New polymerization technologies for plastic pipes [PE, PP, PEX]

Basell is a worldwide leader in the technology for polyolefinic materials. Being the major technology supplier in PP, Basell also provides technologies for PE slurry, high- and low pressure gas phase and related catalyst systems. Specifically, it has a major product portfolio in a large number of pipe applications area's covering HDPE, PP and PB-1.

In the last number of years, Basell has brought to industrialisation a number of new polymerisation processes and catalyst systems, which have enhanced extensively the properties of polyolefinic materials in the area of pipe applications : sewage-, plumbing-, hot and cold water supply- and underfloorheating systems.

This paper deals with a description of the evolution of the main polymerisation processes over time, the current state of the art and some of the latest developments that Basell has in its R&D pipeline for the production of high performance resins for water transportation systems.