wiredinUSA July 2013

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wiredInUSA - July 2013 51
drilling and completion of oil and gas wells.
It has been qualified for 30,000psi and
300ºC. The FOFT is currently configured for
one to eight fibers in a 0.375" housing that
can be welded or coupled with a standard
high-pressure fitting. The FOFT has also been
miniaturized to fit a high pressure, high
temperature connector.
This rugged, high performance fiber optic
feed thru is constructed of low outgassing
materials and is configurable with standard
single-mode and multi-mode fibers. It
conveniently interfaces with standard
3/8" high pressure fittings and is available
in a variety of optional end terminations,
including bare, stripped, SMA, ST, FC, APC
and custom ferrules.
Ametek’s process produces an hermetic
seal between an optical fiber and a metal
super alloy with a proprietary seal glass. The
result is an extremely durable compression
seal. The connector’s robust construction
also makes it highly resistant to corrosion
and chemical attack. It is believed to be
the only optic fiber-based feed thru in
the industry to offer its combination of
characteristics and performance for harsh
service conditions.
Polyolefin to replace PVC
Addivant™ USA LLC has introduced new
Polybond® polymer modifiers that allow
halogen-free polyolefin compounds to
replace PVC in flame retardant wire and
cable.
The replacement of PVC in wire and
cable insulation and jacketing is driven
chiefly by regulatory changes. This has
developed an increased demand for
halogen-free polyolefin compounds for use
in transportation, electrical and electronic,
building and construction and appliance
applications.
Polyolefins are the most widely used
polymers, primarily due to their ease
of processing, balance of mechanical
properties versus cost and, with respect to
the wire and cable market, good electrical
properties, but they are not inherently
flame retardant. Traditional formulations
to make polyolefins flame retardant use
halogenated flame retardants, which in turn