West Conshohocken, PA, USA – January 22, 2009 – When flow sensor manufacturer, Aichi Tokei Denki of Japan, was designing its VNS Series small electromagnetic flow sensors, it chose VICTREX® PEEK™ polymer for the main body of the device because of the polymer’s excellent mechanical properties including superior chemical resistance. Flow sensors are used for sensing the rate of fluid flow in a variety of applications including water treatment plants and the semiconductor industry.

By using an integral molding process, Aichi Tokei Denki has been able to simplify the design of the sensor’s main body, resulting in a significantly smaller device and lower production costs.

“It is difficult to accurately measure the flow of fluid moving through a tube as the flow can change depending on the amount and direction of the fluid,” explained Mr. Yoshida, Manager of the New Market Division at Aichi Tokei Denki. “Traditional mechanical flow sensors have moving parts such as a turbine or a float, which can block the flow of fluid. Our innovative VNS electromagnetic sensor, however, offers a new calculation formula for measuring pulse flow. It measures the amount of fluid inside a tube by measuring the amount of electricity produced when the fluid moves through the tube. Its measuring capabilities are unaffected by the properties and conditions of the fluid such as viscosity, density, grime and impurity.”

PPS and stainless steel have traditionally been used for the main body of the flow sensors because of their ability to withstand pressure build-up within the tube. The lower chemical resistance of these materials, however, caused problems when the sensor was used in chemical applications. “By switching to VICTREX PEEK polymer, with its excellent mechanical properties as well as superb chemical resistance, it is possible to measure highly corrosive chemicals such as sodium hypochlorite,” said Yoshida.

By using an integral molding process, Aichi Tokei Denki has been able to simplify the design of the sensor’s main body, resulting in a significantly smaller device and lower production costs. “The end result is a simple, hollow design without any moving parts or obstacles blocking the flow of fluid,” concluded Yoshida. “It is a highly durable, maintenance-free design. In addition to water treatment and semiconductor applications, the VNS series can be used for controlling the flow of fluid at purification plants, in water treatment plants employing sterilization treatment systems, by plant manufacturers using chemical liquid injection systems, and for monitoring gaslocks used in electromagnetic meter pumps.”

About Victrex
Victrex USA, Inc., a division of Victrex plc, is the sole manufacturer and supplier of VICTREX PEEK polymer worldwide.

Victrex plc is an innovative leading manufacturer of high performance materials, including VICTREX® PEEK™ polymer, VICOTE® Coatings and APTIV™ Film. These materials are used in a variety of markets and offer and exceptional combination of properties to help processors and end users reach new levels of cost savings, quality and performance. VICTREX® is a registered trademark of Victrex Manufacturing Limited. PEEK™, PEEK-HT™, T-Series™, MAX-Series™ and APTIV™ are trademarks of Victrex plc. VICOTE® is a registered trademark of Victrex plc. For more information visit: http://www.victrex.com.