TPT July 2011

Huntsman’s Suprasec MDI used in Roplast pipeline cleaning tools ROPLAST designs and manufactures pipeline-cleaning tools and is using methylene diphenyl di- isocyanate (MDI) from Huntsman Polyurethanes to help keep some of the world’s major oil and gas pipelines free of grime, residue and dirt. Working with Huntsman, Roplast has created a new line of non-cellular, polyurethane-based, hot cast elastomers. This industrial grade plastic is being employed as a core material in Roplast’s cleaning pigs. Designed to travel hundreds of miles inside complex pipeline networks, these devices are fitted with brushes and / or magnets to gather up any surplus dirt, ferrous debris or liquid. Around the globe, gas and oil suppliers need to ensure pipelines are kept clean in order to maintain constant flow rates, minimise operating costs and extend the lifetime of their assets. Roplast clean- ing products are recognized as one of the most effective tools to achieve this. The company was the first to develop pipeline-cleaning tools that comply with EU legislation regarding the use of equip- ment in explosive environments (“ATEX”). Today, Roplast produces different sized cleaning pigs that can be inserted into pipes of any length or diameter. Covering long distances, Roplast cleaning pigs are exposed to significant abrasive forces as they navigate narrow bends and confined spaces. Core components like cups and discs therefore need to be made from durable elastomers that demonstrate outstanding mechanical properties and excel- lent dynamic behaviour, even under extreme conditions. Elastomers based on MDI from Huntsman are renowned for offering high levels of resistance vs. abrasion, thermal, hydrolytic and chemical resistance. They also provide excellent tensile resistance, good elasticity and a wide temperature operating range. Dr Michael Magerstädt, Corporate Manager Marketing Industry General at ROPLAST, said: “We have been creating polyurethane-based elastomers for many years but were looking for an addi- tional MDI supplier that could partner with us on projects moving forward. Roplast, a member of the Rosen group, is a large company with a global presence. We like to build lasting relationships with suppliers who have similar capabilities and Huntsman Polyurethanes had all the right credentials. We added the team to our list of suppliers for two reasons; the technical support they offer and their willingness to assist us on R&D programs.” Alfred Rasche, Sales Account Manager from Huntsman Polyurethanes, said: “Initially, we’ll be sup- plying Roplast with several tons of MDI every month – predominantly for use in the manufacture of its cleaning tools. Over time however, we hope that our collaboration will grow. Recently, Roplast has executed a number of large projects outside of the cleaning tool business and the company anticipates further projects where our knowledge of polyurethane-based elastomers could add sig- nificant value.”Other than producing cleaning tools, pipeline data loggers, and tool location trans- mitters, Roplast also manufactures intelligent cast polyurethane products for a variety of industrial applications. Компания Roplast разрабатывает и производит приспособления для чистки трубопроводов и использует материал MDI (метилендифенилдизоцианат), поставляемый компанией Huntsman Polyurethanes, для очистки крупнейших в мире нефте- и газопроводов от грязи и осадков. Сотрудничество компаний Huntsman и Roplast обеспечило создание ряда неячеистых эластомеров на основе полиуретана для горячей формовки. Этот промышленный пластик применяется в качестве материала сердцевины шаровых скребков компании Roplast. Рассчитанные для прохождения сотен миль внутри сложных трубопроводных сетей, эти устройства снабжаютсящетками и (или) магнитами для снятия грязи и удаленияметаллических частиц и жидкости. Использование материала Suprasec MDI компании Huntsman с приспособлениями компании Roplast для чистки трубопроводов