German plastic pipes chosen for methanol plant in Trinidad and Tobago

 

The world's largest methanol plant was constructed in Trinidad and Tobago and started its' operation in 2005. The constructers of the plant looked as far as to Germany for a solution to their need of a means of transportation for the carbon dioxide needed for the plant's production circuit. Their choice was plastic pipes.

 

 

Methanol is used to make all kinds of different products like e.g. ink, polymethylmthacrylate and dyestuffs. But to be able to produce anything at all the plant needs carbon dioxide from an ammonia plant nearby. A pipe is needed to transport the carbon dioxide from one plant to another. Usually, that connection is made with steel pipes in Trinidad and Tobago. But this time it was decided to make the connection with a polypropylene plastic pipeline (PP pipes).

 

Many important factors were influencing the decision in favour of using polypropylene pipes for the 3000 m long buried section. Christian Habedank, Export Manager at Frank Gmbh, manufacturer of the plastic pipe system, explains:

 

“The polypropylene pipes have a very good thermal and chemical resistance which was important because of the project conditions. Moreover, the plastic pipes have a low weight and that meant that the transportation was some what easier. Yet another thing that played a role in the choosing of plastic pipes for the project in Trinidad was their good welding characteristics.” Christian Habedank continues to explain the decision:

 

“A large part of the buried carbon dioxide line to be installed runs close to previously existing methanol and gas pipelines. Hence, there might be several difficulties in installing a new pipeline without ruining the existing lines. But the features of the polypropylene pipes can avoid these difficulties. The easy direction changes and the low weight of 97.6 kg/m make it easy to steer away from existing pipes and shows the plastic pipes advantages in comparison to other pipe materials.”

 

The pipes used in the production of the world's largest methanol plant were PP 1050mm pipes with heat element butt welding. And the pipes have proven to fulfil their task. Christian Habedank clarifies:

 

“The decision to use the polypropylene pipes for the buried carbon dioxide line has proved itself and made it possible for the customer to succeed. The plastic pipe systems have contributed to the realization of the project, so that the worldwide largest methanol plant could start its' commercial operation on time in the year 2005.”

• The dimension 1050mm used in the project is a special dimension for which the manufacturer had to produce a special production tool.
   
• The total length is a 3000 m buried section.
   
• Polypropylene pipes have a high chemical resistance compared to traditional types of pipes.
   
• The manufacturer Frank Gmbh is a German company. Many German companies from the energy sector and plant constructors are involved in constructions in Trinidad and Tobago.  

 

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