INVISTA branches out to produce first nylon pipe for oilfield

WICHITA, Kan. –Koch Industries subsidiary INVISTA, has launched Raptor nylon pipe, the industry’s first nylon 6,6 homogenous single wall line pipe that can withstands temperatures up to 200 degrees Fahrenheit and pressures up to 500 PSI. In developing this line INVISTA’s technical team kept corrosive liquids, impacts, abrasions, high temperatures, and daily wear and tear from the oil patch top-of-mind.

Raptor nylon pipe comes coiled in up to 2,000-foot sections that are ready for the ditch and suitable for applications ranging from multiphase flow lines to low pressure natural gas gathering and water transportation. Its product portfolio includes 2-inch, 3-inch, 4-inch and 6-inch IPS and SDRs 7, 9 and 11. Six-inch pipe is expected to be available in fourth quarter 2014.

INVISTA is a leading producer of nylon 6,6 polymer and chemical intermediates, and has a track record of 75 years of nylon innovations. The design and launch of Raptor is part of the company’s overall strategy to maintain its lead.

Typical installation of Raptor nylon pipe requires only a fraction of the time needed to install other line pipe such as steel. Ease of installation is enhanced by reliable connections with standard butt-fusion technology and a range of available transition fittings. Raptor nylon pipe has been installed, tested and subjected to accelerated wear in varied environments to confirm its strength and durability. The combination of the product’s resistance to corrosion, impacts and abrasions are unmatched by other line pipes, including steel. Raptor nylon pipe performs 2 to 5 times better than steel in abrasion resistance. It offers better resistance to static build-up and more than 25 times more abrasion resistance than HDPE* pipe. Additionally, it resists impacts where fiberglass, HDPE and their composites options falter.