TPi October 2011

plast ic pipes

Durable, lightweight pipes based on high performance polymer

extruded from Victrex PEEK polymer display chemical resistance to H 2 S at high temperature,” noted Mr Simmonite. “It is also unaffected after 2,000 hours of exposure to steam at 200°C (392°F). The exceptional chemical resistance and very low permeability make them ideal for oil and gas applications, where steel pipes may suffer the severely corrosive effects of H 2 S and carbon dioxide gases, and where existing thermoplastic solutions are reaching the limit of their thermal endurance.” Victrex Pipes are also halogen-free, with low levels of smoke and toxic gas emissions, ensuring they satisfy the stringent safety, quality and performance regulations within the aerospace industry. Providing electrical insulation, mechanical stability and fatigue strength, as well as chemical, corrosion and hydrolysis resistance at high temperatures, Victrex Pipes offer potential solutions to numerous performance requirements of industrial applications, from corrosive and high temperature conditions in chemical, geothermal and mining plant to insulation and protection demands in electrical and industrial sheathing.

polymer makes full use of the material’s performance capabilities, including the ability to withstand extreme temperatures and corrosive conditions and reduce weight. Victrex Pipes open up new application opportunities, with the capability to deliver long-term reliability in the demanding operating conditions found in the high temperature, pressures and corrosive conditions in the oil and gas sector. As well as addressing the needs of the oil and gas sector to search for new fields in more demanding environments, its weight reduction capabilities can facilitate fuel efficiency in the aerospace sector while also addressing the harsh corrosive, temperature and electrical demands of the industrial sectors. The pipes are currently available in a range of sizes from 6 to 200mm OD (0.24" to 8"), with wall thicknesses depending on the OD, from 0.8 to 5mm (0.03" to 0.2"). They are available either as straight lengths or, for smaller diameters, in coiled lengths of up to 3,000m (10,000ft). Victrex PEEK polymer-based pipes can be joined using a range of connectors and adhesives, and also by using conventional welding equipment. The pipes can also be laser marked using suitable equipment. “Tests have shown that pipes and tubes pipes and cable jackets. The market for light stabilisers is growing worldwide. Particularly HALS (Hindered Amine Light Stabilisers), used in products made of polypropylene or polyethylene, will see great increases in demand. Ceresana Research anticipates that the Asia-Pacific region will continue to strongly influence the stabiliser market over the coming years. In addition, South America, Eastern Europe and the Middle East register above-average growth rates of 3.5% to 4.7%. There will be significant changes in the types of stabilisers used. Especially in environmentally friendly Europe, lead stabilisers are increasingly replaced

In response to growing market demand for superior performing pipes in harsh and demanding environments, Victrex Polymer Solutions has launched the Victrex Pipes™ product family. Developed to replace the corrosion resistant alloys (CRAs) used to make pipes and piping systems for extraction and transportation in the oil and gas industries, Victrex Pipes offer an opportunity to replace CRAs in pipes and piping systems by lining pipes manufactured in other metals. “The launch of Victrex Pipes is the culmination of six years of intensive research, development, market assessment and customer liaison,” commented James Simmonite, business leader pipes, Victrex Polymer Solutions. “Victrex Pipes can also deliver performance solutions in a broad range of applications beyond the original lined pipes for oil and gas, from industrial to aerospace to electrical sheathing and conduit. Victrex Pipes offer a broad range of properties, including chemical, corrosion, abrasion and permeation resistance at high temperatures, in a flexible lightweight format.”

Victrex Polymer Solutions – UK www.victrex.com

The new product line of extruded pipes and tubing made from Victrex PEEK

Protecting plastics and rubber Stabilisers protect plastics from degradation when exposed to heat and light. “The worldwide market for these indispensable additives will achieve revenues of almost US$4.8 billion by 2018,” forecasts Oliver Kutsch, CEO of Ceresana Research. According to a new study by Ceresana, the Asia-Pacific accounts for about half of all demand, followed by Western Europe and North America.

by other types, usually mixed metals. On the other hand, the use of lead stabilisers continues to grow in China and India. Calcium zinc stabilisers are gaining importance in the fields of pipes, food-wrapping films, and packaging. Barium-zinc stabilisers see the greatest increases in demand in the field of floorings. The up-to-date study by Ceresana Research summarises the most important facts on the different types of heat and light stabilisers over 567 pages.

Polyvinyl chloride in particular has to be protected from degradation. Therefore, heat stabilisers are mainly needed for construction materials made of PVC: More than 85% of all stabilisers sold during 2010 were used in profiles,

Ceresana Research – Germany info@ceresana.com www.ceresana.com

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October 2011 Tube Products International