Zoxi develops flexible piping to replace steel in Vaca Muerta

The Neuquén-based company Zoxi has developed a line of flexible, reinforced rollable pipes designed to replace traditional steel piping in the Vaca Muerta unconventional resource area. The product, named Z-FleX, is composed of modified polyethylene reinforced with aramid fiber (Kevlar), providing mechanical strength comparable to metal while being immune to corrosion.

With a US$30 million investment in an industrial unit in 25 de Mayo, Zoxi is currently the only manufacturer in South America offering this specific technology. The flexible ducts allow for installation speeds of up to 3,000 meters per day without the need for welding or heavy machinery.

The pipes are produced in diameters of 2, 3, 4, and 6 inches, capable of withstanding operating pressures up to 4,000 PSI and temperatures up to 130°C. They carry API-15 certification from the American Petroleum Institute and have an estimated useful life of 25 years.