LyondellBasell unveils new PE-RT resin for hot water pipe applications

18-Feb-09

LyondellBasell Industries has unveiled a new raised-temperature-resistant polyethylene resin (PE-RT) to complete its range of materials used in plumbing and underfloor heating. The new Hostalen 4731B high density PE resin is produced using company's Advanced Cascade Process (ACP) and is said to provide excellent long-term creep performance and thermal stability required for pipe applications. The PE-RT Type II material, which meets ISO standard 24033, is the latest addition to LyondellBasell's range of cross-linked polyethylene, random copolymer polypropylene and polybutene-1 materials used in demanding applications such as hot water pressure pipes. Tests conducted at the Swedish Bodycote Materials Testing Institute confirmed the material's outstanding hydrostatic properties. Simulating a 50-year service life at temperatures of 70°C, the new PE-RT resin exceeded the minimum requirements of PE-RT Type II materials in the most important application classes by more than 10%, based on ISO 10508 standards. With its good creep resistance, the resin can be considered for use in solid wall and aluminum-metal composite pipes with a typical pressure of up to 10 bar, and an operating temperature of up to 70°C. The company claims that Hostalen 4731B resin provides good processability. "Manufacturers can achieve high line speeds with smooth pipe surfaces. The high-melt strength properties of the resin result in very good dimension stability of the extruded pipe, which allows thin-wall pipes within small tolerances. The resin can also be processed on HDPE and PP-R equipment," said Hansjörg Nitz, LyondellBasell's Global Pipe Business Development Manager.