Victrex Polymer Solutions, the world leader in high performance polyaryletherketones, has announced plans to increase production capacity by around 70% for its VICTREX® PAEK polymers reflecting confidence in the growth potential for global demand across a wide and growing range of applications in the transport, oil and gas, industrial and electronics sectors.

 

This new capacity will add 2,900 metric tonnes (MT) of polymer output annually and will come on stream in early 2015. Total annual production of VICTREX PAEK polymers after completion will then stand at more than 7,000 MT per annum, an increase of around 70% on Victrex’s current capacity of 4,250 MT per annum.

 

The increased capacity further reinforces Victrex’s policy of providing exceptional security of supply at a time when many other polymer manufacturers are struggling to meet customer demand. Victrex has a solid track-record of investing in capacity ahead of demand, creating an enviable secure supply position for its existing and new customers especially when market conditions create accelerated demand and growth.

 

End users are in turn confidently offering longer warranties, lengthening the time between services and shutdowns, and reducing/eliminating costly product recalls, leading to reductions in overall system costs partly due to some of the key features of Victrex PAEK polymers that include high temperature performance, strength and stiffness, wear and chemical resistance combined with ease of processing.

 

The offshore oil and gas industry is challenged to exploit reserves of oil and gas at increasing depths and hence higher operating temperatures and pressures. They require high performance materials to meet these needs and offer enhanced durability, longer life, longer up times, lower maintenance, and increased reliability. Victrex PAEK polymers offer superior performance compared with the incumbent materials used and are able to withstand high pressures and temperatures as well as offer excellent resistance to abrasion, permeation and chemical corrosion. In fact, Victrex recently announced their newest product line VICTREX Pipes™ which are extruded light weight pipes and tubes that can be used in oil and gas recovery.