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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.
Использование материала Suprasec MDI компании Huntsman с приспособлениями
компании Roplast для чистки трубопроводов
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.