TPI April 2009

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The World of Tube & Pipe Products, Materials & Ancillaries

April 2009

L L O Y D ’ S R E G I S T E R Q U A L I T Y A S S U R A N C E I S O 9 0 0 1

Officine ORSI S.p.A. Manufacturers since 1954

STAINLESS STEELS - NICKEL ALLOYS - TITANIUM

WELDED PIPES

made from plates diameters from 80 to 2500 mm wall thickness from 2 to 35 mm

FITTINGS

elbows, reducers, tees, caps, stub ends, collars, threaded and socket welding, custom made fittings diameters from 21.3 to 1016 mm wall thickness from 2 to 35 mm

PRESSURE VESSELS

reactors, tanks, heat exchangers, columns for the chemical, petrochemical and pharmaceutical industries

diameters up to 4000 mm wall thickness up to 35 mm

PREFABRICATIONS

according to customer’s drawings

We also stock plates, pipes and fittings in the most common dimensions.

Officine ORSI S.p.A. - Villaggio Francolino, 20080 Carpiano (Milano) Italy Tel. (+39) 02.98.50.95.1 - fax (+39) 02.981.54.52 - Web site: www.officineorsi.com

Editorial Office: Editor

Mr Paul Hogg Email: paul@intras.co.uk

Editorial Assistant

Mr Christian Bradley Email: christian@intras.co.uk

concept by Hemisphere 4

Design & Production

Ms Lisa Benjamin Email: lisa@intras.co.uk

Publisher

Ms Caroline Sullens

Founder

Mr John C Hogg

Online Magazine & Website Force 8 Media Ltd

Email: info@force8media.com

Advertisement Material & Production: Ms Liz Hughes

Email: liz@intras.co.uk Email: andrea@intras.co.uk

Ms Andrea McIntosh

International Advertising Sales: Ms Catherine Sayers (All English speaking countries) Email: catherine@intras.co.uk • Tel: +44 1926 834683 Ms Hendrike Morriss – Verkauf & Marketing (Deutschland, Osterreich, Schweiz) Email: hendrike@intras.co.uk • Tel: +44 1926 834687 Ms Giuliana Benedetto – Vendite & Marketing (Italia) Email: giuliana@intras.co.uk • Tel: +44 1926 834686 Ms Linda Li – 中国大陆，台湾，香港以及远东地区销售代表 Email: linda@intras.co.uk • Tel: +44 1926 834685

Ms Jeroo Vandrevala – Indian Sales (English, Hindi & Gujarati speaking) Email: jeroov@vsnl.com • Tel: +91 33 24070701 Subscriptions: Subscriptions Manager Ms Liz Hughes

12-15 May 2009 Moscow, Russia

Email: liz@intras.co.uk Tel: +44 1926 334137

Accounts Manager

Mr Richard Babbedge Email: richard.b@intras.co.uk

Tube Products INTERNATIONAL is published by Intras Ltd, UK Europe: 46 Holly Walk, Leamington Spa Warwickshire CV32 4HY, UK

Image copyright: BigStockPhoto.com

Tel: +44 1926 334137 • Fax: +44 1926 314755 Email: intras@intras.co.uk Website: www.intras.co.uk

USA:

E ditorial O nly Ms Dorothy Fabian

272 First Avenue, Apt 12G New York, NY 10009, USA Tel: +1 212 614 9266 • Fax: +1 212 614 9266 Email: dfabian@rcn.com Jintras Ltd, Jeroo Vandrevala Subarna (Ground Floor) P21/N, Block A New Alipore, Kolkata 700 053, India Tel: +91 33 2407 07 01 • Fax: +91 33 2407 07 00 Email: jeroov@vsnl.com

India:

Copies are also available to members of the International Tube Association

© 2009 Intras Ltd, UK ISSN 1755-7216

US copies only: Tube Products INTERNATIONAL is published quarterly by INTRAS Ltd and distributed in the US by DSW, 75 Aberdeen Road, Emigsville, PA 17318-0437. Periodicals postage paid at Emigsville, PA.

Tube Products INTERNATIONAL Magazine 46 Holly Walk, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire CV32 4HY, UK Tel: +44 1926 334137 • Fax: +44 1926 314755 • Email: tpi@intras.co.uk www.read-tpi.com

Postmaster: send address changes to Tube Products INTERNATIONAL, PO Box 0437 Emigsville PA 17318-0437

8 Business & Market News 22 Products & Developments 36 Fittings 40 Feature: Welded Tube 46 Feature: OCTG Goods & Pipeline Products 54 The Diverse Usage of Plastic Tubes in Industry An interview with Dr Elmar Löckenhoff, KRV 56 Tube Russia 2009 60 Instrumented Drop Weight Tear Testing By Nick Osborne, Imatek Ltd, UK 63 Editorial Index 64 Advertisers Index Contents April 2009

The World of Tube & Pipe Products, Materials & Ancillaries

Whenyouhave finishedwith thismagazineplease recycle it

events calendar

Keeping your lamp alight . . . As we move into the second quarter of 2009, we are hearing more and more stories of companies crumbling under the current economic crisis. However,

2009 May 12-15

there is some positive news from Moscow and beyond. Tube Russia 2009 exhibition (Moscow, 12-15 May) will take place for the 7 th time this year and we are pleased to report the show has completely sold out in terms of exhibitor space booked. This very

Tube Russia 2009 International Exhibition www.metallurgy-tube-russia.com Tubes & Fittings Ukraine International Exhibition www.tube-ukraine.com 10th China (Guangzhou) Int’l Tube & Pipe Industry Exhibition www.julang.com.cn

June 17-19

encouraging sign proves the resilience of companies within this industry despite the global recession. Our Tube Russia show section in this issue shows the extent of international exhibitor participation at this year’s event. Looking ahead to the July 2009 issue, TPi will be reporting on the latest components available within the very popular Fittings, Flanges & Connectors (metal and plastic) sector, and we will also be looking at new equipment designed for ‘ Materials Handling’ of tube and pipe. If your company is involved in either of these areas then please send in editorial and pictures for inclusion. This service is free of charge and more information about submitting editorial is available on our website: www.read-tpi.com Also in the July edition we shall be previewing Tube Southeast Asia 2009 exhibition (Bangkok, 13-15 October). This issue will be freely available to visitors at the show from our stand, so if you wish your company to be promoted in the magazine, please contact us for advertising space in the July issue before the closing date of 3 June 2009. With two such well-subscribed exhibitions coming up in Eastern Europe and the Far East this year, it’s clear those exhibiting recognise that “To keep a lamp burning, we have to keep putting oil in it” (George MacDonald). It is vital to keep promoting your company to your customers – and to keep your lamp alight. Whilst we all try to remain optimistic and hopeful for the early return of profitable business times, it is important to remember that motivation, like hope, is a conscious choice rather than just a random feeling.

June 23-26

EMO Milano 2009 International Exhibition www.emo-milan.com Tubotech 2009 International Exhibition www.cipanet.com.br

October 5-10

October 6-8

Tube Southeast Asia 2009 International Exhibition www.tube-southeastasia.com Pipe & Tube Istanbul 09 ITA Conference www.itatube.org

October 13-15

November 2-3

Fabtech 2009 International Exhibition www.sme.org/fabtech

November 15-18

2010 February 10-12

Tube India 2010 International Exhibition www.tube-india.com Tube Düsseldorf 2010 International Exhibition www.tube.de Tube China 2010 International Exhibition www.tube-china.net

April 12-16

September (TBA)

Stay encouraged, stay positive, stay motivated. Stay in business.

Paul Hogg Editor

For further information on any of the above events please contact INTRAS Limited UK office (address and contact details on page 4)

The World of Tube & Pipe Products, Materials & Ancillaries

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Stainless Steel Tubes Manufacturer

UNI EN ISO 9001 - 2000 UNI EN ISO 13485 - 2004

Tecnofar spa is a family-owned company specializing in manufactured redrawn PRECISION tubes (available in bars and coils) and TIG WELDED tubes.

Outside diameters range from 0.30 to 76.00 mm and wall thickness from 0.10 to 3.50 mm.

23014 Delebio - SO - ITALY Via della Battaglia 17 tel. +39 0342 684115 Fax +39 0342 684500

Tecnofar spa offers high quality products, and is able to produce completely burr-free cut pieces in lengths of just a few millimeters when needed.

www.tecnofar.it info@tecnofar.it

Please contact us for further details

news business & market

75 th anniversary celebration

CRC-Evans Pipeline International, Inc is an equipment manufacturer and supplier of services to the pipeline industry. Primary products and services include pipeline construction equipment, auto- matic welding equipment and services, field joint coating and heat treatment, non-destructive testing, pipe weighting, pipeline maintenance and equipment, and pipe coating plant and laybarge equipment. The company has announced the launch of its 75 th anniversary celebration, with a commemorative book featuring historical photographs of the industry captured over the last 75 years, and showcasing the dedication of pioneering pipeliners who built the infrastructure upon which CRC-Evans was established. “ As we commemorate our 75 th year, we want to also honour the industry, ” said Paul Evans, chairman of CRC-Evans. “ If it were not for the hard work, tenacity and perseverance of pipeliners who had such foresight, we wouldn’t have the foundation and framework in place today to continue to deliver our equipment and technology solutions into the marketplace. ” Since 1933, CRC-Evans and its predecessor companies have supported the industry’s pioneers and leaders by developing much of the pipeline construction equipment used to build the world’s pipelines. The company has continuously sought to improve processes through its technology and equipment. One of the company’s forefathers, Jim Cummings, a Kansas farmer, developed a ‘bulldozer attachment’ for his Ford tractor, after observing the conventional way of backfilling at a nearby pipeline construction site. From the introduction of the first coat and wrap machine in 1934 to the development of fully digital automated pipeline welding systems in 2007, CRC-Evans has supported the industry’s progression.

Saint-Gobain PAM UK will supply ductile iron pipes and fittings for all South East Water ▲ ▲ projects

Major contract with South East Water ongoing assistance both on and off site. The support offered by the company’s customer services department and regional sales manager provides South East Water with complete day-to-day care of its business, as well as project management.

Saint-Gobain PAM UK, a supplier of iron technology, has been awarded a major contract with UK company South East Water. The annual contract spend is estimated to be £4m, runs for a confirmed three years with a potential two year extension, and is for the supply of ductile iron pipes and fittings for all South East Water projects. Saint-Gobain PAM UK, the holder of the contract for several years, has made significant investment into the development of new products that can add value while removing the cost associated with installing ductile iron pipe systems. It also has a strong commitment to maintaining stock levels, ensuring a robust supply chain. The tender process provided the company with a platform to showcase its total solution of a diverse range of quality pipes and fittings, and a technical service department available to provide

Paul Martin, regional sales manager for the south east for Saint-Gobain PAM UK, commented, “ We are delighted to have retained this contract for South East Water and it is a reflection of the complete solution we offer from high quality products through to complete project management. ” Saint-Gobain PAM UK supplies ductile iron pipes, fittings, valves, access covers and gratings, and is a producer of cast iron above and below ground drainage systems. Its markets include water and sewerage, telecommunications, highways, civil engineering, construction and housing. Saint-Gobain PAM UK – UK sales.uk.pipelines@saint-gobain.com www.saint-gobain-pam.co.uk

CRC-Evans Pipeline International – USA

sales@crc-evans.com www.crc-evans.com

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Istanbul technical conference

Metallurgy Ukraine 2009

The next major biennial International Tube Association technical conference will be jointly organised with Ihlas Fuar, and will take place at the

interested in booking a tabletop exhibit or taking advantage of sponsorship opportunities to contact the ITA Secretariat for more details or visit the dedicated website: www.tube-istanbul. com The ITA’s sister organisation, the International Wire & Machinery Association, is co-organising a concurrent wire conference – Istanbul Cable &Wire 09 – so there will be a similar format to the Prague conferences held in 2005, where a total of 400 delegates participated at the joint events, with many enjoying the synergies of these complimentary technical events. A key element in the planning and development of Pipe & Tube Istanbul 09 is the support of sponsoring organisations to which the ITA is extremely grateful. Their sponsorship assists the ITA both in promoting the conference to a vast potential audience as well as enabling the association to fix the lowest possible delegate fee and thereby maximise attendance. At the time of writing, the sponsors confirmed so far were: Borusan Mannesman Boru San; Tube & Pipe Technology magazine; Tube Products International magazine; Messe Düsseldorf GmbH; and Boru magazine.

Metallurgy Ukraine, an international trade fair for metallurgical plants and rolling mills, thermo process technology and foundry machinery, will be held 8-11 September 2009, in Donetsk, Ukraine. The metal industry is one of the most important sectors of the Ukrainian economy, and signs point towards further growth and modernisation. Foreign knowledge and capital are now more welcome than ever. 51% of Ukrainian metallurgy production is located at the Donetsk region. The greatest sales potential of the Ukrainian metal industry lies in the production of commodities and semi-finished goods. Most of the plants currently being operated in the metal industry, however, are not yet technologically up-to-date. The government and companies are working together to rebuild this economic sector, with a large-scale reorientation of production methods, knowledge and capital. Metallurgy Ukraine 2009 will provide the opportunity for gaining contacts in this expanding market.

WOW Hotel and Convention Center in Istanbul, 2-3 November 2009. The Center is a brand new world-class facility, situated close to the international airport, but not on the flight path, in a quiet area. Joined to the Convention Center are a four and a five star hotel with special rates for delegates. There is a metro station close to the Center with easy access to downtown Istanbul, and the hotels run a free shuttle bus service from the airport for guests. The provisional timetable for the conference on 2 November 2009 will feature welded, seamless and non- ferrous papers as well as a market overview presentation by Metal Bulletin Research. Sessions will be conducted in two very well appointed conference rooms, with simultaneous Turkish, Russian and English translation. A table top exhibit area will be situated close to the conference rooms and immediately in front of the refreshment break and lunch room. In the evening of 2 November all delegates and speakers will join with those from the concurrent wire conference to enjoy a social event at the famous Binbirdirek Cistern, located in the old city, close to Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. A gala dinner will be enjoyed as well as an evening of traditional Turkish entertainment, and this will form part of the ITA’s 30 th anniversary celebrations. On 3 November optional plant visits will be available. A selection of sightseeing tours will be on offer to delegates and their partners before, during and after the conference days. The joint organisers for the conference are recruiting a high quality panel of speakers for the technical programme and a call for papers was issued in November 2008. Anyone interested in submitting an abstract for consideration should contact the ITA Secretariat without delay. The ITA invites any organisation

International Tube Association – UK info@itatube.org • www.itatube.org Certificate of excellence awarded Suraj Stainless Ltd, a manufacturer of welded and seamless pipes, tubes and U-tubes, has received the Federation of Indian Export Organization (FIEO) ‘Niryat Shree’ Certificate of Excellence (Non-SSI) award at Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi. FIEO ‘Niryat Shree’ is awarded to Government-recognised export houses, multi-product groups (non-export houses) and service providers for their outstanding export performance. The award was presented to Suraj Stainless by Hon’ble President of India Smt Pratibha Devisingh Patil. Suraj Stainless sells its products in India and tomore than 70 countries worldwide, with around 70 to 80% of production being exported to European countries. The company supplies products to industries including chemical, fertilisers, textile machinery, synthetic fibres, refinery, dairy, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, sugar, paper, rayon and breweries. Messe Düsseldorf GmbH – Germany ryfischd@messe-duesseldorf.de www.messe-duesseldorf.de

Suraj Stainless Ltd – India project@surajgroup.com • www.surajgroup.com

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New regional director for Swagelok Swagelok Company is a developer and provider of fluid system solutions, including products, assemblies, and services for the research, instru- mentation, pharmaceutical, oil and gas, power, petrochemical, alternative fuels, and semiconductor industries.

Integrated in-line U-bend manufacturing centre

RathGibson, USA, has incorporated an in-line U-bend manufacturing centre in its Janesville, Wisconsin facility. The RathGibson U-bend system includes a laser mill, bright annealing, U-bender, and drawing. Bright annealing, a heat treatment used to obtain certain desirable metal characteristics, is performed in a controlled environment to prevent the release of toxic emissions. This method of ‘green’ processing was engineered into the U-bend system to meet the company’s dedication to utilising clean initiatives. “ Manufacturing high quality products in a responsible manner is important to RathGibson and our customers, ” commented Scott Trunkett, sales director, power generation and titanium markets. “ By adding an in-line U-bend system, we increase efficiency and ensure product quality,” continued Mr Trunkett. “By employing environmentally friendly processing, like bright annealing, we remain true to our commitment to the environment. ” RathGibson U-bend tubing is made for heat exchangers and feedwater heaters used in power generation and a variety of other process industries, including chemical and petrochemical applications. The tubing is manufactured with the same stainless steel and duplex stainless steel alloys used in RathGibson’s high- quality straight length and coil tubing. Mr Trunkett added, “ RathGibson U-bend tubing has quality built into the process. Our production minimises material handling for high repeatability. This ensures quick processing for fast delivery. ”

The company has appointed Deric Wallace as regional director for Europe. In this role, Mr Wallace will be respon- sible for all aspects of business development and sales and service support within the region. Mr Wallace joined Swagelok Company in 1996 as a project manager, and in 1999 was appointed manager of the European Technical Centre at Swagelok AG in Switzerland. In 2003, Mr Wallace was promoted to business development manager for the European region, and his role expanded in 2007, when he was named regional manager for Europe, Middle East, and Africa. His work focused on the development and execution of the strategic goals of the region.

Deric Wallace has been appointed as ▲ ▲ Swagelok’s regional director for Europe

Mr Wallace attended the University of Akron, USA and the University of Regensburg, Germany, and he holds a Bachelor of Science degree in international business and German.

Swagelok Company – USA www.swagelok.com

Fourth all-Indian exhibition and conference for the tube and pipe industries

Messe Düsseldorf GmbH and Messe Düsseldorf India Pvt Ltd will be organising the satellite event of Tube Düsseldorf in South Asia – Tube India International. The fair dates are 10-12 February 2010, and the venue will be the Bombay Exhibition Center, Mumbai, India. The event will be held under the patronage of the International Tube Association (ITA), International Tube Association – India Management Board (ITA-IMB) and the German Engineering Federation (VDMA). At the 2008 event, over 215 companies participated from 18 countries, inclusive of country pavilions, which were showcased by Austria, China and Germany. The three shows witnessed an increase of 121% in the number of exhibitors and 54.8% in the number of visitors.

Two concurrent shows – Metallurgy India 2010 and Schweissen & Schneiden India 2010 – will also take place.

Messe Düsseldorf India Pvt Ltd – India dughl@md-india.com www.md-india.com www.tube-india.com

RathGibson – USA scotttrunkett@rathgibson.com www.rathgibson.com

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Investments to mark 20 th anniversary

To mark its 20 th year in trading, European Tubes Ltd has decided to invest in a new fleet of trucks, a new deburring machine and a new website. The company’s new trucks will ensure that it can continue to control its own delivery schedules, enabling it to provide better customer service. They are also more eco-friendly, and will reduce the company’s carbon footprint.

in-house cutting service. The company provides a range of engineering services that allow customers to buy products ready for the production line. At the new website, users can download the company’s brochure, check stock ranges, and view specifications, a list of available services and details of contacts.

European Tubes Ltd – UK sales@europeantubes.co.uk www.europeantubes.co.uk

The deburring machine, planned for installation early in the year, is a natural addition to the company’s comprehensive

Purchase of factory in Spain

Slovak tube producer Železiarne Podbrezová has purchased a factory in Spain, including land and warehouse, for approximately €17 million. After almost a year of negotiations, the company obtained a 65% stake in Transformaciones Metalurgias, SA (Transmesa) Company, located in Premia de Mar, Barcelona. The strategic acquisition will strengthen the product portfolio of the ZP group in the area of precision cold drawn steel tubes with diameter from 4 to 100mm, in lengths from 4 to 12m. Technology will make it possible to deliver products in coils. Current production capacity is around 10,000 tons. The Spanish company has been involved in the metallurgical market since 1944, and has supplied customers in the USA, France, Egypt, Portugal and Germany, as well as the local market for the automotive industry, armament industry, motorcycle production, agricultural machinery and home appliances. Podbrezová metallurgists plan to use in their ZP distribution network a 5,000- ton capacity automated warehouse of final products, located in Premia de Dalt around one mile from Premia de Mar. This will improve logistics of sales for products in the surrounding markets.

Železiarne Podbrezová as – Slovak Republic admin@zelpo.sk www.zelpo.sk

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International Tube Association AGM and 30 th anniversary buffet reception

The officers and executive board members of the ITA look forward to welcoming members and VIP guests on 20 May.

The ITA hopes that as many members as possible will attend the AGM and join with fellow members for the free buffet lunch immediately after the formalities have been concluded. Every member will receive a direct communication about the event and a form to confirm attendance.

The International Tube Association (ITA) has given formal notice of its 2009 annual general meeting (AGM), the 30 th in the organisation’s history, and a significant anniversary for the association. The ITA will be marking this important landmark in a number of ways during 2009, beginning with a special buffet reception immediately following the AGM, which takes place at the Manor Hotel on 20 May 2009. Other events to commemorate the anniversary are planned at the Tube Russia, Tubotech and Tube Southeast Asia exhibitions and the ITA’s Pipe & Tube Istanbul 09 technical conference.

International Tube Association – UK info@itatube.org • www.itatube.org

2009 metal price predictions MetalMiner is a website featuring commentary from metals experts. The site’s content ranges from global pricing trends and commodity risk management strategies, to topics such as green sourcing, lean sourcing, metals markets capacity constraints, forecasting, M&A activity, and purchasing strategies.

ITA annual general meeting: Wednesday 20 May 2009 – 12:45pm

Cedars Suite, Manor Hotel Meriden, West Midlands, CV7 7NH, UK Tel: +44 (0)1676 522735 Hotel website: www.manorhotelmeriden.co.uk

Exhibitor booking starts for Tube 2010

To speed up the booking process, Messe Düsseldorf will now accept exhibitor applications for Tube 2010 directly via the www.tube.de website, in addition to the usual faxed and mailed forms. To download the application forms for 2010, it is necessary to register and log on (see www.tube.de/2330 for the English form). Exhibitors at the next show will also be given an enhanced media service, which involves a compulsory web portal media charge of €320. This binding fee will enable Messe Düsseldorf to provide an expanded media service to supplement the already successful printed version of the show catalogue. Exhibitors can still submit a catalogue entry at http://tube.media-entries.com The media service will provide exhibitors with a company profile and product descriptions on the online portal and the KATI visitor information system. There will be a special visitor news section, containing the latest company and product news. Exhibitors will be able to list company contact names, integrate website links into their company profile, upload photo and video content, and publish a timetable of stand events. Other benefits will include online appointment scheduling, visitor/exhibitor matchmaking, and user controlled editing. The International Tube Association (www.itatube.org) has announced it will offer members an exclusive exhibitor shell scheme package for Tube 2010, set at lower prices than 2008.

Exhibitor bookings are now being taken for the next Tube Düsseldorf, planned for 12-16 April 2010, in accordance with a number of changes to the booking procedure and media service. Following the last event in 2008, organisers Messe Düsseldorf carried out a complete review of the highly successful Tube and wire shows. The next event in 2010 should prove an even bigger draw, particularly due to the removal of Metav from the show billing. It will be possible for tube exhibitors to take full advantage of the expanded Messe Düsseldorf showgrounds, with a higher number of prime positions available for 2010. Tube 2010 will return to its more familiar location of halls 1 to 7.0, while wire 2010 will take place in halls 9-12 and 15-17.

Messe Düsseldorf will manage a compulsory online exhibitor ▼ ▼ portal at the next Tube 2010

Messe Düsseldorf – Germany zanderh@messe-duesseldorf.de www.tube.de

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New Plymouth website features MetalMiner’s 2009 Metal Price Predictions is now available, at no cost, at http://agmetalminer.com/download- metalminer-2009-price-predictions- whitepaper/

Plymouth Tube Company, USA, has updated its website to include a new section offering high quality Prime 4130 material, including round, square and streamline 4130 tubing, produced to Mil-T 6736B cond N. The website also includes a new ‘Technical Tubecast’ section (www. plymouth.com/tubecast.aspx), featuring videos of technical presentations for all areas and facets of the company.

Subjects of videos currently available include an explanation of the process of welding stainless steel tubing, the advantages of stainless steel and titanium, and the basics of carbon boiler tubing. This area of the website will be updated regularly with technical topics. Plymouth Tube Company – USA sales@plymouth.com www.plymouth.com

The executive whitepaper covers a wide range of metals, including copper, steel, stainless steel, aluminium, zinc, tin, lead and nickel.

Aptium Global Inc – USA www.aptiumglobal.com www.agmetalminer.com

HIGH PRESSURE FITTINGS Forged-Carbon-Alloy-Stainless Steel, Threaded and Socket Weld PRODUCTS: 90°/45° elbow, tee, union, coupling, bushing, plug, cap, insert, pipe nipple & swage nipple . . .etc. MATERIALS: - Stainless Steel: ASTM A182, F304/304L, F316/316L, F304H/F316H, F317L - Carbon Steel: ASTM A105, SF440A & A181, A350 LF2 - Alloy Steel: ASTM A182 F11, F22 PRESSURE RATINGS: 2000, 3000, 6000 & 9000 lbs APPROVAL CERTIFICATES: ISO-9001 Quality Assurance, L/R, C/R, N/K & ABS register of shipping, PED (CE)

Acquisition of assets of CAM software developer

Plasma arc metal cutting technology expert Hypertherm has announced the acquisition of the core assets of MTC Software, a developer of computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software used by the sheet and plate processing industry. MTC Software’s ProNest, TurboNest and other products are known for delivering ease of use and increased productivity. MTC’s software helps companies in the metal cutting industry optimise their cuts so that cut quality and productivity are improved, while producing less scrap. The CAM software is used in conjunction with CNC systems for oxy- fuel, plasma, waterjet, laser and other cutting processes. Hyperthermdoes not plan any significant changes to MTC’s operations as a result of the purchase. MTC headquarters will remain in Lockport, New York and its 40 associates will continue to work at their current locations. MTC has offices and distribution partners throughout the world. Hypertherm designs and manufactures advanced plasma cutting systems for use in a variety of industries, including shipbuilding, manufacturing, and auto- motive repair. Its product line includes handheld and mechanised plasma systems and consumables, as well as CNC motion and height controls.

Manufacturer & Exporter BOTH-WELL STEEL FITTINGS CO., LTD. No. 303, Jen-Hsin Rd., Jen-Wu Hslang, Kaohsiung Hsien, Taiwan (814) Tel: +886 7 3711536, 3710497, 3720260 Fax: +886 7 3713864, 3713882 E-mail: box@mail.bothwell.com.tw http://www.bothwell.com.tw E-mail: export@mail.bothwell.com.tw ®

Hypertherm Inc – USA info@hypertherm.com www.hypertherm.com

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New marketing manager at Cincinnati Extrusion

Dr Steger studied at the ViennaUniversity of Economics and Business, from which he also received his doctor’s degree with entrepreneurship and innovation, and business administration as his major subjects. He has gained experience from working at two business consultancy firms, and as assistant to the management board at Cincinnati. Hans Berlisg joined the Viennese company in 1968 and has held a variety of leading positions.

Cincinnati Extrusion has appointed Dr Christoph Steger as head of the company’s marketing and product management departments. The new manager has taken over part of the duties previously administered by Hans Berlisg, who retired at the end of 2008. Dr Steger has also taken charge of the quality management department, which was previously the respon- sibility of managing director Walter Häder.

Dr Christoph Steger is the new head ▲ ▲ of Cincinnati Extrusion’s marketing and product management departments

DSF 2009 exhibition The 5 th Dongguan International Exhibition on Electro-plating, Surface Finishing and Coatings (DSF 2009) will take place at the Dongguan International Conference & Exhibition Centre (Guangdong, China), 14-16 May 2009. The event is presented by the Hong Kong Electro-Plating Merchants Association, in response to the surging demand for surface finishing service and equipment in China. Over 20 local and international associations have consented to support the event. Taiwan Plating Association and The Chemical Daily, Japan, are providing support and organising the exhibition pavilion. Trade associations in the USA, Korea, Japan and Singapore are also finalising cooperation details with the organiser, ensuring that the event will provide a platform to establish connections with both local and international buyers. Finishing technologies (including plant, equipment and materials) to be exhibited will include electroplating, anodising, pre-treatment, electrophoretic coatings, metallising, plating/painting on plastics, vacuum plating, and stripping solutions and equipment. The show will also feature paint and powder coating applications, curing ovens, automation control systems, water supply and purification systems (water supply and drainage systems, sewage treatment, water quality monitors, hydraulic pressure, pneumatic, pumps and valves), and environmental protection, safety and protection equipment. The Technical Conference by Surface Finishing Professionals and FDI2009 Dongguan International Exhibition on Foundry and Diecasting Industries 2009 will be held concurrently with the event. Featured coating products will include non-stick coatings, industrial paints, automotive paints and powder coatings.

Hans Berlisg retired at the end of 2008 ▲ ▲

He is also the founder of Extruserve, a brand of Cincinnati Extrusion, which specialises in screw and barrel design and reconditioning of used machines. In addition to his responsibilities as head of the marketing and product management departments, Mr Berlisg was in charge of the services department, for which Peter Hammer is now responsible. Cincinnati Extrusion GmbH – Austria steger.c@cet-austria.com www.cet-austria.com

World Trade Expo Ltd – China meganyin@worldtradeexpo.com.hk www.worldtradeexpo.com.hk

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Major contract for pumping project in Japan Wolseley’s Valvestock has won a major contract to supply specialist valves for a giant sea water pumping project in Japan. Valvestock supplied the order for the exotic material bodied, highly corrosion resistant valves to Ebara Corporation via UK-based contracts specialist, Brian Morley. The project required both manual and actuated class 300 ali- bronze ball valves. Valvestock equipped the actuated units with spring return piston actuators, switchboxes, and special stainless steel solenoid valve with manual override. The Fareham-based specialist designed valve mounting kits, piping and layout to enable the units to fit into a pre-figured compact space required by the overall pump design. The order is the latest high value project tackled by Valvestock on behalf of the client, in a relationship of over 20 years. Valvestock, the specialist industrial and process valve arm of Pipe Center, is expanding its activities in high specification work involving custom- designed actuators and assemblies. Wolseley – UK customerservices@wolseley.co.uk www.wolseley.co.uk

Valsir continues partnership with Ducati Racing for 2009 Superbike season Valsir and Ducati have confirmed the continuation of their Superbike Championship partnership that began last season. Valsir has been operating within the plumbing and heating market for over twenty years with a complete range of products, and, like Ducati, has reached important benchmarks over the years to become a reference company in the sector.

Valsir has partnered Ducati for the current Superbike season ▲ ▲

The first year of partnership with Ducati of Borgo Panigale came to a close with the manufacturers and riders title of World Champion, won by the Australian rider Troy Bayliss, who ended his motorcycling career as a champion after taking his third world title. For 2009, Ducati has signed a contract with the experienced Japanese rider Noriyuki Haga. Haga will partner the Italian Michel Fabrizio, who continues with the Ducati Xerox Team for a second consecutive season. The Superbike Championship began on 1 March on the Australian circuit of Phillip Island. Valsir’s website includes a section dedicated to the races, news and the images of the season.

Pipe Center – UK www.pipecenter.co.uk Valvestock – UK www.valvestock.co.uk

Valsir – Italy valsir@valsir.it • www.valsir.it

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Sales manager appointed at Alloy Metals and Tubes International

Kates in May 2008. “ We immediately expanded our sales team upon acquiring the business, ” commented Mr Kates. “ Even in the current atmosphere of economic uncertainty, we’re focused on strengthening existing AMTI relation- ships, as well as building strategic alliances with new customers and suppliers. I see tremendous potential for growth, particularly in the nickel and high-nickel chrome alloy market niche. ” Mr Bingham brings more than 30 years of experience to his new post at AMTI. Previous roles include stainless tubing manager at Maxpro South in Houston, where he introduced a stainless steel tubing programme in 2003, developing customer base and inventory as well as marketing and distribution procedures.

William H (Bill) Bingham has been appointed as sales manager at Alloy Metals and Tubes International, Inc (AMTI). Mr Bingham will be responsible for leading the AMTI sales effort, participating in outside sales and in developing the company’s sales strategy. ATMI provides one-stop shopping for a complete list of hard-to-source tubing products. Founded in 1991, the company provides service for customers requiring custom tubes, particularly in the oil and gas sector, and also maintains a strong inventory of instrumentation tubes in its west Houston location.

Bill Bingham, AMTI’s new sales manager ▲ ▲

manager at Keystone Corporation, and was special projects manager at Tubesales in Houston. Mr Bingham earned his Bachelor of Business Administration Degree at Sam Houston Sate University in Huntsville.

Alloy Metals and Tubes International Inc – USA www.alloy-metals.com

The company was acquired by local oil and petrochemical executive Curtis R

He also worked in sales at PAC Stainless Ltd, was stainless aluminium product

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Orbitalum Tools moves into new premises

Orbitalum Tools GmbH has moved into new premises in Singen/Hohentwiel, with the official opening ceremony taking place on 29 January. The building was handed over to managing director Achim Schneider by architect Ludwig Schweiger, from the city of Rottweil. The event was attended by a number of high-ranking regional politicians and the management of several partners, customers and suppliers, as well as the Orbitalum employees and their families. Employees had already moved into the new headquarters in October 2008, after a construction period of only seven months. Orbitalum Tools GmbH, formerly known as Georg Fischer Rohrverbindungstechnik GmbH, is an ITW (Illinois Tool Works, Chicago) company, and is ISO 9001:2000 certified. The company develops, produces and markets portable pipe and tube cutting and pipe end preparation machines for the plant engineering industry. The equipment produced in Singen is used mainly in industries such as food and beverage, chemical, pharmaceutical and electronics, as well as in power plants, pipeline construction and shipbuilding. ITW has invested approximately €4 million into the new development in Singen. The main objective of the new headquarters was to set the required conditions for modern and effective production and logistics. Various building and energy concepts were evaluated and a future-orientated concept was developed together with the assigned architect. The building has a total size of around 4,200m 2 , including 1,100m 2 for administration, and has been designed so that additional floors can be added when required. Short distances between administration, production and shipping enable the quick exchange of information, while the set up of production in cells ensures optimised product flow. Under-floor heating to all areas, including production and the warehouse, is supplied by a gas boiler, but alternative systems such as a pellet heater will be possible in the future. It was not possible to install a geothermal system due to water pollution control. Structural analysis for the possibility of installing solar panels on the roof has been carried out, and this project will soon be realised. A well-equipped demo room has also been installed, as the company has requirements for customer training and product presentations.

Orbitalum Tools GmbH – Germany tools@orbitalum.com www.orbitalum.com

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BSS Industrial, a supplier of pipeline and heating solutions, has partnered with manufacturer Hudevad to open a brand new warehouse dedicated to radiators. The company is part of The BSS Group plc, a distributor to specialist trades. The new warehouse is located at Cyan Park in Coventry, UK, close to BSS Industrial’s distribution facilities at Magna Park in Leicestershire and Cross Point Business Park, also in Coventry. The warehouse will primarily store BSS Industrial’s Boss RIOpanel range of radiators. BSS Industrial partnered with Hudevad to launch the Boss RIOpanel in 2007. The company states that the range has proved a popular choice in the com- mercial heating market. In September New warehouse dedicated to radiators

2008, Hudevad extended the range by launching the Boss Rio Aegis LST, specifically designed for use in care homes, education and health facilities. Frank Elkins, BSS Industrial managing director, commented, “ As a business, our primary concern is to provide a reliable service to our customers. That includes having the ability to deliver goods on demand. Since its launch in 2007, the Boss RIOpanel has been a successful product line for us, so much so that to meet our customer order levels, we have worked with Hudevad to secure a substantial proportion of its new Midlands warehouse in which to store the product.

John Rees, BSS Industrial brand director, browses ▲ ▲ the company’s new brochures

“ In addition to meeting customer demand, the new warehouse means we

can coordinate logistics and handling solutions between our other two Midlands distribution centres: anyone in the industry will agree that radiators are extremely easy to damage in transit, so by using our own staff and specialist vehicles, we can ensure all products are handled correctly and arrive intact for our customers. ” BSS Industrial has also recently launched a range of dedicated brochures to illustrate the solutions and technical knowledge on offer from its specialist brand teams. The literature has been produced after the specialist brands (Manor Plastics, Austin Stroud, AMS Pumps and Pegler & Louden) joined together under one umbrella in 2008, strengthening BSS Industrial’s focus on new markets and providing a more comprehensive service to current customers. John Rees, BSS Industrial brand director, commented, “ These brochures have been designed to provide a detailed resource of information to customers as we continue to expand the services and expertise offered by the specialist brand team. ”

Combilift’s new man for north of the borders Combilift Ltd, a manufacturer in the long-load handling sector, has appointed a new product manager for Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Anthony Rooney will add support to current Combilift dealerships in these areas.

Mr Rooney has been with Combilift for almost eight years, initially with a role in the production of the trucks, to a four year stint opening up new markets in the USA, before moving back closer to home to take on his current position. “ Sales in Scotland grew by over 100% last year, and I expect this to continue throughout 2009, ” Mr Rooney commented. “ The oil industry is a buoyant sector, and our larger trucks with up to 14 tonne capacities are particularly suited for offshore applications. In Northern Ireland I have identified increasing requirements for the Combilift range in manufacturing and engineering sectors. In general, customers appreciate the cost effectiveness of the 3-machines-in-1 Combilift system rather than operating a fleet of multiple types of forklifts. ”

Mr Rooney has also made some initial sales of the recently introduced Combi-CB, and believes that this will prove to be a popular model in the future.

The Combi-CB was specifically designed for handling a mixture of long and palletised loads.

Combilift Ltd – Ireland info@combilift.com www.combilift.com

BSS Industrial – UK reception@bssgroup.com www.bssuk.co.uk

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Growing demand for stainless steel solutions Wolseley provides a wide range of construction products and materials through more than 1,800 branches, including the Plumb Center, Build Center, Pipe Center, Drain Center, Climate Center, Parts Center, Electric Center, Encon, Brandon Hire and William Wilson chains. seems it’s a material whose time has come. ” Plascut Stainless is one of the UK’s most experienced plasma-arc profilers. Its computer-controlled plasma cutter can accommodate stainless steel plates up to 75mm thick and weighing up to five tonnes. It also operates one of the

UK’s largest plate saws, able to cut plate up to 6m long and 75mm thick.

Wolseley – UK customerservices@wolseley.co.uk www.wolseley.co.uk

Pipe Center – UK www.pipecenter.co.uk

Plascut Stainless, Pipe Center’s specialist stainless steel plasma cutting facility, has reported growing demand from fabricators keen to harness the anti-corrosion properties and aesthetics of stainless steel. “ It’s a trend we have been noticing for some time, ” commented Bob Elliott, who heads Wolseley’s high-tech facility in Sheffield, UK. “ Stainless steel, due to its permanence and chemical stability, has a growing range of applications in industrial process work and buildings. It is the material of choice for harsh or corrosive environments, and in food processing where hygiene is top of the agenda. With the new emphasis on reliability and quality engineering, it

Stainless steel feedwater and condenser tubing

Dan Janikowski, Plymouth Tube Company’s senior energy account executive, recently presented a paper entitled ‘Stainless Steel Feedwater and Condenser Tubing – Expectations, Results andChoices’, at the 2008 Power-Gen International Tradeshow. The complete paper can be downloaded at: www.plymouth.com/_ tmp/janikowski%20blessman%20fwh%20you%20have%20a%20choice.pdf

The company’s other technical papers and brochures can be accessed via: www.plymouth.com/brochures.aspx

Plymouth Tube Company – USA sales@plymouth.com • www.plymouth.com

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Uniform standard for high-performance resin

event held in China. The product is the first random polybutene-1 co-polymer based on the company’s proprietary processing and catalyst technology designed for use in customer under- floor heating and surface cooling systems. Customers report that the resin offers superior flexibility, durability and creep resistance, as well as reduced jointing and fitting requirements.

Pipe convertersWavin Hepworth, Aikang China, George Fischer and Weixing have announced that they will develop uniform standards for LyondellBasell’s recently launched Akoafloor PB-R 509 polybutene-1, which represents a new high-performance class of resin used in under-floor, low-temperature pipe heating and cooling systems. According to Dr Mattis Gosmann, LyondellBasell’s marketing manager for polybutene-1 in Asia Pacific, “ Achieving this company standard for pipe converters is a necessary first step in the development of a Chinese National Standard for the commercialisation of a new class of resins for pipe applications. Our Akoafloor PB-R 509 resin is a new alternative to incumbent materials, offering the performance and reliability customers demand in sustainable pipe heating and cooling systems. ” The initiative is also supported by Chen Jiaqi, chief secretary of China’s National Technical Committee of Standardization for Plastic Products, and Wei Ruoqi, director of the Chinese National Test Center of Polymer and Building Materials. “ We discovered that Akoafloor PB-R 509 provides excellent processability, with reduced tooling modification requirements, ” commented Frank Huang, production manager of Wavin Hepworth. “ Furthermore, the resin only requires one to two days of aging time, which we believe will help shorten our lead time. ”

Shi Guojun, vice general manager of Zhe Jiang Weixing New Building Materials Co Ltd, said, “ Under-floor heating is a rapidly-expanding market in China. We believe Akoafloor will provide this market with a premium and competitive solution that meets end users’ needs for safety and reliability. ”

LyondellBasell Industries – The Netherlands www.lyondellbasell.com

LyondellBasell launched Akoafloor PB-R 509 in May 2008, at a customer

New chief executive officer and chief financial officer

RathGibson, a manufacturer of welded, welded and drawn, and seamless stainless steel, nickel, and titanium tubing, has appointed Michael Schwartz as chief executive officer (CEO). Mr Schwartz joined RathGibson in April 2008 as president and chief operating officer, and assumed the position of interim CEO in August 2008. Before joining RathGibson, Mr Schwartz served as president and CEO of Airoom, Inc. In addition, he brings over 15 years of experience with companies within Lennox International Inc, including president and COO for Heatcraft Worldwide Refrigeration, Lennox North American Distributed Products, and Armstrong Air; vice-president for Heatcraft Commercial Products; and sales and marketing director for the Heatcraft Heat Transfer Group. RathGibson has also announced the appointment of Jon Smith as chief financial officer (CFO), as of 3 February 2009. Mr Smith joins RathGibson from the engine and transmission components group of Magna Powertrain. As Magna’s senior director of finance, Mr Smith led key business initiatives around strategy development and implementation, process standardisation, and structural cost improvements. As RathGibson’s CFO, Mr Smith will provide enterprise- wide leadership across the functional areas of IT, finance, accounting and tax, while also maintaining existing relationships with respective business unit controllers.

RathGibson – USA www.rathgibson.com

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