Total HDPE boosts productivity in multilayer composite pipe extrusionTotal HDPE boosts productivity in multilayer composite pipe extrusion

The latest high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pressure pipe grade from the Refining & Chemicals Div. (Brussels) of integrated petrochemicals group Total combines processability with elevated temperature performance and long-term stability, achieving an unprecedented level of processing performance, according to the company.

XSene XRT70 is a PE-RT (PE with raised temperature resistance) Type II HDPE produced using Total's Advanced Double Loop technology. High extrusion speeds can be reached at low extrusion temperatures and without any melt fracture, while maintaining an excellent surface finish, says the company.

Total reports that recent industrial production runs by key customers producing multilayer composite pipes (MLCP) have demonstrated the productivity gains made possible by this resin. These pipes have inner and outer layers of PE-RT that encase a core layer of aluminum foil.

In Poland, established hot and cold pipe system manufacturer Sigma-Li has used XSene XRT70 to achieve a stable pipe production at line speeds of 40 m/min for 16-mm-diameter HDPE-aluminum composite pipes for central heating systems. They were produced on a battenfeld-cincinnati uniEX 45-30 line that the company recently installed, one of the most advanced in Europe.

In China, the same high line speed was achieved with the same material for a 20-mm-diameter PE-RT pipe.