Abstract: A hydrophobic molecular sieve having a pore size of about 5 ? can be blended into a silane grafted crosslinkable polyethylene to reduce the level of extractable methanol present in articles made with such polymeric compositions after crosslinking. The molecular sieve apparently acts to “lock-up” the methanol generated as a by-product of the crosslinking reaction without compromising the desirable chemical or physical properties of articles that are manufactured with the crosslinked polyethylene.

Abstract: A combination of vinyl trimethoxysilane and vinyl triethoxysilane can be grafted onto polyethylene to produce a polyethylene graft terpolymer that can be crosslinked without a significant reduction in crosslinking rates relative to vinyl triemethoxysilane grafted polyethylene. The combination of vinyl trimethoxysilane and vinyl triethoxysilane apparently act synergistically. While byproduct methanol from crosslinking with trimethoxysilane is very undesirable in some products, byproduct ethanol from crosslinking is less hazardous, especially at ppm levels.

Abstract: A piping system for hot water-based fluid substantially above ambient temperature (10) includes at least one horizontal pipe run (20, 22). Each horizontal pipe run includes at least one flexible expansion loop (40, 42). Each flexible expansion loop is comprised of a unitary flexible body (70) which includes opposed generally linear end portions (72, 74). Curved portions of the flexible expansion loop (76, 78, 80, 82) are curved and extend transversely away from the common axis (48) of the horizontal pipe run. The flexible expansion loop is operative to accommodate changes due to the thermal expansion, water hammer and vibration while being more compact than conventional expansion loops.

Abstract: A system for distributing water within a building operates to distribute water from a pressurized water supply source to devices that receive water, such as faucets, toilets, showers, sprinklers, and hot water heating devices. The system includes at least one manifold which may be of unitary molded plastic construction and comprised of chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC). The manifold includes an entry port and a plurality of outlet ports which are also referred to as sockets. The sockets are configured to receive fitting inserts of various types that include water line connectors. The sockets are also configured to accept standard plastic water conduits therein in cemented relation. The water line connectors may include metallic connectors such as barbed fittings, which can be used to connect the manifold and crosslinked polyethylene (PEX) pipe in nonthreaded relation. Manifolds may be connected together to provide suitable distribution arrangements.

Abstract: A system for distributing water within a building operates to distribute water from a pressurized water supply source to devices that receive water, such as faucets, toilets, showers, sprinklers, and hot water heating devices. The system includes at least one manifold which may be of unitary molded plastic construction and comprised of chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC). The manifold includes an entry port and a plurality of outlet ports which are also referred to as sockets. The sockets are configured to receive fitting inserts of various types that include water line connectors. The sockets are also configured to accept standard plastic water conduits therein in cemented relation. The water line connectors may include metallic connectors such as barbed fittings, which can be used to connect the manifold and crosslinked polyethylene (PEX) pipe in nonthreaded relation. Manifolds may be connected together to provide suitable distribution arrangements.

Abstract: Pipe or tubing of crosslinked polyethylene (“PEX”) containing less than 2% by wt. carbon black provides improved resistance to oxidizing agents such as chlorine and hypochlorous acid in water. The pipe may be further protected with a thin tubular core (inner layer) of high density polyethylene or chlorinated polyethylene. The pipe may optionally have an oxygen barrier layer, such as poly(ethylene-co-vinyl alcohol) (“EVOH”), contiguously disposed radially outward from the carbon-containing PEX layer. The pipe is suitable for potable water applications and for hot water radiant heating systems.

Abstract: A multilayer PEX pipe having improved resistance to oxidizing agents in water. The pipe has a thin tubular core (inner layer) of high density polyethylene and an outer layer of crosslinked polyethylene. The pipe may optionally have an oxygen barrier layer, such as poly(ethylene-co-vinyl alcohol) (“EVOH”), contiguously disposed radially outward from the PEX layer. The pipe is suitable for potable water applications and for hot water radiant heating systems.

Abstract: A multilayer PEX pipe having improved resistance to oxidizing agents in water. The pipe has a thin tubular core (inner layer) of high density polyethylene and an outer layer of crosslinked polyethylene. The pipe may optionally have an oxygen barrier layer, such as poly(ethylene-co-vinyl alcohol) (“EVOH”), contiguously disposed radially outward from the PEX layer. The pipe is suitable for potable water applications and for hot water radiant heating systems.

Abstract: Pipe or tubing of crosslinked polyethylene (“PEX”) containing less than 2% by wt. carbon black provides improved resistance to oxidizing agents such as chlorine and hypochlorous acid in water. The pipe may be further protected with a thin tubular core (inner layer) of high density polyethylene or chlorinated polyethylene. The pipe may optionally have an oxygen barrier layer, such as poly(ethylene-co-vinyl alcohol) (“EVOH”), contiguously disposed radially outward from the carbon-containing PEX layer. The pipe is suitable for potable water applications and for hot water radiant heating systems.

Abstract: A moisture crosslinkable flame retardant composition comprising 25-75 wt % of a vinyl trialkoxy silane copolymer having a melt index selected from the range 0.2-25, and a silane content selected from 0.5-5 wt %; 15-20 wt % polyethylene having a melt index selected from 0.1-30, and a density selected from 0.93-0.96 g/ml; 10-35 wt % decabromodiphenyl oxide; and, optionally, 5-15 wt % 1,2,3,4,7,8,9,10,13,13,14,14-dodecachloro 1,4,4a,5,6,6a,7,10,10a,11,12,12a-dodecahydro 1,4,7,10-dimethanodibenzo (a,e) cyclooctene. The crosslinkable composition provides improved dielectric breakdown strength and flame retardancy. Improved electric cables are provided.