描述
VESTAMID NRG 3901 BK is a black, high-molecular-grade polyamide 12 compound from Evonik Operations GmbH developed for the manufacture of hydrocarbon transport piping systems and thermoplastic liners.
The grade belongs to Evonik’s VESTAMID NRG portfolio for demanding energy, oil and gas infrastructure. It is not a general-purpose black PA12 extrusion grade. Its formulation and processing profile are focused on large-diameter pipe and liner systems that may be exposed to crude oil, hydrocarbon production fluids and oilfield chemicals.
Evonik describes VESTAMID NRG 3901 BK as a high-viscosity, heat- and light-stabilized PA12 compound for extrusion. Current grade information emphasizes easy processing together with excellent dimensional control during pipe extrusion, particularly when processing large pipe diameters.
That combination is important because large thermoplastic liners and pipe layers require sufficient melt strength to maintain wall thickness, roundness and dimensional stability after leaving the die. A material with inadequate melt stability may sag or distort before cooling.
Another defining feature of VESTAMID NRG 3901 BK is its excellent compatibility with hydrocarbons such as crude oil and with oilfield chemicals such as paraffin inhibitors. Evonik states that components retain high dimensional stability and their properties are not adversely affected by contact with these media under the intended application conditions.
The material is unfilled and supplied in black cylindrical granules. Heat and light stabilizers are incorporated into the compound to support demanding processing and service environments.
Current grade-specific mechanical data shows a tensile modulus of approximately 1,350 MPa, tensile strength of approximately 40 MPa, yield stress of approximately 40 MPa, stress at break of approximately 46 MPa, and nominal strain at break of approximately 140%.
The grade also retains strong low-temperature toughness. Current ISO data reports no break at -40°C in the unnotched Charpy test, a particularly useful characteristic for pipelines and liners that may be transported, installed or operated in cold climates.
Typical density is approximately 1.02 g/cm³, Shore D hardness approximately 73, ball indentation hardness approximately 76 MPa, and melting temperature approximately 177°C.
Beyond the grade-specific datasheet, Evonik’s official oil-and-gas literature positions the VESTAMID NRG 3000 series as a high-molecular-weight, non-plasticized PA12 platform for demanding thermoplastic liner applications. The family is promoted for low hydrocarbon swelling, strong retained mechanical performance after crude-oil exposure, and lower hydrocarbon/gas permeation than conventional HDPE.
For more PA12 products, visit our PA12 Polyamide 12 Product Category →.
For official manufacturer application information, see the Evonik VESTAMID NRG Oil & Gas Guide →.
Key Features of VESTAMID NRG 3901 BK
| Feature | Engineering Benefit |
|---|---|
| High-Molecular PA12 | Supports demanding hydrocarbon pipe and liner performance |
| High Viscosity | Provides melt strength and dimensional control during extrusion |
| Heat Stabilized | Supports processing and elevated-temperature service |
| Light / UV / Weathering Stabilized | Useful for outdoor storage, installation and exposed technical environments |
| Black Formulation | Suitable for black pipe and liner specifications |
| Easy Processing | Evonik specifically highlights practical extrusion behavior |
| Large-Diameter Dimensional Control | Helps manage sag, wall thickness and pipe geometry |
| Crude-Oil Compatibility | Designed for hydrocarbon transport applications |
| Oilfield-Chemical Resistance | Compatible with media such as paraffin inhibitors |
| High Impact Strength | Supports handling, installation and service durability |
| Low Moisture Sensitivity | PA12 properties vary relatively little with changing humidity |
| General Chemical Resistance | Supports demanding oil, gas and petrochemical environments |
The central advantage of VESTAMID NRG 3901 BK is the combination of high-molecular PA12 chemistry, black coloration, hydrocarbon compatibility and large-diameter extrusion stability.
Typical Applications for VESTAMID NRG 3901 BK
VESTAMID NRG 3901 BK is primarily intended for hydrocarbon transport and liner systems.
| Application Area | Typical Use |
|---|---|
| Hydrocarbon Transport Pipes | PA12 layers carrying crude oil and production fluids |
| Thermoplastic Liners | Internal corrosion-resistant liners in metallic or composite pipelines |
| Reinforced Thermoplastic Pipe (RTP) | Thermoplastic liner in multilayer pressure-pipe systems |
| Oil Production Flowlines | Hydrocarbon-resistant transport piping |
| Large-Diameter Pipe Extrusion | Applications requiring strong melt stability and dimensional control |
| Pipeline Rehabilitation | Thermoplastic liner systems used to extend service life |
| Onshore Oil & Gas Infrastructure | Production and transport piping |
| Offshore Energy Applications | Selected liner and barrier systems subject to project qualification |
The final pipe or liner system must be designed around pressure, temperature, fluid composition, H₂S/CO₂ content, reinforcement structure and the applicable API or customer specification.
Typical Properties of VESTAMID NRG 3901 BK
Physical Properties
| Property | Typical Value | Test Method |
|---|---|---|
| Density | 1.02 g/cm³ | ISO 1183 |
| Density | 1.02 g/cm³ | ASTM D792 |
| Shore D Hardness | 73 | ISO 7619-1 |
| Ball Indentation Hardness | 76 MPa | ISO 2039-1 |
| Structure | Semi-crystalline | Manufacturer information |
| Filler | Unfilled | Manufacturer information |
| Color | Black | Manufacturer information |
| Viscosity Classification | High Viscosity | Manufacturer information |
The density of approximately 1.02 g/cm³ gives VESTAMID NRG 3901 BK a substantial weight advantage compared with metallic corrosion-resistant pipe materials.
Mechanical Properties
| Property | Typical Value, Dry | Test Method |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile Modulus | 1,350 MPa | ISO 527 |
| Tensile Strength | 40 MPa | ISO 527 |
| Yield Stress | 40 MPa | ISO 527 |
| Yield Strain | 9% | ISO 527 |
| Stress at Break | 46 MPa | ISO 527 |
| Nominal Strain at Break | 140% | ISO 527 |
| Poisson’s Ratio, 23°C | 0.43 | ISO 527 |
| Poisson’s Ratio, 100°C | 0.45 | ISO 527 |
| Charpy Impact Strength, -40°C | No Break | ISO 179/1eU |
The combination of 1,350 MPa modulus, 140% strain at break and no-break unnotched Charpy behavior at -40°C illustrates the balance of stiffness and ductility needed for demanding pipeline liner applications.
Thermal Properties
| Property | Typical Value | Test Method |
|---|---|---|
| Melting Temperature | 177°C | ISO 11357-1/-3 |
| Melting Temperature | 177°C | ASTM D3418 |
| Thermal Conductivity, Solid State | 0.24 W/(m·K) | ISO 22007-4 |
| CTE, 23–55°C, Parallel | 140 × 10⁻⁶/K | ISO 11359-1/-2 |
| Heat Stabilization | Yes | Manufacturer information |
| Light / UV Stabilization | Yes | Manufacturer information |
These values are material-property references. Final allowable service temperature must be established from the complete pipe or liner design and long-term application qualification.
Oil & Gas Functional Performance
Evonik’s broader VESTAMID NRG 3000-series technical literature describes the application advantages of high-molecular PA12 liners:
- Low swelling in hydrocarbons, including at elevated temperature
- Strong retained mechanical performance after crude-oil saturation
- Reduced liner-collapse and buckling risk compared with more strongly swelling polymers
- Strong barrier performance for hydrocarbon vapors and gases
- BTX permeation reported at approximately 200 times lower than HDPE
- Methane permeation substantially lower than HDPE at elevated temperature
- No polymer corrosion by H₂S or CO₂
- Compatibility with spoolable thermoplastic liner concepts
- Potential reduction in dependence on corrosion inhibitors
- Potential alternative to corrosion-resistant alloy and clad-pipe solutions in selected projects
These are application-family characteristics and should be used together with project-specific design data.
Sustainability & LCA Data
Current grade-specific information includes TÜV Rheinland-certified LCA data.
| LCA Property | Published Value | Standard |
|---|---|---|
| LCA Certificate | VESTAMID L Compound low | ISO 14040 / 14044 |
| LCA Certifier | TÜV Rheinland | ISO 14040 / 14044 |
| Blue Water Consumption | 25.7 kg | ISO 14040 / 14044 |
| GWP incl. Biogenic Carbon incl. LUC | 6.1 kg CO₂ eq./kg | ISO 14040 / 14044 |
| GWP excl. Biogenic Carbon incl. LUC | 6.1 kg CO₂ eq./kg | ISO 14040 / 14044 |
| Land Use – ReCiPe 2016 | 0.1 annual crop eq.·y | ISO 14040 / 14044 |
| GWP Saving vs. 2023 Reference | 2.5 kg CO₂ eq./kg lower | ISO 14040 / 14044 |
Why Choose VESTAMID NRG 3901 BK?
The main reason to choose VESTAMID NRG 3901 BK is its specialization for black hydrocarbon transport pipe and thermoplastic liner systems.
Oil and gas pipelines expose liner materials to more than internal pressure. The polymer may also experience crude oil, dissolved gases, temperature cycling, H₂S, CO₂, production chemicals and mechanical stresses during installation.
A material that performs well in dry laboratory conditions may swell or lose dimensional stability after long-term exposure to hydrocarbons. Evonik specifically highlights the hydrocarbon compatibility of VESTAMID NRG 3901 BK, including contact with crude oil and paraffin inhibitors.
High molecular weight and high viscosity are also important. Large-diameter pipe and liner extrusion requires enough melt strength to prevent excessive sag before cooling. The material must leave the die smoothly while retaining geometry.
The current mechanical data supports demanding use. A tensile modulus of approximately 1.35 GPa provides structural stiffness, while 140% nominal strain at break preserves substantial ductility.
Low-temperature impact performance is another important advantage. A no-break Charpy result at -40°C is valuable during winter installation, storage and severe service.
Barrier performance adds another system-level benefit. Evonik’s PA12 liner technology shows much lower permeation of BTX and methane than HDPE, helping reduce hydrocarbon transport through the liner wall.
Corrosion resistance can also lower lifecycle complexity. A thermoplastic liner separates corrosive production fluids from the structural pipe wall and can reduce dependence on corrosion inhibitors or more expensive corrosion-resistant metallic solutions in qualified applications.
Processing Guidelines for VESTAMID NRG 3901 BK
VESTAMID NRG 3901 BK is designed primarily for extrusion, with current product information also giving injection-molding reference conditions.
Evonik provides the following processing guidance:
| Processing Parameter | Published Guidance |
|---|---|
| Recommended Processing Temperature | 220–260°C |
| Mold Temperature | 60–100°C |
| Drying Temperature | 80°C |
| Drying Time | 2–4 hours |
| Primary Process | Extrusion |
| ISO Test Melt Temperature | 260°C |
| ISO Test Mold Temperature | 60°C |
| ISO Test Injection Velocity | 200 mm/s |
| Delivery Form | Cylindrical Pellets / Granules |
| Shelf Life | At least 2 years at ≤30°C in original undamaged packaging |
Evonik also states that VESTAMID NRG 3901 BK is generally processable on most commercially available PE extrusion machines.
For commercial pipe or liner extrusion, optimize:
- Barrel-temperature profile
- Adapter and die temperature
- Screw speed
- Melt pressure
- Residence time
- Line speed
- Pipe outside diameter
- Liner wall thickness
- Die swell
- Vacuum sizing
- Cooling profile
- Ovality
- Surface finish
- Liner installation method
The grade-specific recommended processing range is 220–260°C. The separate 260°C / 60°C / 200 mm/s values are standardized ISO test-specimen conditions and should not be treated as the complete production recipe.
Drying at 80°C for 2–4 hours before processing is recommended.
VESTAMID NRG 3901 BK vs. VESTAMID NRG 3001 NC
| Feature | VESTAMID NRG 3901 BK | VESTAMID NRG 3001 NC |
|---|---|---|
| Base Polymer | PA12 | PA12 |
| Color | Black | Natural Color |
| Molecular / Viscosity Positioning | High molecular / high viscosity | High viscosity |
| Primary Application | Hydrocarbon transport pipe & liners | Hydrocarbon transport pipe & liners |
| Crude-Oil Resistance | Core feature | Core feature |
| Oilfield-Chemical Resistance | Core feature | Core feature |
| Density | 1.02 g/cm³ | 1.02 g/cm³ |
| Tensile Modulus | 1,350 MPa | Approx. 1,320 MPa |
| Stress at Break | 46 MPa | Approx. 48 MPa |
| Nominal Strain at Break | 140% | Approx. 160% |
| Melting Temperature | 177°C | Approx. 176°C |
| Processing Range | 220–260°C | Approx. 220–240°C |
| Main Selection Difference | Black stabilized formulation | Natural-color formulation |
Both grades serve the same broad hydrocarbon transport and liner market, but they are not automatically interchangeable.
Choose VESTAMID NRG 3901 BK when the project specifically requires the black high-molecular formulation or its exact qualification.
Choose VESTAMID NRG 3001 NC when the natural-color grade and its own property/processing profile are specified.
Related Products
VESTAMID NRG 3001 NC – Natural-color high-viscosity PA12 for hydrocarbon transport piping systems and liners.
VESTAMID NRG 3101 YE – Yellow high-molecular PA12 for hydrocarbon transport pipe and liner applications.
VESTAMID NRG 1001 – Flexible high-viscosity PA12 for demanding oil and gas flexible-pipe extrusion.
View More PA12 Polyamide 12 Materials →
Technical Documents for VESTAMID NRG 3901 BK
| Document Type | Description |
|---|---|
| TDS | Current physical, mechanical, thermal and processing data |
| SDS | Safety Data Sheet |
| COA | Batch-specific Certificate of Analysis where available |
| Oil & Gas Guide | Hydrocarbon compatibility, liner and barrier application information |
| Pipe / Liner Qualification Data | Project-specific pressure, temperature and chemical evaluation |
| LCA Documentation | TÜV Rheinland-certified environmental data |
Need technical documents for VESTAMID NRG 3901 BK?
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FAQ About VESTAMID NRG 3901 BK
Q1: What is VESTAMID NRG 3901 BK?
VESTAMID NRG 3901 BK is a black, high-molecular, high-viscosity, heat- and light-stabilized PA12 from Evonik for hydrocarbon transport piping systems and thermoplastic liners.
Q2: What is the main application of VESTAMID NRG 3901 BK?
The principal applications are hydrocarbon transport pipes and liners, especially in oil and gas infrastructure.
Q3: Is VESTAMID NRG 3901 BK resistant to crude oil?
Yes. Evonik specifically describes excellent compatibility with hydrocarbons including crude oil.
Q4: Is VESTAMID NRG 3901 BK compatible with oilfield chemicals?
Yes. Current product information specifically identifies compatibility with oilfield chemicals such as paraffin inhibitors.
Q5: What is the density of VESTAMID NRG 3901 BK?
The typical density is approximately 1.02 g/cm³.
Q6: What is the tensile modulus of VESTAMID NRG 3901 BK?
The current dry tensile modulus is approximately 1,350 MPa according to ISO 527.
Q7: How does VESTAMID NRG 3901 BK perform at low temperature?
The current grade-specific data reports no break in the unnotched Charpy impact test at -40°C.
Q8: What is the melting temperature?
The typical melting temperature is approximately 177°C.
Q9: What processing conditions are recommended?
Evonik recommends approximately 220–260°C processing temperature, 60–100°C mold temperature, and drying at 80°C for 2–4 hours before processing.
Q10: Can you provide VESTAMID NRG 3901 BK TDS, SDS and oil-and-gas documents?
Yes. Please request the current technical documents through our Contact Page → or email ruiqingchem@gmail.com.
Request VESTAMID NRG 3901 BK Price & Technical Support
For pricing, availability, technical documents or project support for VESTAMID NRG 3901 BK, please provide:
- Required quantity
- Destination country or port
- Pipe, RTP or liner application
- Pipe outside diameter
- Liner wall thickness
- Design pressure
- Continuous and peak service temperature
- Crude-oil composition
- H₂S and CO₂ concentration
- Water cut
- Paraffin inhibitor or other oilfield chemicals
- Liner installation method
- Reinforcement structure, if applicable
- Applicable API or customer specification
- Extrusion-line information
- TDS, SDS, COA or LCA document requirements
- Sample requirement, if applicable
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