BorECO™ PP-HM ensures high-flying performance for runway drainage system

A new 3.5 km pipe based on BorECO™ high modulus polypropylene (PP-HM) from Borealis, a leading provider of chemical and innovative plastics solutions, will ensure leak-free drainage performance for the runway at Germany's Hof-Plauen airport.
On-going modernisation connecting Hof-Plauen with international hubs for the first time in the airport’s 40 year history means traffic volumes are expected to increase by 4% per year. Efficient runway drainage is a vital element in ensuring take-off and landing safety. To reach international airport runway standards, a new 3.5 km drainage network capable of withstanding extreme aircraft forces was required to replace the existing pipe system.
To ensure only short-term runway closure and minimal future maintenance requirements, high-durability BorECO-based AWADUKT PP SN10 pipes from leading pipe manufacturer REHAU AG & Co were chosen to meet the challenges of long-term pipe performance and a fast and efficient pipe installation process.
BorECO BA212E has high stiffness and impact strength. These benefits give AWADUKT PP pipes the necessary high ring stiffness and stability to endure long-term exposure to heavy load bearing. BorECO’s resistance to the glycol and acetate used in defrosting and de-icing agents further aids the pipes’ long term operation. The potential for corrosion from de-icer fluids, runway defrosting chemicals, or leaked oil and fuel is an important consideration in airport pipe choice. For the Hof-Plauen project, sealing rings with oil and fuel resistance were added to the pipes to support corrosion-free performance and low maintenance needs.

© Eurasian chemical market, 2005-2012