Rilsan® PA-11 plastic pipe saves money and time over steel alternative, no federal or state waivers needed

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Jim Bell
Phone: 215-419-5293
Phildelphia, PA - March 02, 2010

Arkema Inc. confirmed the recent completion of a 6,000-foot installation of Rilsan® Polyamide-11 pipe near Corsicana, TX. The Rilsan® resin pipe was installed in less time than a comparable steel pipeline and, unlike steel, will require no corrosion protection, now or in the future.

Through an amendment to US DOT CFR Title 49, Part 192, governing gas distribution pipe, this new plastic pipe was allowed by the DOT for use at pressures up to 200 psi. After years of Arkema research, study, and application testing, Rilsan® resin has proved reliable and safe in pressure pipe applications.

Arkema worked closely with Georg Fischer Central Plastics, LLC during this inaugural installation of GF Central’s Hyperplast™ 4 SDR-11 piping and fittings, all made from Rilsan® resin.

Under the Hyperplast™ tradename, GF Central Plastics has brought together a complete piping system based on Rilsan® polyamide-11 resin. “We are pleased to make this complete system of pipe and fittings available to the industry,” said Greg Russell, vice president of sales and marketing at GF Central Plastics. ”We know that system integrity is a real focus in the gas industry, and we believe the Hyperplast™ piping system will provide both cost savings and peace of mind to our gas utility customers. Hyperplast™ pipe and fittings can be joined by electrofusion or butt fusion, offering a leak-free, non-corrosive plastic piping system operating at higher pressures than polyethylene.”

Rilsan® resin-based Hyperplast™ piping systems include 1-inch, 2-inch, and 4-inch IPS pipe, as well as butt fittings, electrofusion couplings, electrofusion saddles, ball valves, transition fittings, and meter risers. More Hyperplast™ piping products are on the horizon, including the addition of a 6-inch piping system.

Arkema has also developed the next-generation Rilsan® resin that can operate at higher pressures – 250 psi or greater depending on wall thickness. “After 14 years of Rilsan® resin research, development, testing and trials, Arkema is pleased to offer a better, less expensive, and safer alternative to steel in natural gas distribution pipe,” said Aurelien Paumier, business director at Arkema Inc., “but our research continues to push back the boundaries and we expect our new Rilsan® resins to operate at even higher pressures and temperatures.”

About Georg Fischer Central Plastics LLC

GF Central Plastics is the North American leader in joining solutions for plastic piping systems. A pioneer in electrofusion technology, their capabilities today include butt fusion equipment as well as a full array of conventional and electrofusion fittings, mechanical fittings, transition fittings, risers, pre-fabricated meter sets, as well as a host of other products.

GF Central Plastics is a subsidiary of Georg Fischer Piping Systems and Georg Fischer AG. Headquartered in Schaffhausen, Switzerland, and with over 14,000 employees worldwide, Georg Fischer is a world leader in utility and industrial solutions.

For more information, visit centralplastics.com and gfpiping.com.

About Arkema
Serving the oil and gas industry with 35 years of experience and reliable, innovative products, Arekma is a global chemical player and an acknowledged leader in high-performance polymers trademarked Rilsan®. Through a wide range of advanced materials and protective coating systems, Arkema offers high-quality, flexible alternative to stainless steel for highly corrosive environments.

A global chemical company and France’s leading chemical producer, Arkema consists of three business segments: Vinyl Products, Industrial Chemicals, and Performance Products. Present in over 40 countries with 15,000 employees, Arkema achieved sales of 5.6 billion euros in 2008. With its six research centers in France, the United States and Japan, and internationally recognized brands, Arkema holds leadership positions in its principal markets.

www.arkema-inc.com or www.pa11gaspipe.com

Rilsan® is a registered trademark of Arkema Inc. Hyperplast™ is a trademark of Georg Fischer Central Plastics LLC

Photo courtesy of Arkema Inc.	Photo courtesy of GF Central Plastics
Photo courtesy of Arkema Inc.	Photo courtesy of Arkema Inc.

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