- Tailored polymer architecture and low melt flow rate of newly launched BorSafe™ HE3490-SLS-H prevents sagging and offers very high Slow Crack Growth (SCG) resistance
- Borealis selected for major pipeline project on basis of proven track record of professional execution, focus on highest quality, and efficient process alignment
- Design for eco-efficiency and recycling puts EverMinds™ approach to work in practice
According to the company’s website media release on September 14, 2022, Borealis announces that Politejo, a leading global pipe manufacturer based in Portugal, has selected the new Super Low Sag (SLS) black polyethylene PE100-RC (resistant to crack) pressure pipe material for use in a major pipeline project comprising onshore and offshore sections in the Galicia region of northern Spain. The project is one example of how Borealis is using its step-change innovations to enhance the sustainability of pipe infrastructure by making pipes safer, more robust, and durable. By designing pipe materials with eco-efficiency and recycling in mind, Borealis is closing the loop on plastics circularity.
The new pipe material is the recently launched BorSafe™ HE3490-SLS-H. Its tailored polymer architecture and low melt flow rate (MFR) enable the production of pipe with high wall thicknesses while counteracting the “sagging phenomenon” characteristic of other conventional materials used in the pipe extrusion process. Sagging refers to the tendency for a hot melt (being extruded from the pipe extrusion die) to flow downward due to the force of gravity, resulting in uneven wall thickness and distribution. The low sag property of this resin makes the production process more efficient, with faster start-up in reaching the required dimension tolerances for pipe diameter and wall thickness. Another benefit is the reduction of scrap rates and overall waste avoidance.
For Politejo’s large-diameter pipeline project in Spain, pipes with diameters of 900 mm and 1100 mm will be used in the onshore section, while a larger number of pipes with diameter of 1400 mm and 60 mm wall thickness will be used in the offshore section, where submersed installation demands especially high quality and long material lifespan.
The very high Slow Crack Growth (SCG) resistance of BorSafe HE3490-SLS-H translates into faster installation and cost efficiency. Faster installation times can be realised because the robustness of the pipe allows for installation without sand-bedding around it. For drinking water applications, the new and improved formulation offers extra assurance of purity for the safe transport of potable water. Finally, design for eco-efficiency in the spirit of EverMinds™ means that this material solution boasts an expected lifespan of over 100 years, and is fully recyclable.
BorSafe HE3490-SLS-H can be produced using a grade from the Bornewables™ portfolio of circular polyolefins. In future, resins from the transformational Borcycle™ C portfolio of chemically recycled solutions can also be selected for pipe applications.
Both the Bornewables and Borcycle C grades are composed of ISCC PLUS-certified (International Sustainability & Carbon Certification Plus) feedstock produced using the mass balance method; both enable significant CO2 footprint reductions when compared to the use of fossil fuel-based feedstocks.
“This project is a major milestone in collaboration between the Politejo team and Borealis. Borealis have executed such projects with the company’s experienced team in the past, but here Borealis needed the best material, and one available for prompt shipment. Given that the company’s installation schedule is extremely tight, the high production rates and easy processing of the BorSafe material are key parameters. BorSafe HE3490-SLS-H pipes’ superior mechanical performance characteristics, robustness, and scratch resistance during transport and installation were decisive factors in the company’s selection,” explains Andre’ Maia, Politejo Technical Director. “We’re glad to have found in Borealis a partner who moves with Borealis in pushing the envelope on highly demanding polyethylene pipe applications.”
“Borealis is pleased to be advancing circularity in the pipe industry together with the company’s partner Politejo, who shares the company’s dedication to using innovation and collaboration to make the company’s infrastructure safer and more sustainable,” says John Webster, Borealis Global Commercial Director Infrastructure. “Design for eco-efficiency in the spirit of EverMinds has produced a superior product with an extremely long lifespan and which can even be recycled at end-of-life. This is what we mean by reinventing the plastics infrastructure for more sustainable living.”
Media contacts:
Borealis
Virginia Wieser
Senior Manager, Corporate Communications,
Brand & Reputation
T +43 1 22 400 772 (Vienna, Austria)
Politejo
Natalia Freitas
Departamento Gráfico e Publicidade
About Borealis and Borouge
Borealis is one of the world’s leading providers of advanced and sustainable polyolefin solutions and a European front-runner in polyolefins recycling. In Europe, Borealis is a market leader in base chemicals and fertilizers. With head offices in Vienna, Austria, Borealis employs 6,900 employees and operates in over 120 countries. In 2021, Borealis generated total sales of EUR 12.342 EUR billion and a net profit of EUR 1,396 million. OMV, the Austria-based international oil and gas company, owns 75% of Borealis, while the remaining 25% is owned by a holding company of the Abu-Dhabi based Mubadala. Borealis supply services and products to customers around the globe through Borealis and two important joint ventures:
Borouge (with the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, or ADNOC, based in UAE); and Baystar™ (with TotalEnergies, based in the US).
Borealis and Borouge aim to proactively benefit society by taking on real societal challenges and offering real solutions. Both companies are committed to the principles of Responsible Care®, an initiative to improve safety performance within the chemical industry, and work to solve the world’s water and sanitation challenges through product innovation and their Water for the World programme.
www.borealisgroup.com | www.borouge.com | www.borealiseverminds.com
About Politejo
Politejo is one of the leaders producing thermoplastics pipes and fittings up to OD2000 mm. With 9 plants in five countries and 3 different continents, Politejo has the expertise for all kinds of infrastructure projects, in design, specification, installation and operations of complete solutions with the best quality-price factor. Politejo is involved in several big projects with different contractors and decision makers. With a team of 400 persons Politejo achieved a turnover around 180 million Euro, with all the company’s products with quality certificates.
Also Politejo participates in different sector associations in order to develop the innovation according to market needs.
Borcycle, Bornewables, BorSafe & EverMinds are trademarks of Borealis AG.
