Soft PVC round caps – durable problem solvers for wind turbines

In the wind energy industry, wind turbines and components permanently exposed to high loads – from mechanical wear to saline Air, humidity and temperature fluctuations up to UV radiation. Resistant fasteners and protective caps are correspondingly important, as they improve the functionality and functionality of the Ensuring the service life of technical systems. A proven option here is offered by submerged Round caps made of soft PVC, which are can be flexibly adapted to a wide range of requirements.

Production and material properties

Compared to injection molding, the PVC dipping process is a Manufacturing process without time-consuming toolmaking. To the production of round caps made of PVC or polyvinyl chloride are only a heated dipping tool in a bath full of liquid PVC.

At the moment of contact of the hot tool with the liquid PVC paste, also known as plastisol, forms on the outer diameter of the round dip cores, a skin that remains in the of the PVC paste grows to the desired wall thickness of the round caps. The maximum wall thickness to be achieved depends on the temperature of the tool, the Residence time of the tool in the immersion tank and the viscosity of the PVC material. The inner length of the PVC round caps is determined by the immersion depth of the tool cores.

After pulling the diving tool out of the immersion bath the excess PVC material runs off. A drop-like accumulation of material on the closed end of the round caps is the distinguishing feature of dipped round caps whose rubber-elastic properties are only acquired after a new heat treatment.

After cooling, the round caps can be closed with a auxiliary tool removed from the cores, optionally in the pad printing process with company logo or operating instructions.

Field-tested soft PVC grades are characterized by

• High flexibility and elasticity
  
• Good resistance to oils and greases
  
• Very good weather and UV resistance
  
• Effective electrical insulation effect
  

Uses in wind energy

In wind turbines, round caps made of soft PVC arrive various agencies, such as:

• as cap-proof protective caps and covers for e.g. screw connections on the anchor cage
  
• as electrically insulating grip and Protective elements in maintenance areas
  
• as weather-resistant corrosion protection of sensitive metal parts
  
• as universal transport protection of round components as well as cable ends
  

Design- and installation instructions

For a captive hold of the PVC round caps on a round component (e.g. threaded bolts, long bolts, round tubes, cables), the protective caps compared to the outer diameter of the round component to be protected, have an inner diameter that is approx. 0.5-1.0 mm smaller. At significantly smaller component dimensions of e.g. cables, the recommended undersize is lower. Employees of the Design and procurement to rely on the experience of the manufacturers.

What undersize should be used when requesting a new round cap application?

For the reasons mentioned above, it is recommended that the Request for round caps in addition to the desired inner length H of the protective cap, the outer diameter of the round component to be protected.

Installation instructions

PVC protective caps produced using the dipping process are coated with Made undersize. In contrast to hard plastics such as PE or PP, PVC material is characterized by the fact that the end caps can be removed with little effort. can be quickly pushed over the areas to be protected and tightly encloses.

If a manual assembly of the PVC round caps should be a bit less easily, then a significant improvement can be achieved. of mountability by heating the round caps to a maximum of 50°C.

Contribution to longevity and sustainability

The use of soft PVC dip parts such as round caps, rectangular caps, handles, cable closure caps contribute to the extension of the service life of technical components, which in turn requires maintenance and Material consumption sustainably reduced.