Product Testing & Certification

Flexible materials are tested and developed closely with renowned laboratories and institutes

Filcoflex connectors go through comprehensive testing to make sure that they comply with international standards. For this, we collaborate with experts in the field of material and safety engineering.

Testing shows that our connectors can be used in ATEX environments and adhere to food safety standards. Filcoflex strives to provide evidence and results backed by science.

We are committed to manufacturing high quality products you can be sure about.

International Compliance

We conduct testing where it matters most

In bulk powder processing, unreliable and untested products can seriously harm your system and productivity. This is why Filcoflex conducts extensive testing for our products.

Filcoflex hygienic connectors

When used in the food industry, flexible connectors must comply with strict regulations, like that of the FDA and EC1935/2004. Filcoflex offers products in a variety of materials, one of them being polyurethane. Classified as a plastic, polyurethane must also adhere to EC10/2011 to make sure that it does not transfer harmful substances to the end product.

In 2010, Filcoflex performed extensive tests with TNO Triskelion to confirm our compliance to relevant standards. These tests are updated in 2024 with the help of Interktek.

To test, Intertek received materials and list of ingredients from Filcoflex. They observed how each material reacted when exposed to different conditions. To ensure that our products are safe for repetitive use, we also looked at the possible migration of substances.  

Testing for ATEX zones

During transport, powders and solids can generate an imbalance of electrical charges and cause an explosion. The pressure in the system greatly increases and the flexible connector must not tear.

While flexible sleeves are not certifiable according to ATEX 114, Filcoflex collaborated with Inburex and the Wilhelm Jost Institute to establish guidelines of safe use in ATEX environments.

The results show that Filcoflex sleeves can be used inside dust hazardous environments and with dust or mixtures with a minimum ignition energy larger than 1mJ.

WvL Vacuum Testing

In industrial processing, especially with dry powdered materials, maintaining a consistent and safe environment is crucial. Many systems operate under slight negative pressure, or vacuum, to prevent product leaks. However, this negative pressure can cause problems with improperly sealed flexible connections.

Depending on the length, vacuum also poses a challenge for flexible connectors. The walls are naturally sucked in, and thus reduce product flow. We independently test connectors to see how they perform under conditions that mimic real life applications. Through this, we determine the product's tolerance and when to add support rings.

Silicone bellows against force transfer

In weighing applications, like when using loss-in-weight or gravimetric feeders, flexible connectors are used to minimize the influence of vibration to the weighing equipment. To see how effective a product is in doing so, we designed a protocol that measures its flexibility during redistribution of forces.

Filcoflex hygienic connectors

Testing for ATEX zones

WvL Vacuum Testing

Silicone bellows against force transfer

When used in the food industry, flexible connectors must comply with strict regulations, like that of the FDA and EC1935/2004. Filcoflex offers products in a variety of materials, one of them being polyurethane. Classified as a plastic, polyurethane must also adhere to EC10/2011 to make sure that it does not transfer harmful substances to the end product.

In 2010, Filcoflex performed extensive tests with TNO Triskelion to confirm our compliance to relevant standards. These tests are updated in 2024 with the help of Interktek.

To test, Intertek received materials and list of ingredients from Filcoflex. They observed how each material reacted when exposed to different conditions. To ensure that our products are safe for repetitive use, we also looked at the possible migration of substances.

Customized Solutions

Did you not find what you need in our standard offerings? With our in-house engineering and production team, the possibilities are endless at Filcoflex.

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Watch how we tested our flexible connectors for ATEX

With guidance from renowned experts, our flexible connectors are put to the test to make sure that we deliver safe, efficient, and strong products.

FAQs

Where can I find testing reports and certificates for Filcoflex products?

You can find these under the "files" section of product pages. We can also provide these upon request.

Can Filcoflex perform testing on my custom flexible connector?

Yes . Our in-house testing protocols are provided by laboratories we work closely with.

What is the overpressure that most flexible connectors must resist?

Most connectors must resist more than 0.7 bar. Systems usually detect explosions at this number and begin to vent out the overpressure.

What is the overpressure that Filcoflex connectors resist?

The numbers depend on the material. Polyurethane sheets usually range from 1-1.5 Bar.