KraussMaffei Berstorff claims large-pipe record

(plasticstoday.com) -- Calling the system a "world first," KraussMaffei Berstorff has delivered an extrusion line to produce extra-large smooth-walled high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipe in diameters up to 2400 mm and with hourly (HDPE) output of 1700 kg. P.E.S. Co., which is a longtime KraussMaffei Berstorff customer, has been producing HDPE pipe on a range of KM's single-screw extruders for almost a decade, including extra-large pipe up to 1600-mm in diameter. Produced in the Persian Gulf, the large pipes are primarily used to supply seawater to desalination plants and cooling water to oil refineries.

In addition to KM's single-screw extruder, the system utilizes a spiral-distributor and runs high melt strength polyethylene (PE) XLS12B from Total Petrochemicals. A KM spokesperson said that to his knowledge, this is the first extrusion line in the world for the production of smooth plastic pipes with a diameter up to 2400 mm, eclipsing the usual limit of 1600 mm and the "extremely seldom" 2000-mm line.

The extra large pipe-extrusion line will allow P.E.S. to add smooth-walled HDPE pipes in diameters of 1800-, 2000-, 2200-, and 2400-mm. The system includes a KME 150-36 B/R single-screw extruder and a KM-RKW 40-2400 pipehead. The spiral-distributor design accounts for a material's rheological properties and utilizes a KraussMaffei Berstorff calibration system. By minimizing wall-thickness variations, the line can result in substantial material savings in the large pipes. That consistency also results in more uniform pipe dimensions, which help ensure tight joints in installation.

KraussMaffei Berstorff believes its 36D single-screw extruder, spiral-distributor tooling, and efficient calibration and cooling systems have helped it gain market share in the large-pipe-extrusion market. The company notes that in pipe production, material costs can account for up to 90% of total manufacturing cost, making stringent adherence to tight tolerances a money saver.

MRC


New toy made of BASF's expanded polypropylene

(prw) -- BASF's Neopolen P (expanded polypropylene) has been used to manufacture the Viavario roller ball run, a modular toy that features units that can be joined together to create new track configurations.

"We were particularly impressed with the wide range of high-quality colours ranging from black through signal red, grass green and blue to yellow and burgundy, said Manfred Bruer, managing director of Viavario manufacturer Isorast.

⌠Because Neopolen is easy to foam into different geometries, intricate constructions can be produced with arches and curves. It can also create shaped rails over which the balls travel with a minimum of vibration, friction and noise. The track therefore offers new combination options, such as switchbacks.

MRC
MRC Reference

BASF. The share in the Russian market in 2008:
PS - 9.1% (GPPS - 5.9%, ABS - 11.4%, EPS - 10.6%).

Annual sales growth in Russia over the 5 years:
PS - 15%.

Imports by polymers processing technologies:
foaming;
injection molding.

Arya Sasol plans maintenance shutdown at 1 mln tpa cracker at Assaluyeh

(plastemart) -- Iran's Arya Sasol Petrochemical has planned a maintenance shutdown at its 1 mln tpa cracker at Assaluyeh. Scheduled to start mid-April, the shutdown is expected to last for two to three weeks and are expected to lead to reduced exports this month. Additionally, Morvarid Petrochemical is in the process of restarting its 500,000 tpa cracker at Assaluyeh after an unplanned shutdown in late March for technical modification works. The cracker had come on stream after mid-March this year and was to supply output as feedstock to Arvand Petrochemical Co's complex at Bandar Imam, which was in the commissioning process.

MRC


BASF cuts 500 jobs worldwide

(BASF) -- BASF is repositioning its global pigments business. Following the Ciba acquisition, the chemical company now has the broadest product portfolio worldwide as well as a unique range of technologies and production know-how when it comes to pigments. After an in-depth analysis of the combined operations, the company will eliminate specific products and adapt production capacities to market developments. As a consequence, approximately 500 of the current 2,900 jobs in the global pigment production will be redundant. The measures, which mainly concern azo pigments and phthalocyanines, will begin this year and are expected to be completed by 2013. BASF currently operates 22 production sites for pigments worldwide.

In Europe, about 320 positions will be cut by 2013. This will mainly affect the sites in Paisley, Great Britain, and in Grenzach, Germany. About 90 positions will be cut at the South American site in Guaratingueta, Brazil. The redundancies at North American sites in Louisville, Kentucky, and Elyria, Ohio, will total about 80 positions.

MRC

MRC Reference

BASF. The share in the Russian market in 2008:
PS - 9.1% (GPPS - 5.9%, ABS - 11.4%, EPS - 10.6%).

Annual sales growth in Russia over the 5 years:
PS - 15%.

Imports by polymers processing technologies:
foaming;
injection molding.


Estimated PVC consumption up 31% in Russia

MOSCOW (MRC) -- Estimated PVC-S consumption in Russia increased 31% (to 112.39 kt) in January -February comparing with same period last year - according to MRC Monthly report.

PVC-S output in January - February exceeded the same index of the previous year by 19%, and moved at 95.03 kt. Nearly all feedstock volumes were shipped to the domestic market. Only 40 tons of resin were exported in January - February.

Awaiting drop in PVC-S supply, many converters began to build up stocks already at the end of March. In February consumption in window profile and vinyl siding sectors increased. Stronger demand was also observed in the sector of PVC compounds. Plans of Sayanskkhimplast and Kaustik to suspended operations for scheduled maintenance in May turned out to be an additional reason for converters to build up stocks.

Despite continuously weak demand for finished goods made of PVC, importers increased feedstock supply in Russia in February. Suspension imports went up by 65%, comparing with January, and moved at 10.83 kt.

MRC

More detailed information about PVC market can be found in MRC Monthly reports.