TPT July 2011

C oating , P ickling & G alvanising

Huntsman’s Suprasec MDI used in pipeline cleaning tools

 ROPLAST, a designer and manufacture of pipeline-cleaning tools, is using methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) from Huntsman Polyurethanes to help keep some of the world’s major oil and gas pipelines free of grime, residue and dirt. Working with Huntsman, Roplast has created a new line of non-cellular, polyurethane-based, hot cast elastomers. This industrial grade plastic is being employed as a core material in Roplast’s cleaning pigs. Designed to travel hundreds of miles inside complex pipeline networks, these devices are fitted with brushes and/ or magnets to gather up any surplus dirt, ferrous debris or liquid. Around the globe, gas and oil suppliers need to ensure pipelines are kept clean in order to maintain constant flow rates, minimise operating costs and extend the lifetime of their assets. Roplast cleaning products are recognised as one of the most effective tools to achieve this. The company was the first to develop pipeline-

cleaning tools that comply with EU legislation regarding the use of equipment in explosive environments. Roplast produces different sized cleaning pigs that can be inserted into pipes of any length or diameter. Covering long distances, Roplast cleaning pigs are exposed to significant abrasive forces as they navigate narrow bends and confined spaces. Core components like cups and discs therefore need to be made from durable elastomers that demonstrate outstanding mechanical properties and excellent dynamic behaviour, even under extreme conditions. Elastomers based on MDI from Huntsman are renowned for offering high levels of resistance vs abrasion, thermal, hydrolytic and chemical resistance. They also provide excellent tensile resistance, good elasticity and a wide temperature operating range. Dr Michael Magerstädt, corporate man- ager marketing industry general at Roplast, said: “We have been creating polyurethane- based elastomers for many years but were looking for an additional MDI supplier that

could partner with us on projects moving forward. Roplast, a member of the Rosen group, is a large company with a global presence. We like to build lasting relationships with suppliers who have similar capabilities and Huntsman Polyurethanes had all the right credentials. We added the team to our list of suppliers for two reasons; the technical support they offer and their willingness to assist us on R&D programmes.” Alfred Rasche, sales account manager from Huntsman Polyurethanes, said: “Initially, we’ll be supplying Roplast with several tons of MDI every month – predominantly for use in the manufacture of its cleaning tools. Over time, however, we hope that our collaboration will grow.” Roplast also manufactures intelligent cast polyurethane products for a variety of

industrial applications. Roplast – Germany Email: info@roplast.de Website: www.roplast.de

Our product lines: Forming machines of butt-weld pipe fitting. Beveling machines for pipe fittings. Pipe end beveling machine for Prefabricated pipe plant. Pipe fittings for fire protection, petro-chemical &pulp industry, etc. Auto threading m/c for socket &nipple. Transfer machine & special purpose m/e.

NIPPLE

SUS & A234

SOCKET

HAN SUM ENTERPRISE CO.LTD. Factory: No.17, Shyr Jian St., Ert Chen, Kuan-Tien Ind. Zone Tainan-Hsien, Taiwan, R.O.C. Tel:886-6-6986411~2 Fax:886-6-6983830

Website:http://www.hansum.com.tw E-mail:bevlform@ms23.hinet.net

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J uly 2011

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