, particularly if it is an abrasive product (such as coarse sugar, aggregates, etc).

Minimizing contact with the connector walls using a flow-correction design will help increase the life of your connectors.

The longer a process is operating, the more time it’s putting stress on its connectors.

Plants that operate 24 hours a day will naturally wear connectors faster than those that operate only 8 hours a day.

For movement like large vibration or oscillation on sifters, choose a quality material with no flex 'memory' that can withstand the demands placed on it by long-term constant operation.

BFM® stress-test our materials to ensure they'll last the distance, including constant movement on sifters and sieves.

Seeflex 040E, for example, is our most popular, durable flexible connector that gives visibility of your product flow and is successfully used in 24-hour operations worldwide. 

Both positive and negative pressure of any kind tends to ‘stiffen’ the walls of a flexible connector, which increases wear.

Positive pressure pushes the connector walls outwards, increasing stress on the connector itself, as well as increasing the chance of the product effectively being ‘blown’ out into the plant through the crevice between a clamped connector and pipe.

The BFM® fitting system design, however, comes into its own under pressure.

Negative pressure (vacuum) in a system will reduce the likelihood of product leaking out into the plant through the connector joins; however, the ‘sucking’ action will tend to pull the walls of the connector inwards, causing creasing and stiffness with the potential for premature damage.

If the connector is long and the vacuum is strong enough, it will also close up the aperture of the connector, inhibiting product flow.

Anti-collapse or support rings can assist with reducing the effects of higher pressure on flexible connector walls - both positive and negative - in most instances..