TPI May 2022

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The trade magazine for tube and pipe products

May 2022

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The S. F. E. Group will be exhibiting at TUBE 2022 from 20 - 24 June 2022 at the Messe Dusseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany Come and visit us at: Stands 6F01 and 6G24

Introduction to S.F.E. Group S.F.E. Group was founded in 2019 after the merger of three world leading OEM’s in the field of pipe fabrication tooling and machinery: B&B Pipe and Industrial Tools LLC (USA), Mathey Dearman Inc. (USA) and TAG Pipe Equipment Specialists (UK). Most recently the S.F.E Group has completed the acquisition of the AXXAIR Group (France).

Business & market news

New hydrogen testing lab installed at Corinth Pipeworks

centre with a new state-of-the art hydrogen testing laboratory,” a statement from the company said. The laboratory offers capabilities to address the need of the energy market for the development of a hydrogen network to achieve climate and energy objectives as Corinth Pipeworks is focussed on the development for the energy market and provide solutions for the European Hydrogen Backbone scheme.

Corinth Pipeworks has designed a new laboratory to test pipeline material in hydrogen gas in pure or blended form under static load conditions and high pressure (up to 207 bar), in full compliance with the requirements of the ASME B31.12 code. This new facility will support primary qualification testing of new hydrogen pipeline projects, as well as R&D testing. “In 2021 we successfully certified large diameter pipes for new European projects for hydrogen transportation and are now going one step further by expanding our capabilities with the expansion of our accredited testing

Corinth Pipeworks has designed a new laboratory to test pipeline material in hydrogen gas in pure or blended form

testing under rising load conditions and evaluation of fatigue resistance. Corinth Pipeworks www.cpw.gr

New development plans for 2022 include the further upgrade of the hydrogen lab for fracture toughness

Fine Tubes NORSOK approval extended for specialist alloy tubing products

oil and gas and chemical process applications in hostile environments, including subsea and downhole. Fine Tubes achieved its NORSOK approval extensionafterpassingexacting quality standards for its material grades and robust manufacturing facilities. The business also demonstrated compliance with NORSOK requirements during a standard audit. NORSOK-approved alloy tubes from Fine Tubes are made to order in a range of corrosion-resistant alloys in standard and non-standard sizes according to customer specifications. They are available in straight lengths that can be seamless cold redrawn, and heat treated to suit customer specifications. Benefits include small batch sizes and non-standard tube thicknesses, as well as high pressure resistance up to 100,000psi. The tubes are engineered to withstand critical oil and gas as well as chemical process applications. These include heat exchangers; flow meters; downhole pressure housings and smart wells; subsea Christmas trees and manifolds; injection and ballast water; and other critical subsea, downhole, and offshore oil and gas instrumentation. Fine Tubes www.finetubes.co.uk

that our industry-leading NORSOK approval has been further extended for our range of alloy tubing products. Each product offers our oil and gas customers exceptional advantages around reliability and corrosion resistance, and we are proud to have these qualities officially recognised.” The NORSOK-accredited tubing alloys from Fine Tubes are: Super Duplex, 6Mo, TP316/316L, N625, and Ti Grade 2. They all offer high strength and corrosion resistance for demanding

Precision metal tubing manufacturer, Fine Tubes, has been awarded a five year extension to its NORSOK approval certification to supply specialist, mission critical alloy tubing. A NORSOK accreditation verifies that a manufacturer has met the international requirements deemed necessary to meet the wider needs of the oil and gas industry. Nick Head, tube product manager at Fine Tubes, said: “We are delighted

The tubes are engineered to withstand critical oil & gas as well as chemical process applications

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Business & market news

Severstal makes its first delivery of large diameter pipes to Canada

satisfy the typical requirements of the Canadian market. The pipes, which have diameters ranging between 508-1066.8mm and wall thicknesses between 12.7-19.05mm, were manufactured from X42M PSL2/ GR 290-II + Gr B and X70M PSL2/GR 483-II + GR 448-II strength steel. They were produced at the Izhora Plant (part of the Severstal Russian Steel division of PJSC Severstal) in the Kolpinsky district of St Petersburg, using heavy plate from Severstal’s own Steel Plate Mill 5000, located on the same industrial site as the Izhora Pipe Plant. The pipes were coated with a thin anti-corrosive epoxy layer to protect them from corrosion and damage during transportation. Severstal www.severstal.com control valves, AWWA butterfly valves and eccentric plug valves. They were installed alongside IW Mk2 quarter-turn worm gearboxes. The actuators are able to accurately control the exact amount of flow. Going beyond simple open/close functions, they can move the valves and gates to exact positions to provide complete control of flow in the process. In addition to this modulating service, the actuators also provide an isolating service in a new digester process. The digester process breaks down the waste material to produce biogas and the actuators ensure that the flow of municipal wastewater can be stopped, should it be necessary to do so. These new installations were not the first Rotork actuators on site. With an installed base of IQTs connected through DeviceNet and an additional installation of around 50 IQ3 intelligent integral non-intrusive electric actuators and IQTs in 2016, Rotork has a strong presence at East Lansing WRRF and it is expected to grow with future developments with the assistance of agent Systems Specialties. Rotork www.rotork.com

production and distribution of pipes in North America, adding value to a variety of Canadian industrial activities. Alexander Semyonov, sales director for the energy sector at Severstal, commented: “Last year, Severstal significantly expanded its export geography for its LDP offering, cementing its position as a global market player. This is testament to the hard work put in by the whole team in developing new markets and products for our offering, as well as providing a superior service for international clients.” Severstal has produced LDP which meets both the Canadian CSA Z245.1 standard and American API5L specifications. The pipes also meet NACE MR 0103 and NACE MR 0175 and are made to

PAO Severstal has manufactured 1,500 tonnes of large diameter pipe (LDP) for the Canadian market for the first time. The LDP will be used across Canada’s energy sector and used in the

Severstal has produced LDP which meets both the Canadian CSA Z245.1 standard and American API5L specifications

Rotork provides control of flow at water resource recovery and filtration facility based in the US

East Lansing, Michigan State University and the Meridian Charter Township. Over 100 actuators have been ordered, consisting of various IQ3 and IQT3 range part-turn electric actuators, including the IQ18, IQ25, IQT-125, 500, 1000 and 2000. These actuators serve a variety of vital roles, including the operation of flow control valves, sluice gates, ball

Rotork IQT part-turn electric actuators have been specified for use at the Water Resource Recovery Facility (WRRF) in East Lansing, Michigan, US. This activated sludge/tertiary filtration plant has the capacity to process approximately 18.75m gallons of water every single day and provides wastewater treatment for the City of

The actuators are able to accurately control the exact amount of flow

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Business & market news

Danfoss Digital Displacement pump wins Agritechnica award The Danfoss DDP096 Digital Displacement ® pump has been named a winner of Agritechnica’s Systems and Components Trophy 2022. Presented by DLG, the German Agricultural Society, the award recognises the inventive spirit of industry suppliers and their importance to agricultural technology. The Digital Displacement pump was announced as one of three winners from among 20 nominees. Alasdair Robertson, director of product portfolio andmarketing for Digital Displacement, Danfoss Power Solutions, said: “We are excited and honoured to win this prestigious award. The fact that industry development engineers recognised our product as an outstanding innovation makes it even more significant and highlights the advantages Digital Displacement can bring to OEMs in the agriculture sector.” The Digital Displacement pump uses solenoid valves to deliver hydraulic fluid power and control each cylinder on a shaft-turn-by-shaft-turn basis. The technology offers a fast response rate and reduces energy losses by up to 90 per cent compared with conventional pumps. Groups of cylinders Industrial valves sector looks forward to Düsseldorf event After a four-year break, companies in the industrial valves sector are looking forward to meeting at Valve World Expo live from 29 November to 1 December 2022. Industrial valves and fittings play an important role in almost all industries, regulating flow rates, separating different media and thus preventing liquid and gas spills. The exhibition will take place in Halls 1 and 3 of Düsseldorf Fairgrounds. Companies such as MRC Global, KITZ, Emerson, Samson, AUMA, Omal/Actuatech, Zwick Armaturen, Pekos Valves, Böhmer, Ari Armaturen, Effebi, Hoerbiger, Galperti, Neles/ metso, Neway and Crane will be exhibiting at the trade fair and interested companies can still register to take part in the fair. The accompanying Valve World Conference in Hall 1 and the Valve World Expo Forum in Hall 3 will ensure a balanced transfer of know-how between theory and practice. The Valve World Conference will celebrate its premiere in the new Exhibition Hall 1, which is one of the world’s trendsetters in the field of congresses and events in terms of architecture and technology. There will be the Valve World Expo Forum with a free lecture programme on the first day of the fair. Valve World Expo www.valveworldexpo.com

The Danfoss DDP096 Digital Displacement pump uses solenoid valves to control each cylinder on a shaft-turn-by-shaft-turn basis

can be brought out to the endplate for independent control, creating a multi-service pump in a compact package. Original equipment manufacturers can take advantage of up to three separately controllable outputs from a single pump body. Development engineers from agricultural OEMs made up the judging panel who were looking for practical significance and benefits to profitability, processes, environment, energy use, workload and safety in the winning products. Danfoss www.danfoss.com

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Business & market news

3t EnerMech, Orinduik Development and Windsor Technologies to launch Guyana’s first oil & gas training centre

A venture between 3t EnerMech and Orinduik Development Incorporated Training Centre will deliver Guyana’s first in-country, training facility for the local workforce, supporting the development of the country’s fast growing offshore oil & gas sector. This venture will provide an internationally accredited facility in alignment with building on the recent enacted local content policy. Established to empower and provide Guyanese people with key skills and training certifications that are required to work in the offshore environment, the new 3t EnerMech Guyana Training Centre of Excellence combines expert instruction in-classroom training facilities, blended learning software and technology, as well as fully immersive simulators for high hazard activity learning. Joseph Lichon, president Americas for EnerMech, said: “It’s our mission to develop local content globally and to help create safer, smarter, more sustainable workforces. Until now, Guyana nationals working in the oil and gas sector would be required to travel to Trinidad and Tobago, the US or Canada, for accredited training, making it very costly and time consuming. This is compounded by the logistical challenges of the pandemic including travel restrictions, additional requirements, and limited flight availability.”

The new training centre has been established to provide Guyanese people with the key skills and training required to work in the offshore environment

(BOSIET) certification, as well as providing a controlled environment to deliver scenario-based firefighting emergency response training when relevant accreditations are secured early in 2022. Paul Knowles, VP training for 3t Energy Group, added: “With Orinduik constructing the 3t EnerMech Guyana Training Centre of Excellence, coupled with our expertise, technologies, and programmes, we are providing a full package to help support the country’s personnel to excel in the oil and gas sector. We are very proud to play a critical role Guyana’s future and enhance its economic prosperity by making accredited skills and safety training available in country for the first time.” Orinduik is also in the process of building Guyana’s first commercial heliport as part of a wider complex which will incorporate the new training centre, an aviation/marine Polytechnic School as well as a hotel and business centre. Harrychand Tulsi, chairman of Orinduik, said: “Construction of the Training Centre is expected to be completed in June 2022 and we are very excited to be partnered with 3t EnerMech in delivering world class training and certifications as we build a skilled and safe local workforce for the expanding offshore market. This demonstrates our support and alignment with the Government’s commitment to training and employment of Guyanese in key positions in this sector.” 3t EnerMech

Located in Lusignan, over $20m has been invested into the infrastructure by Orinduik, Windsor and 3t EnerMech. EnerMech, the global integrated solutions specialist, is one half of the 3t EnerMech strategic alliance which draws on EnerMech’s experience and track record, complemented by 3t Energy Group’s world-renowned training capability, learning technology solutions and training management services, to deliver learning experiences specifically tailored for its clients. The 3t EnerMech Guyana Training Centre of Excellence is set to become the first regional Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB) internationally accredited training provider in Guyana. It will also deliver the country’s first OPITO approved, Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training

Oxair relocates to new HQ to boost productivity

Australian gas processing systems company, Oxair, has relocated to new headquarters in Perth. The move is part of a long-term strategy for the business to focus resources on reducing lead times on orders for all sizes of equipment. Oxair, which designs and manufactures oxygen and nitrogen pressure swing adsorption (PSA) systems, desiccant heatless dryers, pressure vessels, skid fabrication and process piping, supplies hospitals and healthcare facilities globally and has experienced an increase in demand since the Covid-19 pandemic. Moving across town from its original premises in the Western Australia state capital the company, which has also doubled its workforce, says the new facility will enable it to improve productivity and efficiency and maintain maximum manufacturing capability. Oxair’s technology also serves the mining, offshore, marine and livestock sectors in Europe, South America, Africa and South East Asia. Oxair www.oxair.com.au

www.3tenermech.com Windsor Technologies www.windsortec.com

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Business & market news

DESFA awards contract for West Macedonian pipeline to Corinth Pipeworks

has an active role in the development of the hydrogen market, working intensively to ensure that our network is 100 per cent ready for the transport and storage of renewable gases, such as hydrogen and biomethane,” said Maria Rita Galli, CEO of DESFA. In compliance with specification ASME B31.12 Option B, Corinth Pipeworks and DESFA cooperation provides a technically and economically feasible solution for the safe transportation of hydrogen at high pressures through large diameter/high strength steel pipelines. Thus, pipes produced today and installed in the current gas network can cover the energy mix of tomorrow. The entire quantity of hydrogen certified pipes will be manufactured in Corinth Pipeworks’ plant in Thisvi, Greece. Deliveries are planned to start by H2 2022 and conclude by H1 2023. “West Macedonia pipeline will be ready when the production and use of

Hellenic gas transmission system operator, DESFA, has awarded a contract to Corinth Pipeworks, relating to the development of a natural gas pipeline covering Greece’s northern region of West Macedonia and paving the way for the country’s gas grid development. The West Macedonia pipeline will be the first high-pressure transmission gas pipeline in Greece, certified to transport up to 100 per cent hydrogen and one of the first in Europe. It is part of the European Hydrogen Backbone, Europe’s hydrogen infrastructure needed to achieve its climate and energy objectives and comprises of 163km coated steel pipes (97km of LSAW 30" and 66km of ERW 14" and 10"). “We are very happy to work together with Corinth Pipeworks, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of steel pipes and hollow sections for our industry, on the construction of the new pipeline in Western Macedonia. DESFA

hydrogen will start and excess hydrogen (H2) produced will be injected into the gas network,” said Ilias Bekiros, CEO of Corinth Pipeworks. DESFA www.desfa.gr Corinth Pipeworks www.cpw.gr The West Macedonia pipeline comprises of 163km coated steel pipes and is part of the European Hydrogen Backbone

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Business & market news

BESA launches free pipework app with British Metal Tubes and BMTFA

installation guidance and other BESA supporting information. The App also directs users to BMTFA members who can supply more detailed product information and support. The confusion surrounding what type of welded carbon steel tube to select is a glaring example of the pitfalls the app will help contractors avoid. There are two distinct types of this kind of tube: cold-formed or hot-finished. While both look largely the same when installed, they have very different performance and compliance characteristics, meaning that cold formed may not be suitable for a range of applications. “Awareness of this kind of issue has improved since Grenfell, which has been a ‘game changer’ in terms of increasing the focus on safety and compliance,” said Richard Trevaskis, BMTFA chair. “Specifiers are now more cautious about value engineering projects because they risk compromising the integrity of the original design and leaving themselves exposed to blame if something they have cut from the original specification leads to problems in the future. “The pressure on project teams to get decisions right first time is growing. Using the BESA app will help everyone in the relevant supply chains make informed and compliant choices for the long-term benefit of building users, designers and constructors,” he added. Building Engineering Services Association www.thebesa.com

The app covers all aspects of pipework specification for construction and building engineering projects including guidance on all relevant materials such as carbon steel, stainless steel, and copper, and the appropriate jointing options, as a function of temperature and pressure. BESA and the BMTFA have both repeat- edly warned about the risks posed by making a poorly informed product choice, which can impact pressure integrity, temperature suitability, service life and performance, resulting in increased risks, extra maintenance, compliance and sign off challenges, as well as reduced system lifetime. They pointed out that 45 per cent of failures in pipework systems were caused by incorrect or poor installation and 25 per cent were the result of the wrong product being selected. The app will, therefore, provide much needed peace of mind to specifiers and reduce potential health and safety issues. It will give on site teams easy access to best practice installation techniques, training and health and safety information ensuring they can get the job done right first time and avoid potentially costly mistakes. There are also major benefits for distributors and wholesalers who will be able to check they are selling the right product for the application in hand. The BESA Pipe Plus app is also a portal to a comprehensive industry database to support accurate product specification including details of steel grades, technical delivery conditions,

The Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) has launched a free pipework specification tool to address growing concerns about the way products are selected for construction and engineering projects. The BESA Pipe Plus app provides designers, contractors, consultants, and specifiers with technical guidance to help them identify the most suitable metal pipework solution for their specific applications and ensure they are referring to the latest relevant technical standards and best practice “We are delighted to make such a valuable tool freely available to the industry,” said Will Pitt, chair of the BESA Pipework Group. “The need for such a resource has been apparent for some time and we should all be extremely grateful to the experts from both associations who gave up so much of their time and expertise to make this possible. “Currently too many specifiers rely on legacy and outdated specifications that can lead to compliance, installation, performance and service life issues, The app will be crucial in helping them avoid these pitfalls,” he added. The app was developed by the Association’s Pipework App Development Group in partnership with the British Metal Tubes and Fittings Association (BMTFA). This collaborative exercise brought together manufacturers’ technical expertise, distributors’ understanding of poor specifications, and installers concerned about reducing risks associated with poor or incorrect product selection.

Schroeder Valves announces new representative in India

Ganesh Pawar will take

on the role as the new authorised

representative for Schroeder Valves in India

“We are glad to count with Ganesh representing the pioneer of Automatic Recirculation Valves to be at our customers’ service in India,” said Martina Becker, key account manager at Schroeder Valves in Germany. “His appointment is an important first step in our new strategy for the Indian market.” Mr Pawar has worked in the after market sales and services for both

Schroeder Valves has announced that Ganesh Pawar will take on the role as the new authorised representative for Schroeder Valves in India. Mr Pawar brings over a decade of experience in the mechanical engineering industry. Equipped with expertise in pumps and automatic recirculation valves, he holds a degree in mechanical engineering and business.

pump manufacturer KSB Pumps and FLOWPROTEC Specialty Valves (CIRCOR/Schroedahl representative) in India. Schroeder Valves www.schroeder-valves.com

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Business & market news

New neutron-based method helps to keep underwater pipelines open and free from deposits

from FRM II to show that a sufficiently large number of neutrons penetrate the metal walls of the pipelines to facilitate the respective measurement, and that the measurement also works well underwater. The results demonstrate that neutrons are ideally suited for this application. “Our experiments have shown that we can even distinguish an incipient blockage from a fully developed one,” said Dr Gilles. “That’s very beneficial, because then one can even preventatively heat a pipe segment to melt the blockage before it fully develops.” In practice, a mobile detector with a small neutron source will move back and forth along the pipeline to look for plugs. “We are very pleased that, with the help of the measurements at the research neutron source, we have now found an efficient method that makes it much easier to detect these plugs in the future,” added Dr Sebastian. Technical University of Munich www.tum.de

around 20,000 employees worldwide that specialises in subsea pipelines, was “looking for a more efficient method to find the plugs in a non-contact, non destructive and reliable way despite thick walls,” says Dr Xavier Sebastian, a project manager at the company. Dr Sophie Bouat, CEOof Science-SAVED (Scientific Analysis Vitalises Enterprise Development), said: “Neutrons are the perfect probe for the task at hand.” She established the contact to the scientists at the Heinz Maier-Leibnitz-Zentrum in Garching near Munich. “Using prompt gamma neutron activation analysis, light atoms and hydrogen in particular can be detected very precisely,” she continued. Since the hydrogen content of hydrates and normal oil & gas is considerably different, it should be possible to detect blockages by measuring the hydrogen concentration. Dr Ralph Gilles industry coordinator at the Research Neutron Source FRM II carried out a feasibility study on this topic together with other colleagues from the Technical University of Munich and the Forschungszentrum Jülich. Using the PGAA (Prompt Gamma Activation Analysis) instrument, which utilises cold neutrons from FRM II, the researchers established that this approach can be used to differentiate between oil and gas and the blockage. At the NECTAR radiography and tomography facility and the FaNGAS (fast neutron-induced gamma ray spectroscopy) instru- ment they used fast neutrons

Industry and private consumers alike depend on oil & gas pipelines that stretch thousands of kilometers underwater. It is not uncommon for these pipelines to become clogged with deposits. Until now, there have been few means of identifying the formation of plugs in-situ and non-destructively. Measurements at the Research Neutron Source Heinz Maier-Leibnitz (FRM II) at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) now show that neutrons may provide the solution of choice. Oil & gas pipelines are the arteries of our energy supply. As with the Nord Stream pipelines, they transport the sources of energy over long distances underwater to storage and production facilities on land. But it’s not just supply bottlenecks, as we have them now, that can lead to shortages. Under certain conditions, the mixture in the pipelines – which typically comprises gas, oil, and water – can become very viscous and even form solid phases. Especially inconvenient for operators are solid hydrates that form from gas and water, for example when the mixture cools down to the low temperatures of the seabed during longer pipeline shutdowns. For a clog to be remediated in-situ, the affected section of the pipeline must first be found. Localising clogs from the outside is challenging since they can form anywhere along the length of the pipeline. To date, thermal imaging cameras and gamma rays are used to detect the clogs. However, neither of these methods works underwater. Ultrasound, on the other hand, has no problem penetrating water, but the hydrate blocks can only be detected at close range from outside the pipeline wall. This constraint poses practical difficulties because underwater pipelines are laid at depths of up to 2,000m and are often naturally covered by seabed materials like sand or silt. Another technical challenge associated with acoustic methods arises from the lack of a clear difference between the acoustic impedances of the hydrate phase and other phases of the crude oil mixture, which makes discrimination difficult. TechnipFMC, a company with

When a pipeline is idle for a longer time at low temperatures, hydrate plugs can form, similar to the methane hydrate core

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Business & market news

TMK invites oilfield services innovators to pilot solutions following launch of sourcing platform

The start-ups will benefit from an accelerated project review process, as well as from the opportunity to fine-tune their solutions to match TMK’s specific needs and launch a pilot. Applicants can find a full list of the areas where TMK is looking for pilots on the programme’s website, where they can also apply. There is no deadline for applications. Both legal entities and individuals are invited, as well as R&D institutions and centres that are ready to present their solutions as at least minimum viable products. TMK www.tmk-group.com

manufacture of artificial fertilisers and steel. New H 2 applications such as fuel cell vehicles would further increase future demand. To contribute to the energy transition, this hydrogen needs to be ‘green’ instead of being derived from fossil fuels – for example without producing CO 2 in the process. This will require large hydrogen electro lysers. These consist of several stacks of electrolysis cells. For safe operation, the individual stacks require protection against overpressure with safety valves. For Alkaline electrolysers, the SV 805 model is ideal, with an opening pressure settable anywhere in the range 0.5 to 45 bar, with operating temperatures up to 150°C. The valves open when the set pressure is reached and safely protect workers and sensitive equipment from overpressure. Despite their small size, Sergey Rekin, CEO of TMK-Premium Service, said: “We have a track-record of many years of successful R&D, working both independently and in partnership with our customers major oil and gas companies. To accelerate this further, TMK-Premium Service is launching a selection process for technology-driven projects from outside our company. “We aim to build a robust framework for testing and implementing breakthrough solutions introduced by external parties, to enable us to respond faster to market demands, integrate services, improve the technical performance of our products, and enhance our business processes. We hope to have at least five projects piloted in 2022.”

New Safety valves fromWitt Gas provide the required precision and flow capacity for electrolysers for green hydrogen. Green hydrogen, which is an important building block of the energy transition away from CO 2 emissions, is produced by electrolysis using renewable energy and for maximum safety, electrolysers need reliable safety valves. The WITT safety valves AV 619 and AV 919 perfectly match the target pressure and temperature ranges of PEM and Solid Oxide electrolysers. The opening pressure can be set accurately anywhere in range 5 to 500 mbar. The operating temperature can be anywhere up to 250°C. Historically and currently, enormous amounts of hydrogen are needed for key industrial processes such as the TMK-Premium Service, part of TMK, has launched TMK-Premium Service Pilot Track, a platform to source innovation from outside the company. Under the programme, TMK-Premium Service will select and test start-up initiatives covering various aspects of premium tubular services for the oil & gas industry as well as the development of high tech threaded connections and business process optimisation. The company is focusing on AR/ VR-based digital solutions to improve occupational health and safety, solutions for high-tech labelling and end-to end accounting for pipe and tubular products, corrosion monitoring, M2M and IoT projects, electronic document management, and hydrogen energy.

Witt Gas presents safety valves for H 2 electrolysers for green hydrogen

The valves allow high flow rates, making them also suitable for large installations

the valves allow high flow rates, making them also suitable for large installations. The valves are available with the elastomers required for hydrogen, including EPDM or FFKM (also known as FFPM). WITT safety relief valves are oil and grease-free, can be installed in any position, and are available with various inlet and outlet connections and in different materials, including stainless steel or aluminium (AV 919). Optionally, WITT offer TÜV Certification of individual valves’ set pressures. Witt Gas www.wittgas.com

Tubacex sells Tubos Mecánicos to Hierros Añón Spanish steel pipe producer, Tubacex, has sold its non-strategic asset, Tubos Mecánicos, to the Galician metallurgical group Hierros Añón. balance sheet and address its future growth in line with the energy transition.

Madrid and Valencia. It began its activity in 1973 and has always been linked to the Tubacex Group, even though in recent years there were no synergies with the group’s businesses. Tubacex Group www.tubacex.com

Tubos Mecánicos is a distributor of carbon steel bars and tubes purchased from third parties for industrial sectors in the national market, with six warehouses in Barcelona, Zaragoza, Alava, Galicia,

The sale was for €25mn (final additional adjustments to be included) and has allowed the company to reinforce its

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Drive to replace ageing lead pipe infrastructure leads to large number of contracting opportunities across the US By Marty Scott Nabers, president and CEO, Strategic Partnerships Inc

With no guarantee of funding assistance over recent years, a few visionary government leaders are taking on the task themselves. Their efforts are creating a huge new marketplace with large upcoming opportunities for contractors.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency there are approximately 6.5 million to 10 million lead service lines throughout the US. The American Jobs Plan has $45bn in funding earmarked for replacing the country’s lead pipes, but the bill requires Congressional approval. Consider this: an estimated 400,000 schools and child care facilities as well as millions of homes rely on water from toxic lead pipes daily in the US. That poses an eminent danger, a critical need, and a public safety issue. Yet, the problem has existed for years. We rarely stop to consider how difficult it is to be a government leader. The responsibility to identify critical needs, focus on eminent dangers, ensure public safety, and provide citizen services are monumental tasks.

Michigan

Since 2016, the city of Flint has replaced 10,000 lead and galvanised pipes in response to the realisation in 2014 that the water supply was severely contaminated. City leaders in Greenville are identifying and validating the safety of 3,400 water services lines that are underwater. Funding has become available from the Michigan Department of Environment and Great Lakes & Energy. Greenville plans to prioritise the threats and begin replacing the pipes. The city of Kalamazoo is replacing 2,000 pipe

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systems. A $20mn effort will begin after approvals are made and contractors are selected later this year. Gov Gretchen Whitmer is attempting to allocate $117mn to water infrastructure projects in 19 counties in Michigan.

Massachusetts

A 2016 study conducted by the American Water Works Association estimated that Massachusetts has more lead service lines than every state but ten. That same year, Massachusetts asked public water suppliers to complete inventory of their lead lines, but the results were totally inadequate. The few that responded stated that the pipes were installed nearly a century ago and there is little knowledge about their type or their safety ratings. In 2019, state officials launched an incentive program to replace private lines, and last year they used a federal grant to increase testing of drinking water at schools and child-care facilities. At least 3,900 lead water pipes were discovered and another 1,800 were listed as “materials unknown.” This situation is all too common in almost every state in the country. Water distribution systems are so old, few records exist on the types of pipes that are underground. These examples mirror ongoing efforts in numerous states. The danger associated with drinking contaminated water is very real, and time has run out for addressing the problems. Whether the bill before Congress now passes or not, funding will be found for the removal of pipelines that are delivering unsafe drinking water to millions of citizens. Water firms with capabilities and work experience related to the removal and replacement of lead, galvanised, and contaminated water pipelines will find an extremely high demand for their services over the next decade. Because this problem will not be fixed quickly, citizens are advised to check water purity and pipeline safety in the regions where they live or plan to visit.

New York

City leaders in Newburgh are seeking funding to identify and replace all of the lead pipes serving the area. Approximately a quarter of the city’s 28,000 or more residents live in a poverty area in homes built long before the ban on lead pipes in 1986. At least 2,900 lead service pipes need to be replaced and the first tranche of funding will be used to identify and prioritise the work that must be done as quickly as possible. Gov Tom Wolf has announced a large investment of funding for 25 drinking water, wastewater, and non-point source projects across a number of counties. A few of the 13 water projects and five wastewater projects are: • Allegheny County: The city of New Kensington received a $1.75mn grant to replace 326 lead service lines. • Beaver County: The city of Aliquippa was awarded a $2.04mn grant to replace 184 lead water service lines. • Clarion County: The Knox Borough received a $1.58mn grant to replace 5,100ft of existing cast iron water lines that contain lead components. • Clearfield County: The Falls Creek Borough Municipal Authority has $1.4mn to replace approximately 2,600ft of lead water mains. • Franklin County: The Borough of Chambersburg has $3.3mn to remove and replace up to 1,968 lead goosenecks and all lead or galvanised service lines encountered during the removal process. • Huntingdon County: The Mount Union Municipal Authority has a $1.9mn grant and a $240,000 loan to replace approximately 2,060 residential and commercial meters and remove any lead or galvanised service lines discovered during removal. • Lehigh County: The cityof Bethlehemhas $2.88mn to replaceapproximately 250 residential lead service lines. • Westmoreland County: The Municipal Authority of the Borough of Derry received a $2.9mn grant to replace approximately 170 lead service lines, extending from the distribution main to residential property. Pennsylvania

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May 2022 TUBE PRODUCTS INTERNATIONAL