Key pipe converters to develop uniform standards for LyondellBasell's new resin used in low-temperature pipe heating installations in China

23-Jan-09

Pipe converters Wavin Hepworth, Aikang China, George Fischer and Weixing have announced to develop uniform standards for LyondellBasell's recently-launched Akoafloor PB-R 509 polybutene-1, which represents a new high-performance class of resin used in underfloor low-temperature pipe heating and cooling systems. According to Dr. Mattis Gosmann, LyondellBasell's Marketing Manager for Polybutene-1 in Asia Pacific, "Achieving this company standard for pipe converters is a necessary first step in the development of a Chinese National Standard for the commercialization of a new class of resins for pipe applications." The initiative is also supported by Chen Jiaqi, Chief-Secretary of China's National Technical Committee of Standardization for Plastic Products, and Wei Ruoqi, Director of the Chinese National Test Center of Polymer and Building Materials. In May last year, LyondellBasell launched Akoafloor PB-R 509 - the first random polybutene-1 co-polymer based on the company's proprietary processing and catalyst technology-for use in customer underfloor heating and surface cooling systems. As per the company, the resin offers superior flexibility, durability and creep resistance, as well as reduced jointing and fitting requirements.