Polycarbonate Level Tubes
Polycarbonate is a group of thermoplastics that is easy to work with, mold, and thermoform, making it widely used in modern manufacturing. The name “polycarbonate” originates from the polymers’ functional groups connected by carbonate groups within their molecular chains.
Because this material is FDA-approved (USA Food and Drug Administration), it is commonly utilized in the food, pharmaceutical, and chemical industries. To ensure proper sealing and facilitate assembly, all cuts are squared and polished.
Polycarbonate Tubes – Features
As mentioned earlier, polycarbonate level indicator glass is highly versatile in terms of chemical resistance. However, it is crucial to verify that the chemicals involved in your application are compatible with this material.
Refer to the table below to ensure that polycarbonate tubes are suitable for your application. If you require additional assistance in determining the best level indicator glass material for your project, contact an Iniflu representative.
Polycarbonate Tubing – Features
| CHEMICAL COMPOUND | RESULT |
|---|---|
| ACIDS | NO EFFECTS AT NORMAL TEMPERATURE AND CONCENTRATION CONDITIONS |
| ALCOHOL | NO EFFECT AT LOW TEMPERATURES AND LOW CONCENTRATIONS, MODERATE EFFECT AT HIGH TEMPERATURES OR HIGH CONCENTRATIONS. |
| ALKALIS | NO EFFECT AT LOW TEMPERATURES AND LOW CONCENTRATIONS, MODERATE EFFECT AT HIGH TEMPERATURES OR HIGH CONCENTRATIONS. |
| HYDROCARBONATES | NO EFFECTS AT NORMAL TEMPERATURE AND CONCENTRATION CONDITIONS SEVERE EFFECT, AVOID USE |
| AMINES | NO EFFECT WITH NEUTRAL SOLUTIONS. MODERATE EFFECT WITH CONCENTRATED ALKALINE SOLUTIONS. |
| DETERGENTS AND CLEANING AGENTS | SEVERE EFFECT, AVOID USE. |
| ESTERS | NO EFFECT AT LOW TEMPERATURES. MODERATE EFFECT AT HIGH |
| PETROLEUM-BASED OILS AND FATS | TEMPERATURES. IF ADDITIVES ARE USED, CONSULT SPECIFICATION OF SAME. |
| HYDROCARBONATES | SEVERE EFFECT, AVOID USE |
| CETONAS | SEVERE EFFECT, AVOID USE |
| SILICONE-BASED OILS AND FATS | NO EFFECT AT LOW TEMPERATURES. MODERATE EFFECT AT HIGH TEMPERATURES. |
Clear Polycarbonate Tubes – Sight Glass
| Type of Crystal | Polycarbonate | |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing parameters | ||
| Manufacturing diameters | 1/2″, 5/8″, 3/4″, 7/8″, 1″, 1-1/4″, 1-1/2″ | |
| Manufacturing thicknesses | High pressure | |
| Minimum manufacturing length | 10 mm | |
| Maximum manufacturing length | 3700 mm | |
| Operating parameters | ||
| Maximum constant working temperature | 110 °C | |
| Maximum short-term temperature | 120 °C | |
| Thermal shock resistance | 70 K | |
Polycarbonate Level Tubes – Recommendations
What to Do
- Inspect the level gauge glass daily, maintain maintenance logs, and perform routine replacements.
- Install guards where necessary to protect personnel.
- Ensure the level gauge glass, packing gland, nuts, gaskets, etc., are the correct size and type before installation.
- Examine the level gauge glass for damage and check that seals are free of hard deposits or tears.
- Remove all deposits from sealing areas, packing gland nuts, glands (where used), and use new gaskets before installing the level gauge glass.
- Protect the exterior of the level gauge glass from sudden temperature changes, such as drafts, water spray, etc.
- Ensure the system is secured with a safety shutoff system (like a safety ball or check valve).
What Not to Do
- DO NOT allow contact between the glass and metal.
- DO NOT subject the level gauge glass to bending or torsion stress.
- DO NOT let the level gauge glass come into contact with the bottom of the packing gland.
- DO NOT hit, impact, or scratch the glass.
- DO NOT reuse any tubular glass, gaskets, or seals.
- DO NOT use glass that is scratched, chipped, or otherwise damaged. Used glass may contain defects and pose safety risks.
- DO NOT exceed the working pressures recommended by the glass manufacturer or level gauge glass manufacturer, nor the maximum recommended length of tubular glass.
- DO NOT overtighten the packing gland nut and gasket beyond the manufacturer’s recommendations for the level gauge glass.
- DO NOT operate level gauge glasses unless the valve sets are equipped with drain, vent, and safety ball features.
- DO NOT attempt to clean the glass while the unit is in operation. Cleaning should only be done when the level gauge glass is removed.
- DO NOT attempt to inspect the glass, adjust tie rods, gasket nuts, or packing glands, or inspect or tighten other fittings without isolating the level gauge glass from the pressure vessel and opening the drain vent.
- DO NOT perform welding, impacts, or sandblasting in the area of the level gauge glass without protecting the glass.
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