AN ANALYSIS OF THE GenFixx MECHANICAL ASSEMBLY TECHNIQUE COMPARED TO A BRAZED ASSEMBLY IN SEVERE SERVICE VALVE COMPONENT APPLICATIONS

Functionally, the ability of a tungsten carbide/steel assembly to succeed mechanically in severe service valve component applications is dependent upon the strength and reliability of the method of attachment. In common use today is a brazed assembly, employing standard braze procedures to achieve a good bond between two dissimilar materials, tungsten carbide and stainless steel.

A recently developed mechanical fastening technique, GenFixxTM, compares favourably with braze in terms of joint strength and is more predictable in its reliability. The functionality of any particular braze joint cannot be validated or verified without destroying the assembly. The assembly cannot be tested non-destructively to give the manufacturer/designer a higher level of confidence of the success of the braze process. Thus, the designer has to rely on the trustworthiness and reputation of the brazing operator, rather than a verifiable and visibly assured assembly technique.

Severe service valve assemblies are subjected to extensive wear and corrosion from the working environment. The method of attachment should not add to the risk factor in determining the success and long life of a severe service valve assembly.

The recently developed GenFixxTM assembly technique reduces that risk factor and demonstrates improved tensile strength in the joining of carbide and steel. It provides a higher degree of reliability, which is extremely desirable in this application.