PEX Pipe

Atty Docket No. APB1-PAU05

FLEXIBLE POLYMERIC TUBING WITH ADMIXED GRAPHENE FOR REDUCED GAS PERMEABILITY

Field of the Invention Embodiments of the invention relate generally to flexible polymeric tubing. More particularly, embodiments of the invention relate to the use of graphene for providing reduced 10 gas permeability in flexible polymeric tubing

Atty Docket No. APB1-PAU05 4

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention provide a method and apparatus that reduces the gas permeability of polymeric pipe, such as PEX tubing. Embodiments of the present invention also provide a method for reducing permeability of 5 a gas through a polymeric material comprising admixing graphene with a polymeric mixture prior to formation of the polymeric material; and forming the polymeric material with the graphene dispersed therein. In some embodiments, the graphene is evenly dispersed in the polymeric material. In some embodiments, the polymeric material is a tubing. In some embodiments, the 10 tubing is a polyethylene tubing. In some embodiments, the tubing is a cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) tubing. In some embodiments, the method further includes incorporating the tubing in a closed loop circulation system. In some embodiments, the closed loop circulation system is a heating system. In some embodiments, the heating system is a radiant heating system. 15 In some embodiments, the method further includes mixing the graphene with a polymeric starting material. In some embodiments, the polymeric starting material is solid polyethylene. In some embodiments, the method includes mixing the graphene with molten, cross[1]linked polymeric starting material. In some embodiments, the cross-linked polymeric starting material is cross-linked polyethylene. 20 Embodiments of the present invention also provide a polymeric tubing comprising a polymeric material extruded into the polymeric tubing; and graphene admixed with the polymeric material. In some embodiments the polymeric tubing is cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) tubing. These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become 25 better understood with reference to the following drawings, description and claims.

Atty Docket No. APB1-PAU05 13

ABSTRACT Oxygen barrier PEX pipe can be used in, for example, closed loop heating systems. This oxygen barrier poly pipe must be used in closed loop heating systems to 5 protect against oxygen entering the system and corroding the insides of heating boiler or other sensitive components. There are standards that must be met for this type of polymeric pipe listed as Oxygen Barrier DIN 4726, approved for radiant heating systems. Unlike conventional systems that use a complicated layering process for these pipes, which is typically not 100% efficient at keeping oxygen out of the system, the oxygen 10 barrier pipe using graphene provides an improved and cost efficient product for oxygen barrier pipes.

Comment:

The enclosed Patent Pending Application simplifies the manufacturing of Polymer PEX pipe for Hot Water Heating Systems. Polymeric Pipe is permeable and can allow Oxygen to enter the heating System causing corrosive damage to the system. In the industry there are many different uses for Polymer pipe all requiring different standards for manufacturing. There are pipes for fresh water systems as well as hot water for bathing, all such pipe require certifications for specific uses and adds to the cost of producing so many different pipes. There have been pipes color coded as Red for Hot Water and Blue for cold Water. Many times the coloring process weakens the pipe, causing failure of the hot and cold system used for bathing and fresh water supply. My enclosed patent application will simplify the PEX pipes used for Hot Water Heating Systems and if proper testing and certification is acquired, it will save industry large amounts of money in that one type of pipe could be produced for all uses. A manufacturer could be the leader in the PEX pipe and water systems providing they acquire a License for use of my patent technology.