Evonik applauds addition of VESTAMID® NRG Polyamide 12 Thermoplastic to the Federal Pipeline Safety Regulation, for use in Natural Gas Distribution Pipelines
Evonik Corporation’s High Performance Polymers Business Line applauds the recent decision from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Material Safety Administration (PHMSA) on issuance of a final rule that amends the Federal Pipeline Safety Regulations for plastics piping systems to include updated standards governing the use for pipelines made of polyamide 12 (PA12) thermoplastic.
The updates in the final rule are intended to enhance public safety, allow for the expanded use of plastic pipe products in the transportation of natural or other gas, and allow or require the use of certain materials and practices.
“We are very excited about this announcement from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration,” said Doug Weishaar, business development manager of Evonik’s High Performance Polymers Business Line. “The addition of Polyamide 12 to the federal code provides new material options that offer proven, safe and cost saving alternatives for local natural gas distributors seeking to install new, repaired, or replaced pipelines operating at up to 250 psig.”
“Today marks an important step for Evonik’s increased presence in the oil and gas industry not only in the U.S., but globally. U.S. regulatory guidelines are typically viewed as more conservative versus other regions of the world. Inclusion of PA12 into this federal standard further demonstrates the proven performance record of this material,” adds Markus Hartmann, head of Segment Oil & Gas for High Performance Polymers.
As a result of the final rule’s updated changes, the cost of materials to produce new pipe is estimated to be reduced by 10 percent, resulting in an annual material cost savings of approximately $32 million for transmission, gathering, and distribution operators, according to PHMSA.
VESTAMID® NRG polyamide 12 compounds are specially developed for the oil and gas industry. As well as high impact strength, it also boasts exceptional resistance to stress cracking and chemicals. Thanks to these properties, the compounds can be used to protect both the interior and exterior of onshore and offshore oil and gas pipes to provide safe service during the lifetime of the installed pipeline.
Company Information
Evonik is one of the world leaders in specialty chemicals. The focus on more specialty businesses, high innovative prowess and an encouraging and trustful corporate culture form the heart of Evonik’s corporate strategy. They are the lever for profitable growth and a sustained increase in the value of the company. Evonik benefits specifically from its customer proximity and leading market positions. Evonik is active in over 100 countries around the world with more than 36,000 employees. In fiscal 2017, the enterprise generated sales of around €14.4 billion and an operating profit (adjusted EBITDA) of about €2.36 billion.
About Resource Efficiency
The Resource Efficiency segment is led by Evonik Resource Efficiency GmbH and produces high performance materials and specialty additives for environmentally friendly as well as energy-efficient systems to the automotive, paints & coatings, adhesives, construction, and many other industries. This segment employed about 10,000 employees, and generated sales of around €5.4 billion in 2017.
Disclaimer
In so far as forecasts or expectations are expressed in this press release or where our statements concern the future, these forecasts, expectations or statements may involve known or unknown risks and uncertainties. Actual results or developments may vary, depending on changes in the operating environment. Neither Evonik Industries AG nor its group companies assume an obligation to update the forecasts, expectations or statements contained in this release.