Cleaveland/Price Announces Availability of StayDry® Bearings
Corrosion Resistant Bearing Assembly with Hydrophobic Membrane Technology
Trafford, PA — June 19, 2023 — Cleaveland/Price announces immediate availability of StayDry® Bearings enabling disconnect switch users to upgrade to the latest in environmental protection of disconnect switch rotating insulator bearings. This proven technology has been used across a wide array of industries for decades to protect enclosed volumes from the effects of temperature and pressure fluctuations, moisture and contaminants.
“There has been an industry-wide problem with the reliability of disconnect switch bearings,” says Chuck Cleaveland, founder of and Chairman of the Board of Directors for Cleaveland/Price. “The patented StayDry® bearing design provides unparalleled corrosion protection and reliability by keeping the bearing free of water and condensing moisture across even the most extreme environments.”
An independent test lab verified the performance of the StayDry® bearing design to ensure long-term reliability. StayDry® Bearings are now available on all group operated switches 7.2 kV to 500 kV.
Founded in 1972, Cleaveland/Price is the technical leader in manufacturing and supplying electrical equipment for medium and high voltage disconnect switches. The company offers a wide range of products designed to address problems found in switch designs, resulting in the most advanced vertically integrated manufacturing facility in the switch industry.
For more info on StayDry® Bearings or Cleaveland/Price: 724-864-4177 | [email protected]
StayDry® Q&A
Q: What is a hydrophobic vent and what does it do?
A: A hydrophobic vent is a device that allows the passage of gases like air but blocks liquids such as water. Hydrophobic vents are typically used in applications where gas exchange without liquid entry is necessary.
The main purpose of a hydrophobic vent is to allow ventilation and eliminate stress on protective seals by equalizing pressure between the inside and outside. The vent is made of a special membrane that allows for the passage of gases such as oxygen but repels water and other liquid molecules based on their size, charge or polarity.
Q: What is a hydrophobic membrane made from?
A: Hydrophobic membranes can be made from many materials, but the most common is polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). PTFE is a synthetic fluoropolymer with excellent hydrophobic (water-repelling) properties due to its low surface energy. This low surface energy causes water droplets to bead up and roll off the surface.
Q: Where are hydrophobic vents commonly used?
A: Hydrophobic vents are used across a wide array of industries to protect enclosed volumes from the effects of temperature and pressure fluctuations, moisture and contaminants. Hydrophobic vents are commonly used in the following industries and applications:
- Electronics – To prevent the buildup of moisture in enclosures
- Automotive – To prevent condensation in vehicle headlights and taillights
- Outdoor equipment – To protect electronic equipment from water damage
- Medical devices – To allow gas exchange in ventilators while blocking liquid entry
Q: How long has hydrophobic membrane technology existed?
A: Hydrophobic membrane technology has been around for several decades. The development and use of hydrophobic membranes began in the 1960s and 1970s and has steadily evolved over the years as scientists and engineers discover new materials and improve the performance of existing membranes.
Q: What is the body of the hydrophobic vent made from?
A: The body of the hydrophobic vent is made from corrosion resistant metal. This metal protects the hydrophobic membrane from embrittlement due to UV radiation and possible salt water exposure.
Q: What protects the vent from damage during installation?
A: The hydrophobic vent is located close to one of the housing bolts to provide protection from accidental physical damage. Mounted on the switch it is typically in a location that is well protected from damage.
Q: Is the hydrophobic vent replaceable?
A: Yes, the hydrophobic vent is replaceable. The vent is threaded into a tapped hole in the housing and should never need replaced over the life of the switch but it is replaceable.
Q: Does the hydrophobic vent perform the same in any switch mounting orientation?
A: Yes, the hydrophobic vent has the same performance in any switch mounting orientation.
Q: Do hydrophobic vents change the dew point of air passing through them?
A: Hydrophobic vents do not change the dew point of air passing through them. The dew point of air is determined by its temperature and humidity, and is the temperature at which water vapor in the air begins to condense into a liquid.
Air can pass through a hydrophobic vent and the temperature and humidity remain unchanged. The vent blocks liquid water from entering the bearing while allowing air and water vapor to pass through.
Q: What other products does Cleaveland/Price manufacture that utilize a hydrophobic vent?
A: Cleaveland/Price manufactures several other products that utilize hydrophobic membrane technology. These products include ReliaVac® Vacuum Interrupter, LineScope® Power Quality Monitor, ROI Rollover Indicator, and UAD-V Submersible Controller.