Evonik, one of the world leaders in specialty chemicals, has added another product to its portfolio of Vestamid NRG polyamide 12 (PA12) compounds specially developed for applications in the energy sector. Vestamid NRG 5901 is a UV-resistant, black compound suitable for above-ground installation.
According to the company, compared to coated carbon steel pipe, the cost is about 30 per cent lower because cathodic corrosion protection is not required, and installation can be done using low-cost techniques similar to HDPE pipe systems.
Gathering and flowlines are used in rural areas to transport crude oil, natural gas, or multiphase fluids from the point of production (wellhead) to a central collection point.
Due to relatively high pressures and flow rates, these have historically been a market for carbon steel pipes, which must be protected against corrosion with appropriate measures during their service, Evonik said in a statement.
Vestamid NRG 5901 PA 12 compound is now available as a thermoplastic material that is insensitive to corrosion. Unlike polyethylene pipes, it can be used up to pressures of 315 psi (22 bar) for oil and gas gathering.
According to the TR4 listing of the Plastics Pipe Institute (PPI, USA), the long-term hydrostatic stress (Hydrostatic Design Basis HDB) of polyamide 12 is rated for design temperatures up to 180-degF (80-degC).
Vestamid NRG 5901 complies with ASTM F3524 standard for PA12 pipes. The compound is coloured black and UV-stabilised, so that above-ground installations are also possible. Since the pipes can be coiled and thermo-fused, they can be installed using cost-effective methods benefitting from a wide range of readily available accessories.
Especially developed for applications in the energy sector, Vestamid NRG PA 12 compounds include products for pipelines for off-shore and on-shore oil and gas generation, gas distribution, liners and steel pipe coating.
Evonik Smart Materials division includes businesses with innovative materials that enable resource-saving solutions and replace conventional materials. . The Smart Materials division generated sales of around €3.24 billion in 2020 with about 7,900 employees.
