Dow Plastics introduced a new line of DOW high density polyethylene (HDPE) resins that offers industry leading performance attributes for pressure pipe applications. Using DOW HDPE resins, pipe producers can meet or exceed all existing performance standards for polyethylene pressure pipe, including both ASTM PE 3408 and ISO PE 100 requirements for pipe grade materials.
First to benefit from the resins‚ combination of excellent long-term strength, resistance to slow crack growth (SCG) and rapid crack propagation (RCP) will be pipe producers and other companies utilizing natural gas distribution, potable water systems, oil & gas production, and industrial and mining pipe.
"The new family of DOW high density polyethylene (HDPE) resins for pipe signifies the first product innovation resulting from the Dow and Union Carbide Merger," said Len Azzaro, business vice president, Polyethylene, Dow Plastics.
Compared to HDPE resins currently available for the production of pipe, the new DOW HDPE resins offer key advantages, including improved pressure performance at higher temperatures, stiffness, durability, outstanding stress crack resistance, and low temperature toughness.
Manufactured via UNIPOL? II Process Technology, the first products available in the line are DOW DGDA-2490 HDPE resin and DOW DGDC-2480 HDPE resin. Both products are individually listed with the Plastic Pipe Institute (PPI) as ASTM PE3408 pipe grade materials offering the highest pressure rating of 1000psi at 60°C. DOW DGDA-2490 HDPE resin is also listed as a standard ISO PE100 pipe material. These materials represent leading product technology under both ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) and ISO (International Standard Organization) standards.
Industry associations and infrastructure owners continue to demand higher performing materials for pressure pipe applications. Though ASTM standards are the most widely recognized standards in North America, ISO standards are gaining momentum. ISO standards are noted to provide major benefits for end users seeking to explore the potential of higher operating pressures, material savings, or a combination of both.
"Our new DOW HDPE resins for pipe meet or exceed today's performance standards and can help our customers meet the most demanding applications and standards in the foreseeable future," said Kevin Wettstein, market manager for Pipe and Durables, North American Polyolefins and Elastomers at Dow Plastics. "As the pipe industry turns its focus toward more stringent pipe standards, such as ISO PE100, Dow will deliver high-performance PE materials that help position our customers at the forefront of the marketplace."
Source: The Dow Chemical Co.
