12 Jun 2007
New Borealis pipe grade aids long-term water conservation
Borealis, a leading provider of innovative, value creating solutions, has launched BorSafeTM HE3490-LS-H, a new polyethylene (PE) pipe grade for pressure pipes. This new solution expands the durability of PE pipe systems for water distribution by delivering an easy-to-lay response to the tough installation techniques facing installers and utilities today. In addition, it contributes to precious water savings by eliminating leaks and ensuring long-term performance for utilities and consumers. The United Nations calculated that over 2 billion people face water scarcity, making its conservation one of the most urgent global challenges.
Pipes manufactured from BorSafe are characterised by their exceptional resistance to slow crack growth, which makes them ideal to overcome difficult installation and handling conditions.
Slow crack growth is one of the key requirements for water pressure pipes. It can be caused by surface scratches or notches created prior or during installation, or by external point-loads on the pipes, such as rocks. This phenomenon can cause long-term weakness in pipes allowing water to escape.
The durability of BorSafe HE3490-LS-H was tested by passing it for 18,000 hours in the Notch Pipe Test (NPT), 100 times more than required by the European standards for PE drinking water pipe systems. Additionally, BorSafe exceeds by a considerable margin the specified German requirements defined as Full Notch Creep Testing (FNCT). BorSafe HE3490-LS-H is particularly suitable for the latest installation techniques, which have a tougher, more aggressive impact on pipes. These techniques include old pipe relining or sandless bedding filling to deliver faster, cheaper installation with less environmental disturbance.
BorSafe grades are produced using Borealis’ proprietary Borstar PE 2G technology, the latest generation of multi-modal processes that enables the molecular tailoring of PE to provide an optimal balance between processability and mechanical strength. In addition to durability, BorSafe HE3490-LS-H brings processing benefits to pipe converters due to its excellent extrudability.
Gerodur, one the most innovative German pipe producers, has chosen BorSafe HE3490-LS-H for their multilayer pipe system for non-conventional installation techniques. Mr Henke, Managing Director of Gerodur, comments: “Our system has been designed to answer the latest trends in installation techniques which are more demanding on the pipe. Borsafe HE3490-LS-H is the cornerstone of this system, and we have chosen it to help ensure long-term reliability and service-life to our customers.”
BorSafe is the new Borealis and Borouge brand for all PE pressure pipe grades, reflecting their commitment to develop sustainable solutions to global challenges such as providing access to clean water and adequate sanitation to millions of people around the world.
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Notes for editors
Borealis and Borouge
Borealis and Borouge are leading providers of innovative, value creating plastics solutions. With more than 40 years of experience in polyolefins and using our unique Borstar® technology, we focus on the infrastructure, automotive and advanced packaging markets. We have production facilities, innovation centres and service centres across Europe, the Middle East and Asia Pacific and work with customers in more than 170 countries around the world to provide plastic materials that make an essential contribution to society and to sustainable development. We are committed to the principles of Responsible Care® and to leading the way in 'Shaping the Future with Plastics.’
Borstar is Borealis’ proprietary technology supporting differentiated PE and PP products and is a registered trademark of Borealis A/S.
BorSafe is a trademark of Borealis A/S.
For more information on Borealis and Borouge, a joint venture between Borealis and the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, visit www.borealisgroup.com and www.borouge.com.
