A new standard has been released that evaluates the possible effects of chlorinated water on PEX (crosslinked polyethylene) piping. F 2023, Standard Test Method for Evaluating the Oxidative Resistance of PEX Thermoplastic Piping is available from the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). Approved in June 2000, F 2023 was devised by a task group of ASTM Subcommittee F17.40 on Test Methods in Committee F17 on Plastic Piping Systems.
By performing the evaluation in F 2023, PEX suppliers can measure and compare various formulations and assess future modifications, said Task Group Chairman Stephen Pregun, a consultant with Pregun's Polymer Services, Houston, TX, and a 40-year plastics industry veteran formerly with Shell Chemical. "The results obtained from the test method will provide a reference index so that materials can be compared under similar, extremely aggressive test conditions that exceed those conditions typically found in U.S. plumbing systems," he noted.