Canfor, a producer of lumber, pulp and paper needed a solution to replace aging 30-inch (760mm) fiberglass reinforced pipe. A new PE-RT product now expands PE into industrial applications requiring resistance to high temperatures and having a Hydrostatic Design Basis (HDB) of 800psi (55 bar) at 180°F (82.2°C).
Through chemical processes, Canfor cooks, washes, and extracts pulp fiber from wood that results in both acidic and caustic effluent with temperatures normally in the 50–60°C range or as high as 70–75°C. Traditional fiberglass pipes have experienced repeated joint failures over time, whereas heat-fused HDPE pipe provides solutions reducing unnecessary maintenance and a longer service life. Standard PE4710 High Density Polyethylene Pipes (HDPE) have pressure ratings limited to 140°F (60°C) and are not normally acceptable for such high temperature acidic and caustic effluent. Additionally, the potential for higher oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) from residual chlorine levels and bleaching also justified turning to a different material based on the potential oxidative attack at high temperatures.
The new PE-RT resin protects against oxidative attacks at high temperatures and the flexible heat-fused HDPE pipe provides considerable cost savings during installation. Compared to fiberglass, up to eight 40-foot lengths of HDPE pipe can be joined by heat fusion per day, whereas only two 6-meter (20-foot) lengths of FRP pipe can be wrapped per day.
The presentation will highlight photos during the installation process and report the advantages of using the new pipe material. This project provides reference for expanding HDPE pipe into new applications using PE-RT materials.
