Ceramic Rings

For the purpose of this article, Ceramic Insulator Rings will be referred to as "Ceramic Rings" High dielectric and mechanical strength along with thermal stability allow ceramics to withstand severe environments. Electrical insulation characteristics are unmatched. Ceramic rings are used in a wide range of applications due to their very good electrical non-conducting properties and dimensional stability at high temperatures. Ceramic rings are also resistant to chemicals, weather, and bacteria and, therefore, remain functional throughout the service life of the appliance or equipment where they are installed. The heating elements inside heaters, ovens, and furnaces are supported by Ceramic rings, as they retain both their electrical insulation property and physical shape and size under high heat conditions. Steatite Ceramic The capacity of steatite ceramics rings to withstand great mechanical pressure and drastic temperature changes make it an ideal insulation material for electrical contacts inside thermostats and pressure switches.

It also has high dielectric characteristic, able to withstand up to several thousand volts without breaking down. Steatite Ceramic rings are generally small and are manufactured from dry powder in a compaction press, after which they are placed in a kiln. For high tolerance applications, diamond abrasives are used to grind parts to the required size. Cordierite Ceramic Cordierite Ceramic rings is used in insulator applications, such as in igniters and thermocouples, where huge and abrupt temperature changes repeatedly occur. Most other ceramic materials would crack and shatter such extreme conditions. SLP insulators are made from SLP ceramics that are manufactured using a proprietary process, which ensures unmatched dielectric capacity and mechanical strength under severe conditions. Here is a tabular presentation of the reasons why Ceramic rings are the best option Ceramic vs. Glass vs. Polymer Types Advantage Disadvantage Issues Ceramic Inert surface Performance well quantified Puncture of a single unit does not take out a string Long history of use Damaged units easier to identify Flexible in Length (# of units) Heavy and cumbersome Hidden defects Pin corrosion Cement growth Glass Performance well quantified Long history of use.

Easy to identify damaged unit Flexible in Length (# of units) Heavy and cumbersome Surface defects - failure Polymer Lightweight & Easier to Handle "Reduced Installed Cost" Improved contamination performance Smaller profile Reduced Dry Arc Distance Susceptible to arcing damage due to flashovers Lack of standard dimensions Relatively "limited" experience Difficult to inspect Damaged by Corona Activity, etc, Susceptible to aging Prone to handling damage Grading rings Contamination performance changes with time Brittle Fracture Ceramic rings have the most number of Pro's and least number of Con's. Ceramic rings are sturdy and it would take many more years for issues or defects to emerge. For more details and to obtain our assistance in designing for your ceramic insulation requirements, visit our website (http://www.lspceramics.com) and contact us by phone or e-mail.