Tungsten Oxide Market: Emerging Applications and Drivers
Tungsten oxide has several everyday uses. It is used in the manufacture of tungstates for fireproofing fabrics, for x-ray screen phosphors, and in gas sensors. Tungsten trioxide is also used as a pigment in coatings, paints, and ceramics due to its rich yellow color. In addition, tungsten trioxide has also proven useful in the production of smart windows or electro chromic windows. Smart windows are essentially electrically switchable glass that can alter its light transmission properties when a certain voltage is applied. This allows the user to obtain the desired level of tint on their windows by deciding how much light they want passing through.

The growth in end user industries is expected to increase consumption of tungsten oxide. The growth in medical and firefighting industry is set to drive the tungsten oxide market. In addition, rising consumption of semi-conducting compounds in emerging economies of Asia Pacific and Latin America is expected to boost demand for tungsten oxide. However, availability of substitutes and fluctuating raw material prices could hamper the growth of the market.

Tungsten Oxide Market: Regional Dynamics
Growth in tungsten oxide demand is expected to be led by the Asia Pacific market, particularly China which accounted for majority of consumption in 2013. Major manufacturers of tungsten compounds are relocating their production facilities to China due to availability of cheap labor, infrastructure and attractive government policies. Republic of Korea, India, Vietnam, Malaysia, Cambodia, Australia, New Zealand and Sri Lanka are other major consumers of tungsten oxide in Asia Pacific. North America and Europe are mature markets and expected to experience moderate growth.

New CR series 3” and 4” tungsten carbide high head cutter pump produce heads of up to 70 metres.  Designed for cutting fibrous material in industrial or effluent/sewage applications, the new series was developed for applications where pump out either over longer distances or higher elevations is required.
“The new tungsten carbide high head cutter pump range is expected to be of real interest in sewage, effluent and industrial waste applications where more head is required than conventional equipment”, said Australian Pump Industries’ manager, Neil Bennett.  “The combination of the ability to chop material and pump to a high head is a new development,” he said.
The new three-phase CR series start from 2.2kW units that offer flows of up to 600 litres per minute with heads to 20 metres.  At the other end of the scale, the big 22kW 4” version delivers maximum flow of 1700 litres per minute with a head of 70 metres.
All submersible pumps are backed with a 3 year warranty. This is possible because they incorporate features that make them extremely robust and they are designed for an extended working life in severe conditions.

CR series incorporate a cutter mechanism that consists of a Tungsten carbide tip channel impeller and a saw-tooth suction cover hardened surface.  The cutter mechanism cuts fibrous material into small pieces permitting clog free pumping.
Like all sewage and wastewater pumps, the new CR series come with a unique anti-wicking cable entry.  This mechanism protects the motor by sealing the stripped back cable conductors with a moulded rubber or epoxy “potting” which has been loaded between each strand of the conductor.  This unique feature prevents wicking along the strands of the conductor itself and protects the motor.

The motors are dry type squirrel-cage induction design, housed in a water-tight casing.  They conform to insulation classes E or F.  In each of these insulation classes all standard pumps can be used in ambient temperatures of up to 40 degrees Celsius.
The CR series mechanical seal is a double silicone carbon style located inside an oil chamber.  The oil chamber, located beneath the pump chamber and the motor, prevents the ingress of water to the motor.  Tsurumi’s fully oil immersed mechanical seals eliminate spring failure caused by corrosion, abrasion or fouling.

The seal chamber is also fitted with a patented “oil lifter”.  This is a lubricating device for the mechanical seal.  It utilises the centrifugal force if the shaft seal by forcibly supplying lubricating oil to the mechanical seals.  This simple device protects both seals, lubricating and cooling but retaining stable shaft seal effect to extend life.
Pumps up to 7.5Kw have an auto cut out resetting CTP (Circle Thermal Protector).  This is integrated into the motor housing.  The CTP directly cuts the motor circuit if excessive heat builds up or an overcurrent caused by electrical or mechanical failure occurs.
Sliding discharge connectors are also available for the cutter pump range and are popular for permanent installations.  Pumps can be easily removed for maintenance without the need to drain the wastewater pond. The C series are available in a wide range of options from 50 through to 100mm discharge bores and with power ratings of between 0.75Kw to 15Kw.