The Plastics Pipe Institute Inc. (PPI) has announced that Douglas Keller, Technical Lead – Americas – Equistar Pipe Resins, is now the chair of its board of directors, a two-year appointment. Keller, who has been a member of PPI for 12 years, moves to the chair position after serving as the vice chair for the past two years. He has also been on the association’s board as treasurer.

“Doug’s nearly 30 years of experience with polyethylene and polypropylene is so very valuable to our association, the pipe industry and end-users,” said David M. Fink, PPI president. “Plus, he has an in-depth knowledge of PPI from this many years of participating on numerous committees, task groups, and our board. I’d like to thank him for his past years of devotion to PPI and also for being the chair of our board.”

Keller, who holds a Bachelor of Science in chemical engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, has worked in various product development and technical service areas for Equistar Chemicals and its predecessor companies. He has two U.S. Patents for additive improvements to PP and PE resins, and has written and presented numerous papers on the use of high-density polyethylene in pressure pipe applications plus being involved with moderating sessions and/or participating on the organizing committee of Plastic Pipes XVII, XVIII and XIX. Keller has also been part of the ASTM D20, E18 and F17 committee, ISO TC 138 sub-committees and working groups, ASME BPV and Plastic Materials Piping Committee, AGA Piping Materials Committee, and the CSA B137 committee.

“I have seen PPI grow stronger in both technical leadership and recognition during my time as a member,” Keller said. “Now, I see more participation among members, an increase in the number of members and also the next generation of PPI members taking on significant roles within the Institute. We will work to continue this momentum to make sure that the future is very bright for PPI and its members, and make it possible for PPI to continue to make more beneficial contributions to the industry. As a chemical engineer, I also feel that it is very important to be true to the science and be able to make that science understandable for everyone in our industry.”