Claims Vestolen range is sustainable and cost effective material for pressure pipe applications

According to an announcement, SABIC, manufacturer of plastics, polyethylenes, polypropylenes and chemical products, introduced its Vestolen range, termed ‘A RELY’ portfolio, at the Plastic Pipes XV Conference in Vancouver, Canada. SABIC described it as a bimodal high-density polyethylene (HDPE) material for pressure pipe applications, and claimed that Vestolen offers converters energy savings and enables environmentally responsible pipe installation. The term ‘RELY’ referred to the material’s reliability, which is critical for transporting potable water, gas and other liquids, explained SABIC.

It stated that the first two grades in the Vestolen A RELY portfolio are Vestolen A RELY 5924R and Vestolen A RELY 5922R, and elucidated that one is designed for low sagging and the other is engineered for high resistance to slow crack growth. It claimed that this would enable developers and contractors to select trenchless pipe installation, such as guided boring and horizontal directional drilling, which reduce impact on the environment. The materials are classified as PE100 grades, demonstrating compliance with the highest industry standards for HDPE pressure pipe, SABIC added.

According to the announcement, the company also presented a new strain hardening method for evaluating the slow crack growth resistance behaviour of HDPE. The method avoids the use of detergents that can pose an environmental hazard and also avoids the use of drinking water, the manufacturer claimed.

“Our new SABIC Vestolen A RELY products in combination with the strain hardening method – that measures their performance – are key deliverables in SABIC’s global strategy to supply the pressure pipe industry with breakthrough technologies,” said Jean Engels, Business Manager, HDPE SABIC. “SABIC takes great pride in proactively developing materials and methodologies that meet current and emerging industry needs, particularly in the areas of sustainability and cost effectiveness. We also welcome new partners who can help us drive development of new pipe solutions utilising our high-performance HDPE materials and extensive technological resources and expertise,” he added.

As per the announcement, Vestolen A RELY 5924R and Vestolen A RELY 5922R are now available globally, and additional grades within the product line are due for release in the near future.