The new EMKA Compression Locking hinge for HVAC applications offers multiple operational modes |
EMKA’s remarkable new locking hinge for HVAC applications provides an independent 3D adjustable hinge facility integrated into a compression latch/lock with decompression function. Users can thereby adjust door alignment and open the door, either right hand or left hand hinged – or remove completely. The decompression feature is important for HVAC allowing any over/under-pressure to be vented safely before opening. Locking options include standard round cylinder options.
Their new Compression Latch-Hinge is designed to meet the particular demands of HVAC applications with features that provide ease of assembly, adjustability, pressure differential accommodation, and flexibility for the end user. Once assembled to the door the EMKA compression latch can be adjusted to properly mate to the cabinet by moving both vertically and horizontally. Then after installation the alignment of the latch can be adjusted to eliminate leaks. The latch will then prevent the door from opening fully until pressure has been equalised.
This enables service engineers to remove panels to improve access, e.g. in windy conditions, also for internal and external opening doors. This ensures that the door will not blow open which would otherwise happen if the pressure were not relieved. This is especially applicable to main units of HVAC systems where gaining access to electro-mechanical equipment, e.g. at big supermarkets etc.
Enclosure hardware from EMKA for Air Conditioning Systems |
Installing panels that do not leak is probably the main challenge of the HVAC industry. EMKA has solutions for both positive and negative differential pressure demands and are gasket experts providing custom fit solutions to a wide variety of applications. They provide Silicon, EPDM, and PVC gaskets, in a wide variety of profiles and are able to provide 90° corners with mitre cuts for complete no-gap seals. Pre-assembled gasket frames with sealed mitred corners and sealed joined ends are available to maximise sealing for pressurised systems.
The 1011 series of standard profiles offers many different types to suit all sorts of cabinet and housing applications for OEMs and specialist manufacturers. Sealing levels up to IP65 are possible and the EMKA gasket program now includes in excess of 500 sections with or without spring clip mounting spine for environmental sealing, equipment protection or personnel exclusion. Profiles in neoprene, epdm, PVC, black nitrate and natural rubber cover traditional expanded closed cell (self-adhesive) foam, through wiping blade and bubble or P type sections, to more complex multi-functional and custom designs.
This changing role of gasketing is indicated by increasing requirements for compression locks and up to IP65 sealing in the heating and air conditioning industry. The EMKA sealing profiles incorporate a large number of stock sections and an extensive custom production capability. Many profiles are available as simple mouldings, but it is also possible to have sections moulded onto spring carriers even in small custom quantities.
Quarter-turn insert locks from EMKA |
The 1011 series gasket construction often comprises mixed materials to ensure best performance, e.g. by using the durability of PVC with the flexibility of EPDM or the oil resistance of perbunan. Increasingly many sections are UL listed, e.g. to UL50 which defines them as suitable for outdoor applications while others are to UL94HB which refers to their self-extinguishing characteristics.
Simple manual fitment onto a door edge is quickly and easily achieved by using a spring steel core within the carrier section. This is complimented with solid, hollow, bubble and finger sealing sections, thus permitting either compression or wiping seals as required by the application. Differences in requirement for compression are accommodated by sections with compression compliance of 2.5mm up to 11mm and even up to 30mm, dependent upon installation parameters.
EMKA’s HVAC standard component range includes a viewing window with clear polycarbonate glass and annular spacer in black polyamide, using a black galvanised steel fixing ring and foamed seal. The viewing window is adjustable to fit from 35 to 55 mm door thickness by rotating the spacer ring, while excellent sealing is ensured by foamed in place gaskets – so there are no loose O-rings or Silicone sealants required.
EMKA compression locking hinge for HVAC installations |
Other accessories complete the program – such as Compression locks with adjustable depth cams offering 6mm compression, rod control systems with internal L handles for easy operation, bridge clamp wing knobs to enable positive pull down for secure door sealing and to allow removal of complete panels. Recessed pull handles to fit thick door panels, specialist door stops and many more fitting accessories for locks and handles such as ramped cams and an anti-rotation device for fitting long bodied quarter turn locks into sandwich construction door panels.
The new EMKA HVAC Brochure – free from EMKA UK – also contains details of a variable locking L handle, pull handle, surface mounted 10mm compression locks, 2D hinge, 3D hinge, 180° screw-on hinge and a range of sealing profiles.
Contact EMKA UK or see their website for further information on their products. All the latest EMKA news can be found on their blog.
