Gas pipeline made of Evonik’s VESTAMID® NRG polyamide 12 receives award
The Plastics Pipe Institute recently named an installation featuring Evonik’s VESTAMID® NRG polyamide 12 as Project of the Year in the PPI Energy Piping Systems Division.
A utility in Henderson, Ky., made the first installation under the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration’s (PHMSA) Mega Rule, that went into effect in January of 2019, which allows PA12 pipelines to be installed without special permission. Previously any high-pressure gas lines (up to 250 psig) made of PA 12 would require special approval. This milestone installation earned it the award.
Benefits through horizontal directional drilling
Henderson Municipal Gas (HMG) laid a total of 2,720 feet of VESTAMID® NRG 2101 pipeline in several steps through an industrial area utilizing horizontal directional drilling (HDD). The installation technique is extremely eco-friendly and time saving, causing minimal ecological damage that is restricted to points in the immediate vicinity of the system. This method also reduced lane closures and traffic disruption.
A HDD contractor pulled the PA 12 through slurried bored holes and HMG work crews fused the sections together. More ductile and much lighter than steel, PA12 made the HDD installation much easier than it would have been with steel pipe. “The welding required to join steel pipe sections on this project would have required additional manpower, a longer time-frame, and frequent traffic interruptions,” said Owen Reeves, P.E., HMG gas system director.
Competing with steel
The VESTAMID® NRG pipes were extruded by Teel Plastics, Inc. of Baraboo, Wisconsin. A unique benefit of the inherent molecular make-up of VESTAMID® NRG PA12 molding compounds is that they are extremely resistant to heavy hydrocarbons, making them ideal candidate materials for extremely harsh environmental conditions. As a result, VESTAMID® NRG PA12 material is the perfect choice in industrial areas, where the soil may have been contaminated by gasoline or other spills. Plus, it is also highly resistant to odorizing chemicals and serves as an outstanding barrier to the hydrocarbons found in gas condensates such as benzene, toluene, and xylene.
In comparison to metallic piping systems, where mechanical fittings or gaskets are used and tend to corrode or leak over the lifetime of the pipeline, the chemical resistance of PA12 and the joining of the pipes with proven butt heat fusion or electrofusion methods ensure a long shelf life without costly maintenance measures.
Company information
Evonik is one of the world leaders in specialty chemicals. The company is active in more than 100 countries around the world and generated sales of €13.1 billion and an operating profit (adjusted EBITDA) of €2.15 billion in 2019. Evonik goes far beyond chemistry to create innovative, profitable and sustainable solutions for customers. More than 32,000 employees work together for a common purpose: We want to improve life, day by day.
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 €5.7 billion in 2019 from continuing operations.
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.