TPi January 2020

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The trade magazine for tube and pipe products

January 2020

The only stock you need for urgent deliveries

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Our stock is most suited for shutdowns and breakdowns.

INTERSERVICE TRADING

Alloy WP1 WP11 WP22 WP5 WP9 WP91

Stainless WP304L WP321H WP347H WP316L

Carbon WPB

P.O. Box 74 - 4760 AB Zevenbergen Netherlands phone +31 (0)168 32 67 50 fax +31 (0)168 32 67 52 sales@istbv.com www.istbv.com

Low Temp. WPL3

t h e p o w e r i s o u r s t o c k

Plastic Tube: The Right Choice !

Kennedyallee 1-5 D-53175 Bonn

Tel. +49 (0)228 / 91477-0 Fax +49 (0)228 / 91477-19 kunststoffrohrverband@krv.de www.krv.de

Editorial Office: Editor in chief

Mr Rory McBride Email: rory@intras.co.uk Mr Christian Bradley Email: christian@intras.co.uk Ms Helen Gaskell Email: helen@intras.co.uk

Editorial Assistants

Design & Production

Mrs Lisa Wright Email: lisa@intras.co.uk

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Ms Caroline Sullens

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Email: steve@intras.co.uk • Tel: +44 1926 834688 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

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Contents January 2020

6 Business & market news

24 Products & developments

40 Tube Düsseldorf 2020

The world’s largest exhibition for the tube and pipe industries

42 Tube welding technology

52 Choosing the right welding technique for the task at hand By ESAB, Germany

54 Val-Matic Air Valve Coating Test

By Val-Matic Valve & Manufacturing Corp, USA

55 Editorial index

56 Advertisers index

The trade magazine for tube and pipe products

Events calendar

January 2020

www.read-tpi.com

The trademagazine for tube and pipe products

The January issue

2020

13-16 January STEELFAB (Sharjah, UAE)

Welcome to the latest Tube Products INTERNATIONAL magazine. I have just returned from the recent FABTECH 2019 in Chicago, which has grown significantly since I last attended a few years ago. The number of visitors was extremely impressive, but I was most interested to see the very high quality of speakers and panels at the show offering the latest information and advice on a number of fascinating subjects to help those attending gain knowledge of the latest practices and technology being used in the manufacturing industry. According to the speakers, advanced manufacturing is transforming the US and international economy. Jobs are changing due to the use of cutting-edge technology. New manufacturing processes are helping to accelerate innovation even in traditional areas of engineering that have not changed for decades. Companies are increasingly using advanced technology to remain competitive and add value to their organisation. Innovations in robotics and automation have now sparked a fourth industrial revolution. It was suggested that automation is the key to US manufacturers’ efforts in lowering the cost of production and offsetting the increase in material costs. The panel explored how automation is changing the manufacturing landscape and covered the role of technology and the changing – but still vital – role of people in the future of manufacturing. Experts also gave their optimistic perspective on the impact of robotics on human workers and the facts vs fiction of worker replacement. They discussed key challenges to implementing automation and developing a pipeline to help de-risk technology and implement it on the factory floor, but overall it is likely to remove more tedious and dangerous tasks while still requiring the imagination and skill of engineers. Next up we have the important March Tube Düsseldorf issue. It will have features on copper & aluminium tubes & fittings; small diameter, high precision tubes; and tube protecting & coating. We will also be featuring new products that will be exhibited at Tube Düsseldorf 2020 and we will take a look at the Mach 2020 trade show, which is being held in Birmingham, UK.

International exhibition www.steelfabme.com

30 March – 3 April Tube Düsseldorf 2020 (Düsseldorf, Germany) International exhibition www.tube.de 31 March – 3 April TOLexpo (Paris, France) International exhibition www.tolexpo.com 20-24 April MACH (Birmingham, UK) International exhibition www.machexhibition.com 11-13 June Guangzhou (Guangzhou, China) International exhibition www.julang.com.cn 17-20 June Korea Metal Week (Seoul, South Korea) International exhibition www.korea-metal.com 23-26 September Tube China (Shanghai, China) International exhibition www.tubechina.net 27-30 October EuroBLECH (Hanover, Germany) International exhibition www.euroblech.com 16-18 June FABTECH Canada (Toronto, Canada) International exhibition www.fabtechcanada.com

If you would like to submit editorial for the March issue the deadline is 8 January. You can contact me at: rory@intras.co.uk. The advertising deadline is 22 January.

I hope that you enjoy the magazine.

Rory McBride Editor in Chief

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Advertise and be seen at...

STEEL FAB Sharjah, UAE TUBE DüSSELDORF VALVEWORLD Düsseldorf, Germany EMO EUROBLECH Hanover, Germany MACH Birmingham, UK TUBE RUSSIA Moscow, Russia MADE IN STEEL Milan, Italy LAMIERA Bologna, Italy BORU Istanbul, Turkey TUBE CHINA Shanghai, China GUANGZHOU TUBE FAIR Guangzhou, China KOREA METAL WEEK Kintex, Korea TUBE SOUTHEAST ASIA Bangkok, Thailand TUBE INDIA Mumbai, India TOLEXPO Paris, France TUBOTECH São Paulo, Brazil

D O W N L O A D Y O U R 2 0 2 0 M E D I A P A C K N O W !

FABTECH CANADA Toronto, ON, Canada FABTECH Las Vegas, NV, USA Chicago, IL, USA

www.read-tpi.com 46 Holly Walk, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire CV32 4HY, UK CONTACT INTERNATIONAL SALES: Tel: +44 (0)1926 334137 - tpi@intras.co.uk

Business & market news

Nuclear reactor business remains lucrative for international valve manufacturers

Framatome is involved in the construc- tion of numerous facilities across the world including some in Europe and even two new blocks at the Hinkley Point location in the UK. Manufacturing company is Sempell is supplying eight damped check valves (main feedwater damped check valves – MFDCV). Its design was developed to prevent pressure surges which can result from double pipe breaks in the feedwater pipes in the nuclear power plant. In 2021 Sempell will also supply six pressuriser safety relief valves (PSRV) for Blocks 1 and 2 at Hinkley Point C. Although these two new blocks are emerging in the UK, “the idea of an atomic energy renaissance in Europe is far removed.” Innovations in the fields of valves and pumps will be presented at Valveworld Expo from 1 to 3 December 2020 in halls 1, 3 and 4 at the Düsseldorf Fairgrounds in Germany. Valveworld Expo www.valveworldexpo.com Sempell www.sempell.com

Due to the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster in 2011 and the rise in renewable energy, some countries are dubious about nuclear energy and some experts are not sure if the construction of new nuclear facilities will prevail in the long run. Nuclear technology is expensive and there is now a cheaper alternative in the form of renewable energy. However, for the foreseeable future, nuclear power plants will be on the rise, especially in Asia, according to the organisers of Valveworld Expo. This claim is supported by figures from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) which says there are currently 450 nuclear power plants in operation in 31 countries and the IAEA expects an increase in capacity of more than 1.9 per cent by 2030. “Europe is reticent about building new facilities; however, Poland will soon start using nuclear technology in several power plants. According to the World Nuclear Association, 164 nuclear power plants are already under construction worldwide and another 350 are planned,” said a spokesperson for Valveworld Expo. Suppliers of valves for nuclear reactors are following the developments of

the nuclear energy sector closely, as nuclear plants have a great need for valves. Dr Tomas Hahn, member of Framatome GmbH’s management committee and responsible for clients, politics and innovation, said: “In one nuclear power plant there are around 20,000 valves, of which around a third are large valves, so in practically every area of the plant.” Many different types of valves are used in nuclear plants and Valveworld Expo added: “The demands on them are high, but they differ according to their purpose. Safety valves are of paramount importance.” Of those nuclear plants currently being built, French nuclear reactor business

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Business & market news

Tata Steel secures line pipe contract for North Sea Field development

Steel producer Tata Steel has secured a multi-million pound contract to provide high frequency induction (HFI) line pipe for a gas condensate field in the Central North Sea. Under the scope of work, Tata Steel has been commissioned to provide more than 55km of 18" carrier pipe for a pipe- in-pipe system on the field. The line pipe will be manufactured at Tata Steel’s 20" mill in Hartlepool, UK. Barry Rust, marketing manager, energy and sustainability, said: “We have secured eight projects in the North Sea in just over a year and the order book for 2020 is healthy too, which is indicative of the returning optimism in the region. “We have also made a significant investment in our steel-making capabilities. At our Hartlepool 20" mill, our main line pipe mill, we have enhanced laser metrology to help our clients improve their offshore productivity as well as investments in less physical aspects such as data analytics, to drive both product capability and our understanding of performance. “While we provide a wide range of steel products and services, our HFI welded

Line pipe from Tata Steel

line pipes, available in diameters from two to 20" and strength grades up to API 5L X70, are answering the modern industry’s demands for a cost-effective solution to seamless pipe.” Tata Steel has supplied more than one million tonnes of pipeline for oil and gas projects in the North Sea over 24 years, including in excess of 500,000m of reel installed pipe and more than £250mn invested in subcontracts for North Sea projects. Tata Steel www.tatasteeleurope.com BPF pipes group produces guide to branch connections for water and gas mains

working space required is small, so excavation works can be minimised. The guidance is available at: www.bpfpipesgroup.com and contact details for BPF Pipes Group members who manufacture and supply branch connections for water and gas applications can be found at the same location. BPF Pipes Group www.bpfpipesgroup.com Severn Trent Water www.stwater.co.uk

highlights a jointing method that is very efficient and minimises disruption to customers. By making technically sound choices, we will go a long way towards ensuring we have a leak-proof network for future generations.” The guidance combines best technical practice with the need to maintain normal services to customers during operations on live distribution mains.  Installing a branch connection and tapping into the main under pressure eliminates the need for squeeze-off or flow-stopping, and the

BPF Pipes has published new guidance on making effective branch connections in live water and gas mains. The guidance comes as a direct response to a request from water companies working with the Plastic Pipes Liaison Group, which is a collaboration between the BPF Pipes Group and Water UK and is part of a growing resource provided by the BPF Pipes Group to maximise the benefits of polyethylene piping systems for water and gas mains. Clive Ingram, of Severn Trent Water, said: “This guidance

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Business & market news

MAC to feature NDT instruments and systems at Tube 2020 in Düsseldorf

Magnetic Analysis Corp (MAC) will feature its latest developments in eddy current, magnetic flux leakage (AC and DC), and ultrasonic technology (UT) at Tube 2020 in Düsseldorf, Germany. The company, which specialises in non- destructive testing instruments and systems for testing tube, pipe, bar and wire, will be exhibiting its Echomac ® 25mm UT Rotary, which is designed for high-performance applications such as tubular products for nuclear and aerospace installations; its Echomac ® SM, which is a compact, convenient UT instrument that covers all kinds of applications in a small package; and the 20mm Rotomac ® , designed for high- speed inspection of small-diameter tube and wire for surface flaws such as seams and laps.

at the stand to discuss the full range of MAC test systems, including the new Echomac ® phased array system for inspecting weld zone profile and defects in ERW tube, ultrasonic/flux leakage multi-test systems ranging up to 500mm for OCTG pipe, as well as other non-destructive test solutions

for tube producers. Magnetic Analysis Corp will be located at stand 6H20. Magnetic Analysis Corporation www.mac-ndt.com Tube 2020 www.tube-tradefair.com

MAC’s engineers will also be present

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Business & market news

Kibosh receives £800k investment to help accelerate expansion

new managing director. Keith Gibson, who has corporate finance experience and a private equity background with a particular focus on the industrial sector, will be the company chairman. Aidan MacMillan, investment manager at Par Equity, said: “Investing in Kibosh at this stage in its development makes absolute sense for us. The products are tried, tested and unique. Leaking pipes afflict more than just ordinary households. This is an issue for global industries too. The need to get a fix in place as quickly as possible is vital in protecting assets, the environment and business reputations.” Kibosh Ltd www.kiboshpiperepair.com Par Equity www.parequity.com

The funding from Par Equity will enable us to expand the business into much larger global markets. I have already had requests for bespoke products from power stations and many other industrial outfits. I’m extremely grateful for the confidence that Par Equity has placed in the business. This money means we will have the technology and management strength to grow quickly and successfully.” The investment follows reports from experts at the University of Strathclyde and Heriot-Watt University, who confirmed the potential for Kibosh’s technology to be used in large-scale industrial situations. As a result of the funding, Kibosh has made two key appointments. John Breslin, an experienced interim CEO and angel investor has joined as the

Kibosh Ltd designs a leaking-pipe repair kit which enables DIY enthusiasts, professional plumbers and trades- people to mend leaking pipes without having to turn off water supply central heating systems. The company has received an £800k investment to enable it to accelerate its expansion into oil and gas and other sectors. The investment, which has come from Par Equity, a company which specialises in identifying and supporting rapid- growth businesses, will help with the development of Kibosh’s new product to deal with leaks in pipes which carry oil, gas and other liquids. Ross Dickinson, founding managing director of Kibosh Ltd, said: “Over the past ten years Kibosh products have become very popular with domestic tradespeople and of course plumbers.

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Business & market news

New step-by-step guidelines published for pipe bursting with HDPE pipe

A new step-by-step instruction docu- ment for the pipe bursting installation of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) PE 4710 pipe has been approved and published by the Municipal Advisory Board – an independent, non-com- mercial adviser to the municipal and industrial division of the Plastics Pipe Institute. ‘MAB Guidelines for PE 4710 Pipe Bursting of Potable Water Mains’ (MAB- 5-2019) is for static pipe bursting to replace potable water mains using HDPE piping systems that conform to AWWA standards. The document includes multiple sections such as pro-forma text for project submittals, minimum contractor qualifications, planning tips and installation details to provide an efficient, leak-free project. MAB-5-2019 can be adopted in conjunction with the MAB model specifications for PE 4710 buried potable water service, distribution and transmission pipes and fittings, or modified by the specifier to fit the project. The guidelines are for use by utilities while developing project specifications and can also be utilised for sewer force main replacement. The Plastics Pipe Institute is a North American trade

Utility workers start the pipe bursting pull using HDPE pipe to rehabilitate a water pipeline. The new MAB document provides guidelines for these types of projects

MAB-5-2019 is available free of charge from the PPI website. Plastics Pipe Institute www.plasticpipe.org

association representing all segments of the plastic pipe industry across the USA and is dedicated to promoting plastics as the materials of choice for pipe and conduit applications.

Integrated EPCI contract for Neptune Energy TechnipFMC has been awarded an integrated engineering, procurement, construction and installation contract by Neptune Energy for the Seagull project, located in the Central North Sea. The contract is the second call-off under the five-year strategic global alliance agreement between TechnipFMC and Neptune Energy. Arnaud Pieton, president of subsea at TechnipFMC, commented: “We are delighted to partner again with Neptune Energy. Our alliance clearly demonstrates the importance and value of early engagement and collaboration as well as our ability to offer clients a full suite of services and global experience. We look forward to expanding our working relationship through the development of fields such as Seagull.” Seagull is a high-pressure, high- temperature oil field located in the Central North Sea in a water depth of approximately 90m. Comprising four subsea production wells, a new 5km pipe-in-pipe production line and a 17km control umbilical, Seagull outputs will travel via the Heron pipeline system to the BP-operated ETAP (Eastern Trough Area Project) development and on through the Forties pipeline system to Grangemouth, UK. TechnipFMC plc www.technipfmc.com TechnipFMC will manufacture, deliver and install subsea equipment including production and water wash pipelines, umbilicals, subsea structures and control systems. Neptune Energy is the operator of the Seagull discovery, together with joint venture partners BP and Japex.

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Business & market news

Metalube India reports steady growth Lubricant manufacturer Metalube has reported steady growth since opening its India office in in Mumbai in 2011 with an average yearly growth of nearly 18 per cent since 2014.

Focusing primarily on wire and cable manufacturers along with the power transmission and distribution industry, Metalube India employs nine full-time staff at its office in Mumbai, but also works closely with distribution partners throughout India. Amit Gupte, general manager at Metalube India, said: “It has been a privilege to be a part of Metalube India’s success. The company has a high quality and service-driven ethos and it is encouraging to receive positive feedback from our customers who confirm that our products are outperforming competitors and giving them significant cost savings.” The company works with a range of customers in the cable industry such

The Metalube team in Mumbai, India

include Precision Wires, Ram Ratna Wires, GK Winding Wires, Sterling India and Chandra Electricals. Metalube www.metalube.co.uk

as Finolex, Panasonic Life Solutions (formerly Anchor Electricals), Polycab, RR Kables, Universal Cables, Malhotra Cables, Motherson Sumi Electric Wires, and Gupta Power Infrastructures. Within the enamelled wire industry, customers

The new M2M Gekko generation released Eddyfi Technologies has announced the release of the new generation of M2M Gekko, a state-of-the-art phased array flaw detector. The new Gekko generation has built on the strengths of its predecessor and benefits from a higher firepower and channel sensitivity and the longest battery autonomy in its class, which is up six hours in normal use. It also features a brighter resistive and sensitive touchscreen that can be used with gloves or under rough conditions. For data management, it comes with a 256GB SSD and a new USB 3.0 connector allowing a high-speed file transfer, and wireless compatibility for data or screen sharing. It also has a new IP68 LEMO encoder connector which makes it fully robust and compatible with most of the standard scanners up to three encoded axes. The corresponding 3.0 Capture software release includes scan plan features, high resolution TFM inspection, an improved adaptive inspection feature and new functionality requested by inspectors working in the field. Eddyfi Technologies www.eddyfi.com

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Business & market news

Flexenergy’s pipe technology chosen for housing development in Glasgow

cumbersome tooling and the large coil availability were all key factors in our choice, as well as the offsite support with sizing and design. “Our on-site resources were able to collaborate with our sister civil engineering business, Deans Civil Engineering, to get the pipe installed within tight timeframes as access became available in each area. We will certainly look to utilise the same system on future projects.” Flexenergy’s is claimed to be the only pre-insulated plastic pipe in the UK that can be fully welded, securing the integrity of the network while minimising heat losses, and also uses exclusively recyclable materials. Flexenergy www.flexenergy.co.uk

A district heating scheme for a new housing development in Glasgow, UK, has been optimised by pre-insulated pipe supplier Flexenergy. Flexenergy supplied 500m of pre- insulated polybutylene pipe for the project, improving the thermal efficiency and minimising the thermal losses of heated water being transported to the housing development at Ibroxholm Oval. Jamie Stephen, managing director of CHAPS (GB) Ltd, the mechanical contractor for the Glasgow project, commented: “From the first point of contact with Flexenergy, then during the tender process and creating the network, we knew that this pipe technology was the correct product for this project; the pipe could be electrofusion welded, there was no

The new heating system

Jingning Junwen Steel Co., Ltd

Stainless Steel Seamless Pipe / Tube Type:

Stainless Steel Cold Drawn Seamless Tubing in Coils & Pipe Coils (Made of Cold-Drawn Pipe Billet Instead of Plank-Welding) Type: Austenitic stainless steel seamless pipe Process Method: Cold Drawn / Cold Rolled Surface Finish: Bright Annealed Grade: TP304, TP304L, TP316 / 316L Dual Grade Standard: ASTM (ASME) SA / A312 / A213 / A269 and DIN, GB, JIS Size: OD 3 / 16 "-1" (4.76mm-25.4mm), WT 0.028"-0.083" (0.7mm-2.11mm) Tolerance: Outer Diameter: ±0.08mm (0.00315"), Wall Thickness: ±10% Length: 100ft-2,000ft, or according to customers’requests Certification: ISO9001:2000,GB/T19001-2000

Austenitic stainless steel seamless pipe

Process Method: Surface Finish:

Cold Drawn / Cold Rolled

Bright Annealed / Pickling / 180# 240# 320# 400# 600# Manual Polished / Mechanical Polished

Grade:

TP304, TP304L, TP316 / 316L Dual Grade.

Standard:

ASTM (ASME) SA / A312 / A213 / A269 and DIN, GB, JIS " (6mm-38mm), WT 0.028"-0.118" (0.7mm-3mm) Outer Diameter: ±0.08mm (0.00315"), Wall Thickness: ±10% OD 3 / 16 "-1 1 / 2

Size:

Tolerance: Certification:

ISO9001:2000, GB/T19001-2000

Our products are widely used in petrol, chemical, pharmacy, foodstuff, machinery, aerospace, military, hardware, boiler gas, hot-water heating parts, shipping, power and other industries, heat-exchangers and cold treatments for chemical industry, and gas transmission pipelines. We can offer stainless steel pipes according to our customers’ requirements.

No. 88 Shiniu Mountain, Jingning, She Autonomous County, Zhejiang, China Salesman: Sam | Mobile: +86 13305889498 | Tel: +86 578 5973358 | Email: jw@jw-steel.com

www.jw-steel.com

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Business & market news

4Subsea operator acquired by Subsea 7 4Subsea, a provider of technology and services to oil and gas and offshore wind operators worldwide, has announced it has been acquired by Subsea 7, a subsea engineering, construction and services company serving the offshore energy industry.

In a 100 per cent stock buyout, the acquisition will enable further enhancement and scaling of 4Subsea’s know-how, technology and services to a worldwide market. 4Subsea will function autonomously within Subsea 7, maintaining an independent brand and management team and 4Subsea’s Peter Jenkins will continue in his role as CEO of the company. Speaking about the acquisition, Mr Jenkins said: “We are proud and happy to become a Subsea 7 company, as we regard this as an excellent opportunity to scale our technology and services to a larger market. We aim to combine our ability to deliver quick and targeted business value within well intervention, drilling, subsea operations, and offshore wind with Subsea 7’s strong position as a leading player within the subsea and renewables market. “We believe there is significant value to energy operators in combining our services with Subsea 7’s Field Development and Life of Field business. In addition, we can create value within Subsea 7 with the vessel monitoring project, in the same way we have developed digital twins for subsea production and drilling.”

Stuart Fitzgerald

Peter Jenkins

provided to customers, and to improve efficiency within our own operations and delivery. “4Subsea’s experienced team of subsea domain experts and data scientists provides digital solutions to energy operators, reducing operational risk, cost and providing actionable insights. “We are delighted that the 4Subsea team is now part of our group, and we look forward to jointly delivering enhanced value to our customers.” Subsea 7 www.subsea7.com for improved speed control at high extrusion speeds. A high level of connectivity is standard, as well as Industry 4.0 cloud support. Remote service is available via the Internet using the built-in VPN router. ProfiNet communications allow networking with the rest of the extrusion line. Gillard Cutting Technology www.gillardcutting.com

4Subsea will support Subsea 7 in delivering advanced digital solutions to their customers within Life of Field and Field Development contracts and be a key contributor to the ongoing digital transformation of Subsea 7 business delivery. Stuart Fitzgerald, executive VP, alliances and strategy at Subsea 7, said: “We regard the acquisition of 4Subsea as an important opportunity for Subsea 7 to expand its digital capability and offering. “4Subsea digital insights will create value for Subsea 7 in both our services

New extrusion servo cutter launched Gillard exhibited a new extrusion servo rotary cutter on its stand at the K 2019 event, in Düsseldorf, Germany, in October. The Servo-Torq ® Plus extrusion cutter is designed for plastics, rubbers and many non-polymer materials. accuracy. New Siemens widescreen touch panels allow easy operator control of the machine. The Servo-Torq cutters are available with maximum diameter cutting capacities of up to 150mm. All types of plastic and rubber extruded material can be cut with the machines.

The unit combines the latest Lenze brushless AC servo motors with a fully digital multi-axis control system to activate the rotating knife blade. According to Gillard, very high cut rates are possible, with precise cut length

Integral twin-belt Accra-Feed™ caterpillar infeeder/puller machines are provided to match each cutter model. These feature direct drive AC motors and planetary gearboxes

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Business & market news

Connector Subsea Solutions acquires Hydratight’s MORGRIP ® business

of demanding deepwater pipeline repair projects,” said Pål Magne Hisdal, chairman of CSS. The acquisition of the MORGRIP business completes CSS’s products and service offering, enabling CSS to take a lead role in providing complete subsea and deepwater pipeline repair solutions, delivering its services on a sale or rental basis worldwide. Over the last six years, CSS and Hydratight have collaborated to deliver challenging subsea pipeline repair projects. “The strong synergies already in place between the teams have already enabled us to develop unique and effective solutions; this fully integrated business offers ourselves and the market some very exciting opportunities,” added Paul

Connector Solutions (CSS), a specialist provider of inspection, maintenance and repair (IMR) solutions for subsea pipelines, risers and conductors, has signed an agreement for the acquisition of Hydratight’s MORGRIP Connector business in Walsall, UK. CSS, which is headquartered in Bergen, Norway, will make the MORGRIP Connector business an integral part of its extensive repair and modification services for subsea and deepwater pipelines. “This has been a strategic move to build a foothold in a market that we believe will grow significantly the next few years. With the MORGRIP Connector and the MORGRIP team onboard we have taken a position to meet clients’ requirements for the effective execution Subsea

Bergen, Norway

Hughes, MORGRIP business leader. The consolidated entity will consist of 60 employees dedicated to pipeline repair products and services.

Connector Subsea Solutions www.connectorsubsea.com Hydratight www.hydratight.com

Tube Products International half horiz Ad Liz 2.pdf 1 04/11/2019 14:44:59

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SAFETY | STORAGE | EFFICIENCY All over the world, Combili t is revolu ionising the way companies handle and store materials, especially long and awkward loads, or when space is limited. Our pioneering product range includes mul i-direc ional, ar iculated, pedestrian forkli ts as well as straddle carriers. Companies of all sizes, across a diverse array of industries, are using Combili t handling solu ions – but what our customers all have in common is an understanding of how clever design can maximize e iciency, safety and pro itability in their business.

+353 47 80500 COMBILIFT.COM

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Business & market news

From zero energy buildings to zero energy communities: how to create districts that respect the environment

Zero energy communities share energy, but they can also have certain types of systems in common. Here are two examples: • The excess heat produced by a build- ing can be transmitted and transformed into energy for the needs of other build- ings in the community. • The surplus rainwater collected can be channelled and stored to then be used to irrigate the gardens of individual buildings or public parks. Creating the energy balance sheet and sharing systems will definitely be challenging, with numerous difficulties to be overcome. Despite this, the first pilot projects have shown that implementing this type of sharing at the local level can contribute effectively to lowering temperatures by 1.5°C. Eurotubi www.eurotubieuropa.it

distribution of energy and fluids. In this case, the Eurotubi Pressfitting system is particularly useful due to its characteristics such as: • Reduced load loss: the steel used to construct the pressfitting system facilitates the flow of fluids, since the internal surface of the pipes have less resistance, compared to other materials used for plumbing and heating systems. • A system that is easy and quick to install, ready to hook up to the new building network: thanks to the availability of numerous shapes and diameters in the catalogues, it is easy to add new lines to the plumbing and heating system. • Complete recyclability: steel is completely recyclable as well as friendly to the environment. This helps buildings reach a higher rating in major environmental certifications.

“What is a group of many zero energy buildings? A zero energy community.” It may seem like a play on words, but it is actually the future of shared energy: entire districts that share energy resources and plant engineering. The energy a building produces and does not consume is sent to another in need. So is this the future of plant engineering and plumbing and heating too? We often hear of new buildings that produce more energy than they consume, but one such building alone is not enough. The future is in the network of buildings that share systems and energy, preferably sustainably. All new constructions and renovations of existing buildings must be designed in order to be part of the zero energy community, where the surplus of resources of one building is transformed into consumption savings for another. Zero energy communities are groups of buildings that are able to produce at least as much energy as they consume.

Therefore, they only use self-produced energy inside their community and exclusively from renewable sources. The use of resources inside the community must be seen as an integrated system rather than a series of solutions for each building. Naturally, we are not talking only about office and residential buildings. The community also includes industries, whose energy surpluses can be used as a source of electricity, for heating and cooling. One of the characteristics required by the zero energy community protocol is the reduction of leaks during the

The pipes used for the zero energy community from Eurotubi, Italy

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Business & market news

16 th International Water, Wastewater & Recycling Technology Expo & Forum to be held in Surabaya, Indonesia

The 16 th annual International Water, Wastewater and Recycling Technology Expo and Forum will be held from 9 to 11 June 2020 at the Grand City Convex, Surabaya, Indonesia. INDOWATER 2020 in conjunction with INDORENERGY and INDOWASTE takes place every year alternately in Jakarta and Surabaya and will bring together over 8,000 industry professionals and 250 exhibitors from 30 countries. The event will see water supply and sewerage companies, consultants, contractors, industrial wastewater treatment professionals and decision makers look for cost-effective solutions and technology and will provide a platform for professionals in the water and wastewater industry including Greene Tweed, a global manufacturer of high-performance seals, thermoplas- tics, composites, and engineered com- ponents, has launched a next-genera- tion PFA composite. The WR ® 650 has dry run traits and characteristics, which are designed to replace metallic wear parts in centrifugal pumps and other pump applications. Green Tweed said: “WR ® 650 delivers high chemical compatibility, excellent wear characteristics, and operability from sub-zero to 500°F (260°C). The material also possesses a coefficient of thermal expansion comparable to steel over a wide range of temperatures, offering a constant running clearance, no interference, and no efficiency drop.” The WR ® 650 is designed to solve the problem of metallic wear parts which fail quickly in dry run conditions and give pump operators limited time to restore

Surabaya, Indonesia

to build valuable partnerships. The last INDOWATER attracted 5,000 visitors. INDOWATER www.indowater.merebo.com

government officials, regulators, water and sewerage companies, manufacturers, industrial users, consultants and industry experts to gather, to get updated on the latest trends and developments and

Greene Tweed launches dry-run-resistant WR ® 650

lubrication or shut down a pump before costly damage occurs. According to Green Tweed, the malleable nature of PFA ensures metallic counter- parts are preserved – even those that are relatively soft, which helps to extend pump service life and improve reliability. The WR ® 650 is also reinforced with a 3D carbon-fibre architecture, meaning it can sustain 2.5-times higher dry wear conditions before showing signs of degradation when compared to other PFA-based material. It can also improve the mean time between repair for pumps in refineries, chemical plants, power plants, pipelines and water treatment plants. WR ® 650 is available in a broad range of stock shapes, ranging from ID 1" to OD 12". Greene Tweed www.gtweed.com

Krupalu Inc. is one of the largest Importers and Exporters of Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Alloys (Tubes, Pipes, Bars, Plates and Coil) having over 25+ years of extensive global tube industry experience. We work as a trusted partner to provide the most competitive price, high quality and efficient delivery. We have registered offices in USA, Canada, India and Europe.

Krupalu International Inc. 280 Moon Clinton Road CORAOPOLIS, PA-15108 USA 630-929-7244 Email: sales@krupalu.com

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Penspen partners with MJMEnergy for the study of gas pipeline network in Senegal

Penspen, a provider of engineering and management services to the oil and gas industry, recently partnered with gas and energy consultancy MJMEnergy, to work together on the early development phase of Senegal’s gas-to-power study. Penspen will undertake technical investigations of the natural gas network scenarios for connecting potential gas consumers with new gas supplies. It will also provide a conceptual design for the gas network infrastructure, a cost estimate and schedule for developing the network, and risk assessments for the design, land access, construction, operation, environmental, social and technical aspects. Peter O’Sullivan, Penspen’s CEO, said: “We are pleased to be contributing to the development of Senegal’s domestic gas sector. This important project is a significant milestone for the country in providing access to competitive and clean supplies of energy to its people. We look forward to using our deep

development of its gas-to-power strategy. Significant offshore oil and gas discoveries have transformed the energy outlook in Senegal and the country is now undertaking a major domestic project to bring the benefit of this natural resource to its citizens. Penspen www.penspen.com MJMEnergy www.mjmenergy.com

technical experience to help Senegal maximise the benefit from the natural gas it has discovered within its territorial waters.” The integrated MJMEnergy and Penspen team was awarded the contract by the International Finance Corporation, part of the World Bank, in association with the Senegalese Ministry of Petroleum and Energy, and will work closely with the Government of Senegal to support the overall

New chip-less cutting line for coiled tubes Reika, a German machine-tool manu- facturer for tubular applications, has launched the new 218/318 Compact machine series. re-designed and placed into a new compact machine design with a chamfering and facing section and high- performance transport systems. The straightening section can be equipped with a quick-change device for the different tube diameters, allowing set-up times of less than one minute.

The concentric, hydraulically operated gripper device is driven by servo axis, as well as the turning table and the other machine axis. Automatic flaw cut- out and automatic connector cut-out are integrated with a colour detection and positioning system. The parts are cut chip-less with rotating tools and minimum material waste. Tool lifetime reaches up to 150,000 cuts. The cut parts are transported via automatic grippers into and through the chamfering section, and parts are length measured and discharged to the following bins or forming machines. Reika GmbH & Co KG www.reika.de

The material inlet system has been adapted for coiled tubes – either steel or copper. The first batch of four machines is destined for a manufacturer of fitting

The range is based on the chip-less cut- ting machine 215, of which more than 100 units have been delivered in recent years.

The chip-less cutting head has been

systems. The coils can be individually loaded or staggered on a driven automatic turning table. The following guiding wheel between the turning table and the straightening section is air cushioned and the tension is infinitely adjustable.

The 218/318 Compact machine

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Unique Group signs agreement with iXblue to acquire five DriX units

Integrated subsea and offshore solu- tions provider Unique Group has signed an agreement to acquire five unmanned surface vessel (USV) DriX units from French high-technology company iXblue. The agreement marks a significant investment in the group’s global portfo- lio of survey products and increasing its autonomous offshore offerings. Harry Gandhi, CEO at Unique Group, commented: “We’re extremely delighted to add DriX to our ever- expanding inventory of USVs. DriX has proven to be a real game changer in the offshore market and been used across many successful subsea positioning and bathymetry missions. We look forward to the prospect of further developing our partnership with iXblue in the future.” With an aim to continually introduce latest cutting-edge technology for offshore survey operations, Unique Group’s latest additions are designed for a wide range of tasks such as geophysical and hydrographic surveys, touchdown monitoring of pipelines, subsea positioning, and ROV/AUV tracking. DriX has long endurance, increased hydrodynamics and a flexible sensor payload and can improve the efficiency of offshore operations as well as act as a true force multiplier in the marine renewables sector, subsea construction, IRM and decommissioning in the oil and gas market.

The unmanned surface vessel

Sébastien Grall, head of iXblue Shipyard Division added: “Since its launch in the offshore and hydrographic markets, DriX has been met with incredible success and positive feedback. With outstanding seakeeping capabilities, the USV has set a new standard in the industry of surface drones. “This agreement with Unique Group is another endorsement of the added value that DriX brings to subsea operations and we now look forward to seeing the units in use across various industries for survey, offshore, marine sciences as well as hydrographic operations.”

Unique Group www.uniquegroup.com iXblue www.ixblue.com

Design and selection of check solutions Val-Matic’s redesigned white paper, ‘Design and Selection of Check Valves’, aims to show which check valve is the best option. The white paper helps users understand basic valve principles and the functions of various types of check valves used in pumping systems. Engineering parameters associated with check valve selection, such as flow characteristics, are discussed, along with headloss, reliability and costs. The combined characteristics of the pumps, check valves, air valves, control valves and surge equipment should be considered for successful pumping

system design. With this knowledge, engineers can better select check valves and understand some of the pitfalls common to valve selection. Val-Matic Valve & Manufacturing Corp www.valmatic.com

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SDS completes strategic acquisition of Asset International Weholite business

to protecting the environment, but also to human well-being and commercial prosperity.” SDS will provide continuity of service to all Weholite customers and take on immediate responsibility for ensuring the delivery of current and planned projects. The new business will trade under the names Weholite Limited and Weholite International Limited. Weholite www.weholite.co.uk SDS Limited www.sdslimited.com

“Our acquisition of Asset International’s Weholite business marks a major milestone in our strategic vision to expand the development of innovative, efficient and cost-effective products and services that tackle the challenges of managing water from source to sea and deliver vital water security. “Water is both a vital resource for life and a danger to our livelihoods. Whether we have too much or too little, the critical infrastructure required to ensure its supply, whilst also protecting us from flooding, is under increasing stress. “The way we manage water in future, therefore, will be fundamental not only

Water infrastructure systems provider SDS has announced the acquisition of Asset International Ltd, which includes the exclusive rights to manufacture Weholite large diameter plastic pipes in the UK and Ireland. SDS will take over the operation of Asset International’s Newport, UK-based manufacturing facility, which has been operating for 20 years and has the capacity to produce 10,000 tonnes of Weholite products each year. Themove affirms the company’s strategic vision to advance the development of innovative products and services that sustainably manage water, said Patrick Cullen, managing director of SDS.

Employees from around the world get involved in Norma help day 

The Norma staff were happy to lend a helping hand on a number of projects

renovated a city playground and planted trees; employees in Qingdao, China, and Tokyo, Japan, removed rubbish from roads and by the sea; at the Norma Group site in Malaysia, the participants assisted in a soup kitchen for needy people; and in Ipoh, Malaysia, and Juarez, Mexico, they helped an orphanage. Norma www.normagroup.com

our corporate responsibility activities. Many of our employees are taking advantage of the opportunity to make a positive contribution in the communities surrounding our sites,” said Dr Michael Schneider, member of Norma Group’s management board. “On our annual Norma help day, we put our corporate responsibility into practice by supporting social projects and facilities.”

Norma Group, a specialist in engineered joining technology, held its annual Norma help day for the fifth time toward the end of last year. The event took place at Norma’s sites all over the world, including the company’s headquarters in Maintal, Germany, where employees supported the Albert Schweitzer Kinderdorf eV in Hanau by painting, cleaning up and doing yard work.

In Subotica, Serbia, Norma employees

“Norma help day is an integral part of

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