RTP Company: The Global Leader in Specialty Compounding

End-Use Case Study —

Electrochemical Cell Plate

"It was the largest injection molded part I'd ever seen!" exclaimed RTP salesman Bud Norring. He was refereeing to Eimco Molded Products Company's huge electrochemical cell plates, used in the production of chlorine and other caustic solutions for pulp and paper mills. In comparison to the use of thermoplastics for diminutive parts such as the potentiometers described in the last issue of Compounding Lines (see Three parts per pellet!), these are some of the world's largest injection molded thermoplastic parts.

Because of its superb chemical resistance and low cost, polypropylene is a favored material for this application. RTP 107 CC, a chemically-coupled glass fiber polypropylene is used in an Oxy Tech Inc. cell plate, illustrated here. The glass provides strength for this part that measures over 6 ft x 4 ft x 3 /4 in to 2 1/2 in and weighs over 210 lbs. The part operates at a minimum of 196 F and is in direct contact with caustic chlorine solutions. As seen in the photo, the part has varying cross sections, molded in through-holes, integral ribs and gasket grooves.

Eimco Molded Products Co. uses a proprietary molding process to produce cell plates and other large industrial and chemical processing parts. Some weigh 300-400 pounds and have 4 and 5 in thick walls. Complex structures with intricate features are possible.

Many of these parts have replaced costly metal designs. The plastic versions are less expensive, weigh less, exhibit more corrosion resistance and offer greater design flexibility.

Polypropylene is not the only base resin used by Eimco. Polybutylene, nylons and polysulfone and many other thermoplastic resins are also used. All common additives used to impart specified properties can be compounded with the base resin.

Imagine the contrast! Thermoplastic parts weighting .0004 oz. to parts that weigh 400 lbs.

Applications Notebook: Case Studies
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