AGRU’s distribution partner in Singapore is Agrutech. Together with The Plastics Experts from AGRU in Austria, they got involved into the project at an early stage. But first of all, the main contractor, who was planning the project and also the local installer had to be convinced of the benefits that polyethylene has to offer. For the harsh operating conditions of 2000 ppm hydrofluoric acid and the operating pressure of 6 bar, lined or coated steel pipes were also under discussion. Issues such as material resistance, pressure rating and the calculations on pipe routing in terms of pipe
support brackets and temperature expansion of the pipeline had to be clarified.
As a result it became clear, that it would be possible to realize substantial time and cost savings when using HDPE pipes in comparison to steel pipes. Since the heavy steel pipes are corrosion sensitive, only coated or lined steel pipes could have been used. High-density polyethylene is durable, corrosion resistant and lightweight. As a result, less pipe support brackets are required. Another advantage of the AGRULINE piping system is its ready availability. AGRULINE pipes are available in standard sizes, whereas steel / lined pipes would have to be manufactured according to the project specific demands. Last not least, hundreds of flange connections and all the problems and additional cost which comes with flanges could be saved with flexible high-density polyethylene pipes.
