Bringing gas to Bucharest: Advances in technology and attitudes
In its efforts to bring gas to the heart of Bucharest, leading pipe manufacturer POLITUB Bistrita employed SABIC's technical expertise to ensure the safety of its pipeline serving the city center.
Entrusted with the job of replacing part of an old steel gas pipeline with HDPE pressure pipes, POLITUB Bistrita used SABIC® Vestolen A, a bimodal high density PE100 grade synthesized by state-of-the-art bimodal technology and designed for extruded pressure pipes. Its outstanding performance is regularly monitored by independent testing institutes, in line with the quality rules of the European standards and the PE100+ Association.
Safer to use
Due to advances in technology and SABIC's continuous investment in R&D, SABIC® Vestolen A can withstand higher operating pressures, allowing pipe manufacturers to offer larger diameter pipes that are safer to use. Third generation polymers have specific properties that make them less susceptible to the environment and to breakage during the installation process. The PE100 molecular structure in SABIC® Vestolen A makes it possible to increase pipe diameter at a constant pressure and higher force, with no risk of leakages and bursting.
More resistant – and economical
Alongside technological advances, changes in attitudes have made HDPE a cost-effective alternative to steel. Its excellent weld ability allows safe pipe connection and offers reduced installation costs.
In the case of POLITUB Bistrita, the customer went to great lengths to find the best option in terms of quality and reliability for the choice of pipe material. Its resistance to the aggressively corrosive properties of sea and wastewater was crucial. Furthermore, the constructed pipeline system had to be logistically dependable and economical to install. In SABIC® Vestolen A, POLITUB Bistrita found the grade that it was looking for.
Solid support
As POLITUB Bistrita discovered, SABIC takes care of its customers by supplying high-quality material, expert technical know-how, and solid commercial support. Questions concerning a material are answered immediately, and, if necessary, technical staff make plant visits to address concerns.
SABIC is focused on long-term partnerships with its customers. Relationships are built on open dialogue, which includes both talking and listening to customers to ensure that business objectives are in line with SABIC's commitment to long-term growth.
