SUCO Press release: PLASMA CLEANING

Plasma cleaned pressure switches and transmitters
SUCO now offers plasma-cleaned pressure switches and transmitters in the purity levels "oil andgrease-free“ e.g. for oxygen applications and "PWIS-free" for coating processes.
Liquid or gaseous oxygen (O2) in compressed form is an essential component of many medical applications,such as respiratory or anesthesia equipment. In autogenous welding or cutting, an oxygen-gas mixture isignited in a controlled manner to process large work pieces. Strict safety regulations apply when handlingoxygen. The colorless and odorless gas itself is not flammable, but accelerates the combustion process oforganic substances considerably. Even a small spark is enough to cause lubricants or greases to ignite
spontaneously or explode.
High safety requirements
The demand for components free of oil and grease has increased rapidly in recent years. This is due tointernational standards such as ASTM G93:2019 of the American Society for Testing and Materials as well as
national regulations (NFPA 51, CGA G-4.1, VDMA 24364) and regulations of the professional associations in therespective country of use.
As a manufacturer of high quality components for pressure monitoring, SUCO recommends to use onlypressure switches and transmitters with the addition "oil and grease free" when handling oxygen and otherhighly flammable media. With this procedure, the products are plasma-cleaned in a hermetically sealed processchamber after functional end-of-line testing.
The eco-friendly cleaning process is based on the ionization of oxygen molecules under vacuum andsubsequent transfer into the highly reactive plasma state. Organic substances based on hydrocarbons areremoved without residue up to a maximum purity level of 20 mg/m². This corresponds to Level B according toASTM G93:2019. After plasma cleaning, the pressure switches and transmitters are individually packed inspecially marked PE bags to protect them from further contamination.
Compliance with PWISThe acronym "PWIS" refers to paint-wetting impairment substances, such as lubricants, oils, greases orsilicones, which, even in small quantities, can cause partial coating defects - so-called craters - as well as largearea wetting and binding disorders of the entire paint film. In addition to rising costs due to rejects and manualrepairs, the adhesion, durability and ultimately the quality of the coating suffer most from the contamination.
The demands on OEMs and their suppliers with regard to PWIS-free individual parts are therefore very high.
By extending the plasma cleaning process and using silicon-free gloves and PE bags, SUCO pressure switches
and transmitters meet PWIS conformity according to the standard sheet VDMA 24364.
The high product purity and efficiency of the plasma cleaning process is regularly verified by the German
accreditation body. On request SUCO provides a manufacturer's declaration for the respective cleaning
process. SUCO's plasma cleaned products meet all current standards with regard to media compatibility andproduct purity in order to ensure the maximum operational safety of your applications and systems.
We are happy to advise you on your request and your application. Please do not hesitate to send us an inquiry.

Language: English

491 words

Date: 04/30/2020