3M: Wind Tapes

3M has announced the availability of their new Wind Tapes 8608 and 8609 for the wind energy market. Wind Tapes 8608 and 8609 provide long-lasting protection from damage caused by sand, rain, moisture ingression, insects and airborne particles. The new tapes are also formulated to resist the damage and weakening effects of ultraviolet rays. Used to help protect wind turbine blades, the tapes can help reduce maintenance and replacement costs, thus extending the service life of the blade.

“Greater longevity of the blade translates into money and time saved in maintenance. Our Wind Tapes can also help improve efficiency by ensuring the airflow over the blade is smooth,” said Gene Bergh, senior technical service specialist for 3M.

3M’s Wind Tapes draw upon the company’s expertise in polyurethane protective tapes for helicopter blades, which can reach speeds of more than 500 miles per hour. “We’ve seen over the last 40 years of use that helicopter blades can last up to ten times longer with the use of our leading edge protective tape,” said Bergh. “It made sense to apply the same theory and technology to protect turbine blades that move at slower speeds, but encounter some of the same damaging effects.”

For more information, visitwww.3M.com.

CHEMINEER: Top-Entering Agitators

Chemineer has announced the launch of a new line of top-entering agitators designated the Model 20 HT/GT. The new agitators are designed for a wide range of service in the chemical, pharmaceutical, ethanol and biofuels, water and wastewater, FGD, power, and other general process industries. The agitators feature a new, high-efficiency gearbox designed specifically for agitator service. Models are available in right angle and parallel shaft configurations to meet specific application requirements from critical chemical reactor systems to routine storage.

The new agitators combine the proven benefits of the Chemineer HT and GT agitators into a modular design package that reduces the number of replacement parts that need to be carried in inventory by the customer. The wide range of speeds available with the new agitators provides improved process control and greater application versatility. The Model 20 HT/GT agitators are designed to meet AGMA, OSHA, ANSI, IEC, DIN, EU and ATEX standards and requirements.

For more information, visitwww.chemineer.com/pr.

DOW REICHHOLD: Glove Polymer

Dow Reichhold Specialty Latex has introduced DR3988 synthetic latex, a next-generation nitrile polymer that offers significant improvements in performance across a range of critical properties for the manufacturing of thin gloves. This new polymer has been designed to offer a balanced range of properties that deliver overall improved performance compared to current industry-standard polymers from Dow Reichhold, as well as commercially available competitive polymers.

According to Robert Ewing, global marketing manager for gloves, DR3988 synthetic latex delivers a high level of value and performance to glove manufacturers. “Low modulus and durability combined with excellent runnability and consistency will ensure high productivity for the manufacturer,” he says. “Additionally, DR3988 synthetic latex produces gloves with very soft feel and low odor, enhancing comfort for the wearer.”

Dow Reichhold Specialty Latex and its parent company, Reichhold, have been part of the glove industry since the 1960s. The company developed the nitrile latex technology that has become the synthetic latex of choice for glove manufacturing. Dow Reichhold Specialty Latex LLC is a 50/50 joint venture of the Dow Chemical Company and Reichhold, Inc. The joint venture is the world’s largest producer of specialty latex. The company is headquartered in Research Triangle Park, NC.