Borealis upgrades performance of polyethylene for gas Pipes

With the launch of this new BorSafe grade, Borealis completes its portfolio of “LS-H” grades that are identified by their very high resistance to slow crack growth. BorSafe HE3492-LS-H is available in the colour orange for gas distribution pipes in addition to the already well-established black and blue coloured grades (BorSafe HE3490-LS-H and HE3494-LS-H). The new grade can be extruded into a monolayer pipe or co-extruded with BorSafe HE3490- LS-H in two- and three-layer co-extruded pipes. BorSafe HE3492-LS-H meets a growing need for safety in the gas sector, where pipe failures can have serious consequences. Furthermore, its high resistance to slow crack growth allows pipe installation companies to use the latest high-speed, lower-cost techniques such as sandless bedding and nodig installation without fear of the pipe being damaged during installation or in use. When laid in rocky or sandless bedding conditions, pipes can be subjected to external point loading, with high stresses building up. “BorSafe HE3492-LS-H also offers installation companies high quality welds while its excellent processability enables extrusion companies to maximise line output,” says Jane Toogood, Borealis Vice President for the Business Unit Pipe. “All the features of the new grade contribute to the reliability and longevity of gas pipes, delivering a sustainable solution to customers and consumers alike.” “In addition, studies have proven that polyethylene pipes compared to any other material provide highest resistance to earth movements,” Jane Toogood continues. “Thus they deliver additional benefits and security especially when installed in earthquake regions.” All BorSafe LS-H grades are classified as PE100-RC materials according to the German PAS1075 standard, a prerequisite for use with such installation methods. BorSafe HE3492-LS-H has a higher resistance to slow crack growth than BorSafe HE3492-LS, which will no longer be produced. BorSafe™ HE3492-LS-H features superior resistance to slow crack growth ----------------------------------------- BOREALIS BUSINESS UNIT PIPE Borealis is the leading supplier of advanced polypropylene and polyethylene pipe system solutions. Through the close dialogue with our customers and stakeholders, we have developed a broad and innovative product and service portfolio over the last 50 years. Our applications cover water and gas distribution, waste water and sewage disposal, chemical and industrial pipelines, in-house plumbing and heating as well as pipe systems for oil and gas exploration and transportation. Through our close relationships with our customers and partners we strive to deliver a steady stream of innovative pipe and fittings solutions that add real value for all members in the value chain. BOREALIS Borealis is a leading provider of chemical and innovative plastics solutions that create value for society. With sales of EUR 4.7 billion in 2009, customers in over 120 countries, and 5,200 employees worldwide, Borealis is owned 64% by the International Petroleum Investment Company (IPIC) of Abu Dhabi and 36% by OMV, the leading energy group in the European growth belt. Borealis is headquartered in Vienna, Austria, and has production locations, innovation centres and customer service centres across Europe and the Americas. Through Borouge, a joint venture between Borealis and the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), one of the world’s major oil and gas companies, the company’s footprint reaches out to the Middle East, Asia Pacific, the Indian sub-continent and Africa.. Established in 1998, Borouge employs approximately 1,600 people, has customers in more than 50 countries and its headquarters are in Abu Dhabi in the UAE and Singapore. Building on Borealis’ unique Borstar® technology and their experience in polyolefins of more than 50 years, Borealis and Borouge provide innovative, value creating plastics solutions for the infrastructure (pipe systems and power and communication cables), automotive and advanced packaging markets. In addition, Borealis offers a wide range of base chemicals from melamine and plant nutrients to phenol and acetone. Today, Borealis and Borouge have a manufacturing capacity of over 5.4 million tonnes of polyolefins (polyethylene and polypropylene) per year of which 26% are the result of a recently completed capacity expansion in Abu Dhabi. An additional 2.5 million tonnes per year is scheduled for completion by the end of 2013, creating the world’s largest integrated polyolefins plant. The companies continue to invest to ensure that their customers throughout the value chain, around the world, can always rely on superior products and security of supply. Borouge and Borealis are committed to the principles of Responsible Care® and proactively contribute to addressing the world’s water and sanitation challenges through their Water for the World™ initiative. ----------------------------------------- For more information visit: Borealis: www.borealisgroup.com Borouge: www.borouge.com Water for the World: www.waterfortheworld.net BorSafe™ is a trademark of the Borealis group. Tel. +43 1 22 400 602