SOSHH SF-ClearFlex™ transparent snap-in sleeve uses 0.9–1.2 mm ether-TPU with blue elastomeric cuffs to isolate load cells from parasitic force. Exactly 80 mm installed gap, −20 to +110 °C, atmospheric to −10 kPa, FDA 21 CFR 177.2600 / EC 1935/2004 / EU 10/2011. For loss-in-weight feeders, multi-head weighers and micro-dosing below 5 kg/h.
A stiff sleeve — thick-wall 85A TPU, rubber, silicone, or wire-reinforced hose — acts as a spring and transfers upstream vibration or downstream back-pressure into the load cell, causing tare drift and batching error. The sleeve itself has no “accuracy”; its job is to transmit zero force. SOSHH achieves this with:
- 0.9–1.2 mm low-modulus ether-TPU wall — soft enough to flex without pushing or pulling.
- Neutral 80 mm installation gap — no preload compression, no tensile pull, no lateral side-load.
- Zero spring effect — convolutions absorb movement without storing and releasing energy into the sensor.
The result is a clean, isolated load signal that lets the system reach its rated ±0.1% to ±0.5% dosing performance, dependent on controller, hopper geometry and calibration — not on the connector.
![SOSHH transparent food grade TPU snap-in flexible sleeve with blue cuffs]()
![SOSHH flexible connector isolating vibration on loss in weight feeder weigh scale]()
![80mm spigot installation gap and vertical alignment guide for weighing bellows]()
![SOSHH SF-ClearFlex transparent TPU flexible sleeve with stainless steel spigots exploded assembly view]()
| PARAMETER | SOSHH WEIGHING GRADE | NOTES |
|---|
| Wall thickness | 0.9–1.2 mm ether-TPU | Low modulus, zero parasitic force |
| Installed gap (IG) | Exactly 80 mm | Spacer block during tack-weld |
| Convolution | Smooth flex / optional lantern | Absorbs axial + lateral + angular |
| Pressure rating | Atmospheric to −10 kPa | Thin-wall — NOT for high positive pressure |
| Temperature | −20 to +110 °C | 85 °C CIP |
| End seals | Blue elastomeric snap-fit cuffs | Tool-free <3 s |
| Spigot sizes | 100 / 150 / 200 / 250 / 300 mm | Internal groove |
| Compliance | FDA 21 CFR 177.2600, EC 1935/2004, EU 10/2011 | Reports on request |
🧩 3-Piece Tool-Free Modular System
The SOSHH® SF-ClearFlex™ system is engineered as a seamless 3-piece modular assembly designed for 100% tool-free installation and rapid CIP washdowns:
- Upper Stainless Steel Spigot (SS304 / SS316L): Welded to upstream hoppers or loss-in-weight feeders with a precision internal seating groove.
- SOSHH® SF-ClearFlex™ TPU Sleeve: Features flexible blue elastomeric end cuffs that snap directly into the internal spigot grooves within 3 seconds—no hose clamps, levers, or bolts required.
- Lower Stainless Steel Spigot (SS304 / SS316L): Welded to downstream extruders or receivers, maintaining vertical concentricity and zero-leak sealing.
- Confirm it is a load-cell application. If the sleeve connects a weigh hopper or LIW feeder, use the low-reaction grade — never a wire-reinforced hose.
- Set the gap to exactly 80 mm. Weld with an 80 mm spacer block; keep it clamped until welds cool to remove thermal shrinkage.
- Align vertical and parallel. Any angular offset twists the sleeve and creates side-loads that corrupt the tare.
- Verify free float before calibration. The hopper must float without the sleeve pulling or pushing in any axis.
📊 Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Technical Specification |
|---|
| Material Body | 100% Ether-based Virgin TPU (0.9mm - 1.2mm wall) |
| End Seals | High-Elastic Blue Elastomer Snap-Fit Cuffs |
| Required Installation Gap (IG) | Exactly 80 mm (3 5/32") for stress-free flex |
| Temperature Range | -20°C to +110°C |
| Pressure Rating | Atmospheric to -10 KPa (Anti-vacuum option available) |
| Regulatory Compliance | FDA 21 CFR 177.2600, EC 1935/2004, EU 10/2011 |
| Target Media | Dry powders, milk powder, granules, food additives, pharma APIs |
🛠️ Key Engineering Features
1. Dual-Point Isolation for High-Precision Weighing
Vibration from upstream hoppers or downstream extruders creates signal noise on load cells, causing scale drift. SOSHH® SF-ClearFlex™ creates a stress-free mechanical barrier:
- Upper Inlet Isolation: Absorbs shock loads from bulk storage bins before reaching the load cell.
- Lower Outlet Isolation: Prevents back-pressure and lateral pipe vibration from interfering with scale tare values.
- Zero Spring Effect: Flexes naturally without exerting vertical or side forces on weighing sensors.
2. 100% Optical Clarity for Instant Flow Monitoring
Opaque rubber or fabric sleeves obscure internal material drops, forcing unnecessary line shutdowns to inspect blockages. Ether-based transparent TPU allows operators to visually verify powder flow and detect bridging instantly.
3. Dust-Tight Snap-In Sealing (Zero Powder Leakage)
Precision blue elastic end cuffs seat directly into internal spigot grooves. The snap-fit mechanical interlock forms a 100% dust-tight seal, eliminating fine powder clouds and maintaining cleanroom standards without requiring hose clamps.
4. High Tear & Abrasion Resistance
Delivers 3x to 5x higher tear strength than silicone or thin fabric sleeves, withstanding continuous orbital movement on vibrating sifters without cracking or shedding micro-particles into the product stream.
📐 Spigot Welding & Critical Installation Protocol
To guarantee optimum weighing accuracy and long sleeve life, proper spigot alignment on site is critical. Side-loads caused by misaligned pipework will corrupt load cell readings.
Plaintext
Upper Spigot
┌──────────┐
─────┴──────────┴─────
▲
│ Installation Gap (IG) = EXACTLY 80 mm (3 5/32")
│ (Use 80mm spacer block during tack-welding)
▼
─────┬──────────┬─────
└──────────┘
Lower Spigot
- Maintain the 80 mm Installation Gap (IG):Spigots must be installed with an exact 80 mm gap between the mounting rims. This allows the central bellows to sit in a neutral, stress-free state.
- Use an 80 mm Spacer Block During Welding:Clamp an 80 mm spacer block (min. length 180 mm / 7") between upper and lower spigots while welding. Leave the spacer clamped until welds cool completely to account for thermal metal shrinkage.
- Zero-Offset Vertical Alignment:Upper and lower spigots must be 100% vertically concentric and parallel. Any angular offset forces the connector into a twisted state, creating side loads that destroy weighing accuracy.
🏬 Typical Application Points
- Loss-in-Weight (LIW) Feeder Inlets & Outlets: Eliminates scale signal interference during micro-dosing (<5kg/h).
- Vibrating Sifters & Gyratory Screeners: Absorbs high-frequency vibration without flexing fatigue.
- IBC Tote Filling & Discharge Stations: Prevents dust escape during batch powder transfers.
- Twin-Screw Extruder Feed Throats: Isolates extruders from sensitive dosing equipment.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is the 80 mm installation gap (IG) critical for weighing connectors?
A: If the gap is less than 80 mm, the sleeve becomes compressed and pushes outward; if greater than 80 mm, it pulls tight. Both conditions create artificial tension on the load cell, corrupting batching accuracy. An exact 80 mm gap guarantees zero force transmission.
Q: Is SOSHH® SF-ClearFlex™ compatible with standard snap-in spigots?
A: Yes. The elastic blue snap cuffs are manufactured to precise international dimensions, fitting standard 100mm, 150mm, 200mm, 250mm, and 300mm internal groove spigots without special tools.
Q: Can this connector be customized for non-standard heights or diameters?
A: Yes. SOSHH® provides rapid custom fabrication for non-standard outer diameters, custom offset geometries, and high-temperature requirements with fast global dispatch.
Q: Will a thicker sleeve last longer on a weigher?
No. On a scale, wall thickness is the enemy. A 1.5–2 mm sleeve adds spring force and drifts the load cell. Use 0.9–1.2 mm; accept faster replacement on abrasive media by scheduling changeout, not by stiffening the scale path.
Q: Can I run vacuum on this weighing sleeve?
Only mild suction to about −10 kPa. Thin-wall weighing bellows are not for high vacuum — collapse protection needs ring/coil reinforcement, which returns spring force and defeats the scale. Keep the weighing leg soft, and put any reinforced leg on a separate, non-weighed branch.
Q: Does the 80 mm gap really matter?
Yes. Less than 80 mm compresses the sleeve and pushes outward; more than 80 mm pulls it tight. Both load the sensor. This is the single most common cause of unexplained tare drift.
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