An Introduction to Halocarbon

Halocarbon Lubricants in the Aviation & Aerospace Sector: A Comprehensive Overview

For over 70 years, Halocarbon, a U.S.-based privately-owned company, has been one of the world’s leading producers of high-quality fluorochemicals. Halocarbon lubricants, particularly their PCTFE oils, greases, and waxes, have carved a niche in the aviation industry due to their unique properties and applications. In this article, we’ll explore their areas of application, aircraft applicability, technical specifications, military references, and insights from customer interactions.

Areas of Application

Halocarbon lubricants are renowned for their inertness, non-flammability, and non-reactivity, making them ideal for use in reactive gas environments, particularly oxygen-rich settings. In the aerospace sector, these lubricants are predominantly utilized in the following applications:

• Pump/Compressor Fluids: Essential for the reliable operation of oxygen and nitrogen compressors, especially under cryogenic conditions.
• Gauge Fill Fluids: Ensuring accurate measurements in various aerospace instruments.
• Pressure Transmitter Fluids: The low compressibility of Halocarbon fluids provides reliable pressure readings in critical systems.
• Mechanical Seal Barrier Fluids: Maintaining an inert and leak-proof barrier between processes fluids and external environments in rotating equipment.
• Gasket and Thread Lubricants: Facilitating easy assembly and disassembly of valves, fittings, connectors, bolts and screws in harsh or hazardous environments.

Halocarbon 0.8 Oil also serves as a safe and effective calibration fluid for thermometric probes at cryogenic temperatures, further underscoring its versatility.

In aerospace, Halocarbon PCTFE oil is used in several specific applications:

• Lubrication: Provides lubrication for components in extreme temperatures and pressures, helping to reduce wear and extend the life of mechanical parts.
• Sealing: PCTFE's chemical resistance makes it ideal for sealing applications in fuel systems and hydraulic systems, preventing leaks and ensuring reliability.
• Cryogenic Applications: Can be used in cryogenic environments, such as in the storage and handling of liquid gases, where low-temperature performance is critical.
• Instrumentation: Often used in sensitive instrumentation due to its low volatility and purity, minimizing the risk of contamination.
• Adhesives and Coatings: May be used as a component in adhesives or protective coatings, providing durability and resistance to various chemicals.

These applications leverage PCTFE's properties, such as high thermal stability, chemical inertness, and low permeability, making it suitable for demanding aerospace environments.

Aircraft Applicability

Halocarbon lubricants are frequently employed in various aerospace applications, including:

• Pump/Compressor Applications: Specifically for O2 and LN2 systems.
• Calibration Fluids: Critical for ultra-low temperature calibration systems.
• General Lubrication Needs: Their oils, particularly Halocarbon 27S and 56 Oils, are widely utilized in various components such as valves, fittings, and threads.
• Metal Working Fluids:? Halocarbon oils provide exceptional performance (high throughput, low tool wear, minimal defects) in the machining of refractory and difficult to machine, Titanium and Inconel.

Recent discussions with industry leaders in the aviation sector have highlighted potential opportunities for their metalworking fluids in high temperature alloy machining for structural components.

Technical Data Sheets

For complete technical specifications, please refer to the product data sheets and product brochures available on the website: www.halocarbon.com. These documents provide detailed information about the performance characteristics, compatibility, and recommended applications of each lubricant.

Military References

Halocarbon products are recognized under DOD-PRF-24574, qualifying them as lubricating fluids for low and high-pressure oxidizing gas mixtures. The following products are listed in the Qualified Products Database:

1. Type 1: Halocarbon 4.2S Oil
2. Type 2: Halocarbon 27S Oil
3. Type 3: Halocarbon 400S Oil

This endorsement underscores Halocarbon’s commitment to meeting stringent military standards and the reliability of their products in demanding environments.

References within the Airline Industry

While specific references within the airline industry are limited, Halocarbon lubricants are trusted by various aerospace companies for critical applications. The lack of publicly available customer details highlights the competitive nature of the industry, but their established presence is indicative of product quality and reliability.

Known Customers

Halocarbon has a diverse range of customers across various sectors, highlighting their extensive reach within the aviation industry. The range of customers include aircraft manufacturers, leading airlines, MRO, Defense (Airforce, Army and Navy), suppliers of PPEs, sensors, packaging material and R&D laboratories.

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Conclusion

Halocarbon lubricants are integral to the aviation sector, providing essential solutions for various applications. Their unique properties ensure safety and efficiency in reactive environments, making them indispensable in aerospace operations. As we continue to engage with industry leaders and explore new applications, our commitment to innovation and quality remains unwavering.

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