POLYSULFONE FITTINGS
Wirsbo Company has selected UDEL® GF-120 FG polysulfone as the material for its new ProPEX® insert fittings, which are part of their AQUAPEX® Professional Plumbing System. UDEL polysulfone is a product of Amoco Polymers, Inc. Wirsbo's PEX tubing is in use in over 1.6 million plumbing and heating installations worldwide. The system uses cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) tubing which was originally developed for radiant floor heating systems. Its flexibility eliminates many of the fittings required by traditional plumbing systems. The tubing is also free of metal contaminants, and cannot leach metals into drinking water as is possible with metal plumbing materials. The ProPEX fittings used for connections in the system use the shape memory of the PEX tubing to form a connection. An expander tool expands the tubing, allowing a fitting to be inserted. The tubing then shrinks around the fitting as it tries to return to its original shape. The permanent connection actually gets stronger over time, and can be visually verified. The new polysulfone fittings provide an alternative to brass fittings previously used in the system. The company chose polysulfone because of its excellent resistance to chlorine, its long-term hydrostatic burst pressure, and its NSF, wRC and KTW approvals. UDEL polysulfone has been used successfully in hot water applications for over 20 years. It is hydrolytically stable, and is resistant to steam. Polysulfone's properties are virtually unaffected by long-term thermal aging at 300°F. The fittings are highly resistant to freeze conditions, and are safe for air pressure testing.

For more information, contact Wirsbo Co., 5925 148th St. W., Apple Valley, MN 55124, 612-891-2000, FAX 612-891-2008; Amoco Polymers, Inc., 4500 McGinnis Ferry Rd., Alpharetta, GA 30202, 770-772-8200, FAX 770-772-8747.