EoW May 2009

english technology news

Guides and wipes for wire working

r e q u i r e m e n t for air. For pro- ducers of multi- ple gauge wire, Keir inserts allow for quick changes, with minimal downtime and retooling. multiple strand wire, Keir AirWipes can be mounted in a line to support as many strands as required. It is ready for mounting and made to fit the exact wire size, For

Keir Manufacturing has been producing ceramic guides for the wire and cable industry for 25 years, using technical, task specific ceramics to provide customers with the exact solution, to specification, in a reasonable amount of time. Keir manufactures bushings, eyelets, rods, tubes, wear plates and any other geometrical shape based on the wire customer’s needs or will duplicate worn out metal components with 99.8% pure alumina ceramics. Ceramic components are more durable, resistant to wear, and more cost effective than metal, with reduced heat transfer. from Keir, operates at line speeds up to 7,200 ft/sec utilising compressed air. Two models of AirWipes are available: the SureShot is ideal for bare wire and the SplitShot for jacketed wire. The design of Keir’s patented ceramic insert utilises lower air pressure air than other models. The pressure regulator and insert are mounted in a durable polymer housing which delivers the appropriate amount of air, saving costs due to the reduced The Frontiersman AirWipe

A selection of ceramic components from Keir ▲ ▲

Keir has dedicated itself to making ceramic products that enable the wire and cable industry to be more efficient and productive. Keir Manufacturing – USA Fax : +1 828 884 7494

instead of a range of sizes. The split and spring loaded design of the SplitShot allows for welds or extrusion bulges to pass through without damage, or is used where it is not practical to thread wire. accommodate wire gauges up to a maximum OD of 4.5 " . Keir ’ s AirWipes will

Email : sales@keirmfg.com Website : www.keirmfg.com

DEH system for Skarv pipeline

Nexans has been awarded an €11 million contract by BP Norge to supply a direct electrical heating (DEH) system for the Skarv field subsea production pipeline in the Norwegian Sea. Nexans is the only supplier with experience of this technology and has already supplied this type of system for 17 subsea pipeline installations. A 12 " diameter production pipeline will be installed from one of the production wells at the field to the floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel at Skarv. The distance between the well and vessel is approximately 13km. At times of low production or shutdown a DEH system will be used, thus preventing blockage of the pipe. A number of methods may be used for maintaining flow, such as chemical injection, but DEH has proved to be both a reliable and eco-friendly solution to the problem. The DEH principle works by sending an electrical alternating current from the FPSO through a dynamic riser cable with two power cores to the seabed and in to the production pipeline. One insulated cable is connected directly to the pipe in the near-end while the other is laid along the pipeline in the direction of the template (far-end) where it is connected to the pipe. AC current is supplied through the cable and returned partly via the pipe walls and partly through the seawater. This causes heat to be generated in the steel pipe, ensuring that the well flow is maintained above the critical temperature for hydrate formation. Nexans – France Fax : +33 15669 8484 Email : nexans.web@nexans.com Website : www.nexans.com

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EuroWire – May 2009