Tigre SA, the largest plumbing manufacturer in Brazil, has developed the first complete line of plastic pipe fittings for pressurized, flexible hot water systems in Brazil. The fittings are made of Udel® polysulfone (PSU) from Solvay Advanced Polymers, LLC, a tough, hydrolytically stable material suitable for applications requiring continuous exposure to hot chlorinated water. They were introduced at the Brasilplast 2009 exhibition May 4-8. Udel PSU is a tough, rigid, high-strength thermoplastic with a heat deflection temperature of 345° F (174° C). It is suitable for continuous use up to 300° F (149° C) and maintains its properties over a wide temperature range. The material is said to exhibit low creep and excellent dimensional stability in hot water and steam. It is highly resistant to oxidation aging, mineral acids, alkali, and salt solutions and can cost-effectively replace metal in pressurized hot water applications.
The injection molded plastic pipe fittings provide freedom from corrosion and heavy metals. In addition, they comply with the major global health and toxicology requirements for components used in hot, potable water systems, explains Alex Sant'Anna, Solvay Specialty Polymers' senior account manager. Tigre will launch the PEX Tigre product line in July. Besides a complete line of PSU fittings, the portfolio includes monolayer and multilayer PEX tubing made of silane crosslinkable polyethylene from sister company Solvay Padanaplast. The multilayer tubing includes an aluminum middle layer which serves as an oxygen barrier to prevent damage to heaters, valves, and other equipment in solar heating and radiant floor systems.
05-May-09 
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