Dateline: April 18, 2006

News
Technically Speaking

USA

Polyols expansion
BASF is investing approximately $125 million to increase its polyols production capacity in the U.S. by 28% to help strengthen its polyurethanes business. The company plans to construct two new reactors and revamp two existing ones used to make polyols at its Geismar, Louisiana site. BASF will also transfer a major part of the polyol production from its sits in Wyandotte, Michigan to Geismar. In addition, the company will build a logistics center for polyurethane basic products and other chemicals. These efforts will increase BASF's U.S. polyol production from 250,000 tons/year to 350,000 tons/year by 2008.

India

Two SBM units

India has signed an agreement with the U.S. for participating in the $950-million “FutureGen” project, aimed at producing electricity from coal without any carbon emission.  India is the first Government member of the project, contributing $10 million towards it.  The project is expected to be commissioned by 2012.  Participation in the project entitles India to full membership on the FutureGen Government Steering Committee, access to reports and other project-related information, access to Indian scientists and engineers for visiting project facility and a royalty-free license in all countries to translate, reproduce and distribute reports arising from cooperation under the agreement.

Technically Speaking

What are some common materials of construction for seawater pipelines?

Here's a question that few people agree on a single answer.  People have successfully used the following materials:

Cement-lined carbon steel (larger, above ground lines)
6 Mo stainless steels (such as 254 SMO from Avesta)
Fiberglass-lined carbon steel (4-36" lines, above ground)
Fiberglass (usually large lines, preferrable less than 150-200 feet)
FRP (Fiberglass reinforced polyethylene)
Cu-Ni alloys (popular for offshore oil rigs)

In short, the proper choice of material depends on your specific application.  Plastics are better at inhibiting sea-life growth, but are difficult to repair in case of leaks (prohibiting pressure surges is a design feature to be incorporated).  6 Mo stainless metals are often cost prohibitive, but generally will perform very well on a lifecycle bost basis.   Cement-lined carbon steel almost always requires ongoing maintenance (therefore, it must be accessible). 

We've found that there is no lack of opinions or examples of which is the best material to use.  Try to find an application that is as close as possible to your given situation and solicate the advice of others.   Generally, the engineering community is very willing to share their experiences on this topic.