Novel process cuts the cost of high-pressure pipe

HexelOne is a novel technology for the production of large diameter plastic pipe at competitive cost for high-pressure applications.

HexelOne is a novel technology for the production of large diameter plastic pipe at competitive cost for high-pressure applications.

Pipe diameters range from 180 to 1200mm, with a pressure range from 10 to 25bar.

The reinforced thermoplastic pipe produced by the HexelOne technology is composed of three layers, each made from the same HDPE (high density polyethylene resin) material, welded together using a patented process.

More precisely, in the case of HDPE, the pipe is composed of: an inner HDPE mandrel guaranteeing fluid tightness; reinforced HDPE mono oriented tapes to strongly increase the pressure resistance; and an outer HDPE layer which protects the reinforcing HDPE tapes and gives the desired colour to the final pipe.

The principle can be applied to other thermoplastics, such as PE, PP, PVC or PVDF.

The HexelOne brand name covers both the tapes and the pipe technology.

Large-diameter plastic pipes produced with HexelOne technology can sustain higher working pressure and/or reduce cost through resin savings and higher processing productivity over a wide range of diameters (180 to 1200mm).

Traditional methods for reinforcing thermoplastic pipes and to increase pressure resistance involve the use of glass or high tenacity polymeric fibres.

The single-thermoplastic HexelOne pipe is entirely recyclable back into the manufacturing installation and is less expensive than many other pipes on the market.

Solvay developed HexelOne to replace conventional materials (like ductile iron, steel and GFRP), traditionally used in large-diameter pressure pipes (above 180mm).

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