TPI September 2021

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The trade magazine for tube and pipe products

September 2021

Viega Industry Installations for industrial manufacturing and engineering.

viega.com/Industry

No need for time-consuming and risky welding and soldering Viega’s cold pressing technology is safer, faster, more efficient, and produces more durable results than conventional processing methods. Even extreme sizes can be pressed in a matter of seconds and remain permanently tight and friction-locked against longitudinal forces. Whether in the automotive, shipbuilding or chemical industry: Viega always fulfills all applicable national and international requirements. Viega. Connected in quality.

Business & market news Business & market news

Corinth Pipeworks awarded major offshore pipeline project in East Mediterranean region

Corinth Pipeworks, the steel pipe segment of Cenergy Holdings, has signed an agreement to manufacture and supply steel pipes got Israel Natural Gas Lines (INGL), a natural gas distributor in Israel, for the offshore section of a new high-pressure gas

couplings, elbows, flanges or wall plates between 15 – 108mm, the new addition complements the portfolio. With the two XXL dimensions 139.7mm and 168.3mm, even very large risers can be easily realised, for example in high- rise buildings. “With this latest addition to our portfolio and the introduction of dimension 168mm earlier in 2020, we can fully cover the demands for larger piping, for example risers in tall buildings,” explained Mathias Van den Broeck, product and business development manager at Sanha. The demand has been growing in the past years in many parts of the world and is expected to grow even further. Both dimensions are introduced in two types of material. “In this way, we give our customers the opportunity to choose the most suitable and economically advantageous system, depending on the application,” he added. All NiroSan press fittings and pipes are made from the premium stainless-steel pipeline between the cities of Ashdod and Ashkelon. Chevron, having recently completed its acquisition of Noble Energy, as the operator of Leviathan and Tamar offshore gas fields, has entered into an agreement with INGL for the provision of transmission services of natural gas. The new pipeline system, in addition to the expansion of other lines, will enable Chevron and its partners to send as much as seven billion cubic meters of gas annually to Egypt. The contract for approximately 50km of 36" LSAW linepipe also includes

anti-corrosion coating and concrete weight coating all of which will be manufactured at Thisvi facility in Greece within 2021. The installation of the pipeline is scheduled to start in 2022. Corinth Pipeworks www.cpw.gr/en

Sanha adds new dimension of pipes and fittings to its stainless steel series of products

Sanha, a manufacturer of press fit pipe systems for drinking water, gas, solar, heating, cooling and sanitary applications, has introduced a new dimension of pipes and fittings. While both systems – NiroSan ® and NiroTherm ® – already provide installers with a large and flexible range of pipes and fittings including for example tees,

type 1.4404/AISI 316L (for pressing components). The material 1.4404 contains at least 2.3 per cent molybdenum, yet less carbon than the conventional type 1.4401. For this reason, material no 1.4404/316L is a superior material with higher corrosion resistance than standard stainless steels. This is mainly an advantage in critical applications, such as drinking water installations. The NiroTherm fittings and pipes are produced from the material 1.4301 (AISI 304). The system offers a safe and reliable solution, especially in humid environments, without the risk of external corrosion and thus offers an excellent alternative to carbon steel systems. Thanks to the high corrosion resistance, there are large savings in personnel and material costs for the insulation against humidity. Furthermore, NiroTherm is also an ideal solution for compressed air systems and for cooling applications with glycol and similar media. Sanha www.sanha.com

All NiroSan press fittings and pipes are made from the premium stainless steel type 1.4404 / AISI 316L

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Business & market news

Precision by the second: rotary table transfer machine for processing tube material

Wolf Maschinenbau AG is a specialist with 30 years of experience in the design and manufacture of rotary transfer machines. The ‘all-in-one’ machine TSM280 is characterised by high efficiency, performance and process reliability. One Wolf machine often replaces several automatic lathes. It carries out several work steps simultaneously and can therefore produce parts from coil and bar material as well as finish parts from press blanks precisely within seconds. The Wolf TSM 280 offers a wide range of options for processing tubes and tube lengths: the rotary table transfer machine enables the rapid and economical production of precision components from round or non-round tubular material in medium to large quantities. Pipes of Ø1mm to Ø13mm

The Wolf TSM 280 offers an array of options for processing tubes and tube lengths

from coil and bar of Ø4mm to Ø30mm (Ø45 TSM 280-45, only tube) from bars, as well as workpiece lengths from 1mm to 300mm can be machined. The Wolf TSM 280 can completely and precisely machine both ends of tubular

components. The modular construction contributes to rapid cycle times and an excellent price/performance ratio. In addition, a quick change of the clamping sets is guaranteed, which enables quick retooling. In combination with the Wolf bar feeder capacities of up to 50 pieces/minute are feasible. Besides a frontal machining (ie facing and chamfering), other operations such as longitudinal turning, undercutting, thread cutting, slotting, cross-drilling and as well non-cutting forming operations can be applied on 15 machine units. The Wolf bar feeder BF 4-30 are used for machining from bar material, available for bar lengths from 3/4.50/6m (special length available). A bar change is a maximum of 1 cycle. Exchange time (chip to chip) can be achieved in up to 1.3 seconds. The Wolf coil feeder and straightener can feed tubes up to Ø13mm. Six oper- ating units can be provided for match- ing each end of the part using either cutting or non-cutting processes. Turn- ing, threading and drilling units are sup- plements by recessing and undercutting heads with radial movement. Many specialised non-cutting units are available, including press units for forming, stamping or marking as well as for tube end expanding, flanging,

Eddy Current Test Instruments and Systems

ELOTEST PL600 – a new dimension in eddy current testing that leaves nothing to be desired. The device is the innovative, fully digital eddy current platform for the most diverse applications with unique performance and reliability. A flexible software and licensing system enables the adaptation as well as the subsequent expansion of the performance to the respective testing task.

Examples of applications are: Ý Crack and grinding burn inspection Ý Bar and pipe inspection with EC-rotor and circumferential coils

Ý Weld inspection on pipes with circum- ferential coils Ý Weld inspection on pipes with segment coils

reducing and flattening. Wolf Maschinenbau AG www.wolf-maschinenbau.de

ELOTEST PL600

Rohmann GmbH · Carl-Benz-Str. 23 · 67227 Frankenthal · GERMANY Phone +49(0)62 33 - 3789-0 · www.rohmann.de · E-Mail: info@rohmann.de

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Business & market news

Alfa Laval introduces enhanced diaphragm valves

Alfa Laval has announced its all-new, extended range of Alfa Laval Unique DV-ST UltraPure diaphragm valves designed to make high-performance aseptic processing easier than ever. The enhanced, ATEX-compliant range is fully customisable and comes with slimmer stainless-steel actuators and lightweight cast valve bodies with optimised performance. “These valves are much more compact, yet deliver the same reliable, aseptic performance,” saidPawKramer, portfolio manager, valves and automation, Alfa Laval. According to the company, the actuators are 42 per cent lighter, 25 per cent more compact, and 17 per cent shorter in

height than most actuators, yet still deliver big on performance and energy efficiency. The new standard DV-ST actuator range shrinks the footprint of aseptic processes and boosts productivity. This versatile, space-saving new range of stainless-steel actuators operates at a wide range of pressures. Options include a stroke limiter, economical valve position indication, and compre- hensive automated valve sensing and control. Smaller seat sizes on the lightweight, ASME BPE-compliant Cast OP valve bodies optimise flow to ensure the same performance as well as lower total cost of ownership, safe, simple

Big aseptic performance, smaller Unique DV-ST UltraPure diaphragm valves

low-cost maintenance, reduced energy consumption and faster sterilisation. Alfa Laval www.alfalaval.com

Modular concept for the testing of pipes Rohmann GmbH has been developing and marketing eddy current testing instruments and accessories for non- destructive materials testing for more than 43 years. Bill Kotcher promoted to president of Tioga Pipe Tioga Pipe Inc has promoted Bill Kotcher to the position of president of the company. Mr Kotcher joined Tioga in 2016 in the role of chief operating officer. He also serves on the board of directors of Mackson Nuclear, an affiliated Tioga company. Mr Kotcher has more than 20 years of leadership experience running industrial distribution and manufacturing organisations, focused on the energy, petrochemical, and industrial markets. Mr Kotcher’s outside interests include serving as an Advisory Board Member at Michigan State University, Industry Fellow/Adjunct at the University of Houston-Downtown, and a Lifetime Fellow/Prior Board Member at the International Institute for Advanced Purchasing and Supply. Mr Kotcher is a featured public speaker and is in high demand on the topics of leadership and ethics in business. Tioga Pipe Inc www.tiogapipe.com

devices along the line. It is user friendly and offers excellent signal purity. The modular concept for testing long products together with the licensing system for the ELOTEST PL600 allow for a short changeover time, a straightforward exchange of the testing techniques and an upgrade of the eddy current testing instrument, which is possible at any time. ELOTEST PL600 has been supplemented by a 19" (PL600/R) and a compacter 9.5" (PL600/ RC) remote version for integration into automated systems. The EloLine software, which is used during the testing of long products, has also been developed by Rohmann. It serves to visualise and record the

acquired results. Serial part numbers, batches, serial numbers, length of the tested parts and the name of the inspector can for example be saved in the data base. A detailed test report for every tested part or a report on a specific production batch can of course be printed out. Rohmann not only develops and manufactures testing instruments, but also the pertaining testing technology such as rotors, yokes, coils and sensors. The customers are furnished with customised solutions from one provider.

The company, which is situated in southwestern Germany, offers a modular concept for materials testing with eddy current. When different testing techniques such as rotors, coils or yokes for magnetising and demagnetising the test piece are used in the production line. Whether crack detection or material mix-up, ELOTEST PL600 displays the test results of different testing stations, which in the past required several

Rohmann GmbH www.rohmann.de

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Business & market news

R&D investment offers greener solutions for oil and gas sector steel pipe decommissioning

Engineering company Decom has invested more than £700,000 to develop tools that provide greener, faster and safer solutions for decommissioning pipes in the energy sector. The company’s latest research and development investment has updated their Pipe Coating Removal (PCR) equipment, which cleans decommissioned or surplus pipelines of multiple coatings, so they can be repurposed for use on other projects. DecomEngineeringCEO, Sean Conway, said: “Our ongoing commitment to R&D has put us in a strong position to be at the forefront of decommissioning projects as the oil and gas majors accelerate their move to energy transition. “Mobility and portability mean we can deploy to anywhere in the world to play a dual-purpose role of safely dismantling, in the most efficient and environmentally friendly manner, infrastructure which is no longer fit for purpose. “Our PCR machines can then further reduce the carbon footprint and return value to the client, by cleaning and preparing steel pipelines so that they are suitable for use in other projects. For example, decommissioned pipelines can be used in piling and construction work, and in the last year our Dutch facility has processed and repurposed more than 20,000 tons of steel.” The Northern Ireland-based business has also upgraded its range of cold cutting saws which have been successfully deployed on international decommissioning projects as oil and gas operators replace or remove ageing infrastructure. The latest modifications to its single blade cutter will allow Decom Engineering to target a new revenue stream, assisting clients in recovering conductors from decommissioned oil and gas rigs. The company also believe there are opportunities for its patented saws to be deployed on offshore wind farm repair and maintenance projects as well as onshore pile cutting.

Nick McNally, Decom Engineering’s commercial director, added: “As an R&D led business, we continue to invest time and resources to provide green decommissioning solutions for the oil and gas sector which are safer, efficient and environmentally friendly. Our

technologies help recycle downgraded oil and gas pipes into a useable product instead of scrap steel greatly increasing its value.” Decom Engineering www.decomengineering.co.uk

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Business & market news

Severstal acquires 20 per cent stake in construction pipe plant in south of Russia

PAOSeverstal,averticallyintegratedsteel and mining company, has announced that it has received permission from the Federal Antimonopoly Service of Russia (FAS) to acquire a 20 per cent stake in LLC Production Association Nizhne- Volzhsky Pipe Plant (NVTZ), a large pipe enterprise located in Volzhsky in the south of Russia. NVTZ currently covers 60 per cent of the construction pipe market in the Southern Federal District. In April 2020, Nizhne-Volzhsky Pipe Plant combined the different capabilities of three manufacturers of small and medium diameter pipes in the Southern Federal District of Russia: TK Profile-Akras, PC DIA and VTPZ. Today the production site includes 17 pipe-electric welding mills with a total annual capacity of over 600 thousand tons of products. NVTZ steel

pipes are suitable for water and gas supply, construction of prefabricated buildings and greenhouses, building playgrounds, park areas and other urban infrastructure and furniture. The transaction strengthens Severstal’s position in the domestic market for small and medium diameter pipes, and significantly expands the Company’s export markets for pipes into the CIS countries. Previously, Severstal’s key markets were central and north-west Russia. The acquisition of a stake in NVTZ will enable the Company to establish a presence in the Southern Federal District, as well as start supplying small and medium-diameter g/c and x/c pipes to the Central Asian market. NVTZ already supplies products to CIS countries including Kazakhstan,

Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Armenia. Alexander Shevelev, CEO of Severstal, said: “The acquisition of a stake in the NVTZ Production Association is fully in line with Severstal’s strategy of finding reliable partners and expanding our product portfolio, while increasing the share of higher-margin products and providing a superior customer offer. This partnership will enable us to expand our range of small and medium diameter pipe products and complements the investment programme at the Cherepovets Steel Mill’s rolling mill, which has improved the quality of rolled metal. In addition, we will be able to access new sales markets supported by NVTZ’s well-established supply chains.” Severstal www.severstal.com

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Fluids provide the essential connection for high-quality tube thread cutting By Bob Evans, research scientist at Quaker Houghton’s Metalworking Centre of Innovation

Tubes and pipes are used in some of the world’s most demanding environments, requiring the highest quality of threaded connections. When it comes to maintaining their performance and longevity, Quaker Houghton explains the important role that fluids play in thread cutting operations.

High durability When it comes to oil country tubular goods (OCTG), quality is paramount. From drill pipes and steel casing pipes to tubing, oil & gas companies are reliant on the durability of threaded connections to maintain the integrity of mission- critical applications. Considering the stresses placed on tube and pipe during drilling operations, and the likelihood of remakes during their lifetime, achieving precision and accuracy in the thread is vital. It is no surprise, then, that manufacturers are continuously looking to create ever stronger connections to withstand these extreme conditions – with demand growing in particular for premium class thread connections with enhanced operational and technical properties. These connections require superior screwing properties, to ensure that tubes and pipes can withstand bending and compression loads, as well as high pressure and high temperatures. As a result, threads are typically designed to offer improved tensile capacity, ease of makeup and superior hydraulic sealing. Understandably, the focus is on the materials and the processes that make these advances in thread cutting possible. Yet there is another variable with the capability to make a huge impact on both: thread cutting fluids. Even though tube and pipe manufacturers are familiar with the benefits of cutting fluids, arguably their true engineering value remains underappreciated. It is in the successful triangulation of material, equipment and lubricant that the threading process is most effective. When all work together, the result is a high-quality product and a more efficient and cost-effective operation. The fluid factor is therefore essential, but with so much choice it’s vital to choose exactly the right type and chemistry of the metalworking fluid for each threading application.

Thread cutting fluids Thread cutting fluids serve a number of important functions. By providing a lubricating layer between the cutting tool and the workpiece, they reduce the level of friction and heat generated during the cutting process. The obvious benefits are to minimise adhesion and tool wear while improving the quality of the cut threads, but cutting fluids also serve an important role in providing cooling and heat removal during the process. This function is critical for achieving greater cutting insert life, as well as achieving the required form and dimensional accuracy of the cut threads. A third important function of the cutting fluid is to aid and facilitate chip removal from the cutting area. Not all thread cutting fluids are created equal. The marketplace is literally flooded with oil and water-based lubricants of varying properties and characteristics. The choice of the right lubricant therefore depends on ensuring chemical compatibility, in order to maximize productivity, tool life and efficiency, and to reduce fluid usage. Given their greater viscosities – which tend to offer higher levels of lubrication – oil-based fluids (or neat oils) are typically used in severe and heavy-duty thread cutting operations such as oil and gas pipes. While they are usually highly effective, they often require significant post machining processes such as cleaning, and also can present potential fire hazards during the machining process. Water-based fluids – ranging from clear solutions and translucent micro-emulsions to more effective lubricating opaque macro-emulsion types – are commonly used. Each offers varying degrees of lubrication and cooling properties, and therefore it is important to select and/or engineer the fluid to effectively meet the conditions and demands of the cutting operation being performed.

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Given the ever-changing requirements expected of pipe performance, the ability to prove the efficacy of a thread cutting fluid for the actual application is essential. While it is difficult to reproduce the thread-cutting operation under laboratory conditions, our state-of-the-art in-house machining laboratory facilities allow us, using thread cutting and cut tapping machining test methods, to measure a fluid’s performance – and thereby to assess its capabilities for use in pipe threading applications. In such machining tests, the performance and the effectiveness of the metalworking fluid in the operation are assessed by measurement of the cutting power, tool wear and the quality of the threads produced. While these parameters are clearly interrelated, they each alone provide useful information on the performance properties of a fluid, and also can provide an effective means for differentiating between two or more closely performing fluids. While selection of the optimum fluid for a given thread cutting operation is a critical first step, it is equally important to maintain effective and consistent performance of the fluid over long extended periods of use, as well as to over time, implement system changes to further optimise the process. That’s why we see a significant future in the use of data software, to assess and refine the optimum combination of cutting fluid and application. For example, Quaker Houghton’s QH FLUIDTREND™ digital software system provides the real- time, data-driven insights needed to increase productivity, reduce operating costs, improve tool quality and life, reduce machine downtime and reduce fluid usage. By harnessing a holistic, intelligent approach, manufacturers can effectively manage and control fluid performance for any given thread cutting operation. An integrated solution Thread cutting is only one aspect of creating the perfect tube or pipe – but it is one that Quaker Houghton considers against the backdrop of the entire OCTG production process. Our thread cutting fluids, backed by expert advice and technical support, are part of our comprehensive ‘front to back’ offering. Using this platform, we can assist in the entire tube and pipe production process – everything from casting, forming and finishing, to coatings – while taking into consideration maximum productivity and ensuring process and chemical compatibility. Our commitment to ‘front to back’ solutions reflects the certainty that the demands on tube & pipe manufacturers to improve efficiency and performance will continue to increase. Understanding the capabilities of thread cutting fluids, and the role they can play in this process, is a sure- fire way of anticipating – and solving – the challenges to come. By working with a partner such as Quaker Houghton, who can take an integrated approach to fluid selection and management based on testing, data and the specifics of each application, manufacturers can confidently deal with whatever comes next.

While water-based fluids offer significant utility in machining operations, they can also present challenges, including the potential for microbiological growth, as well as the need for large fluid sump systems to recirculate, clean and filter the fluid. While both straight oil and water-based fluids are often delivered using a flooded application method, the use of an application of a minimum quantity of lubricant, MQL (often a straight oil, but can be water based) seeks to deliver equivalent performance results in a more cost-effective manner. However, while use of MQL has gained acceptance in certain sectors and operations in industry, there are potential issues related to heat generation and thermal distortions, airborne metal dust generation and repeatability that must be considered and handled. In other words, there is a wide choice of thread cutting fluid solutions – and Quaker Houghton offers formulations across this spectrum. The challenge is to identify exactly where each application sits. And that involves looking beyond simply the fluids themselves. Considering the whole process When selecting the right cutting fluid, a variety of factors need to be considered. The material and mechanical properties of the material being cut, the machining conditions, cutting speeds and feed rates used, the properties of the cutting inserts and coatings, as well as the required finished part specifications to be achieved, all drive and influence the type and selection of the fluid for use. In addition, other process factors can influence the fluid of choice. These include sump size, recirculation times, fluid sheer rates during recirculation, typical tramp oil levels in the system, as well as certain operational objectives of the manufacturer, which may include minimising part cleaning required, reduce corrosion, or increase productivity by use of higher cutting speeds and feed rates. Selecting the right lubricant can balance all of these factors and drive the performance and quality required. It’s just that achieving this balance can present a significant challenge – one is only likely to increase as higher strength materials are developed and used, and as machining processes continue to increase in severity to enable for increased part output and productivity. In other words, the selection of the best fluid for use requires a good understanding of all of the system factors which exist and how they influence and interact. Choosing the right thread cutting fluid Quaker Houghton’s highly experienced tube & pipe experts will work closely with your team to solve complex manufacturing challenges for seamless and welded operations. This consultative approach includes extensive service and technical support in the field, wherever you are – we offer full responsiveness with global support for tube & pipe customers. When it comes to choosing the right fluid, we have the capabilities to offer and often develop new fluids for different levels of threading. offers products for different levels of threading. Depending on the challenge and complexity of the threading process, the multiple solutions within our QUAKERCOOL ® 700 series platform can help extend tool life and, in turn, minimise tool and insert wear costs.

Reference: Issues Associated With MQL Implementation: Effect on Peripheral Milling Process Performance and Impact on Machining Economics | IMECE | ASME Digital Collection

Quaker Houghton – USA www.quakerhoughton.com

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Preventing water loss in global utility networks – pressure management

with polymer valves By Marco Alberti, utility sales manager at GF Piping Systems

Global network managers are now dividing the water utility grids into District Metered Area, to reduce the research surface in case of problems and balance pressures into smaller zones. These districts also guarantee an adapted pressure in the dedicated area, based on population density, building height, industrial areas or not, day-to-night consumption, or other important parameters for the management body. Pressure management To guarantee a constant pressure, calibrated to the needs of a piping system, pressure reduction valves can be introduced. They can receive an upstream pressure that is sometimes higher than necessary for distribution and regulate it to a suitable outlet pressure, balancing different day or night requirements. A water network is sized and designed accordingly to ensure an adequate pressure value over 24 hours. If consumption drops, the pressure increases. During a day, the water network is subject to different pressure levels, depending on the consumption. Most of the time it is under pressure above the minimum design limit. By reducing the pressure, we consequently reduce the losses and pipe bursts. Polymer valves The new polymer ‘NeoFlow’ valve from GF Piping Systems, for example, is designed with an axial flow technology and without a vertical adjustment diaphragm. This keeps pressure balanced and highly reliable, with extreme precision and stability of the pressure from 1 per cent to 100 per cent opening.

One of the great challenges of recent years is undoubtedly protecting the environment with the scarcity of water as a resource being one of the main problems. Hence, one of the UN Sustainable Development Goals is to ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. Despite progress, billions still lack water and sanitation services. Globally, an equivalent of about $39bn dollars a year of non-revenue water is dispersed, with a percentage of losses between 20 and 50 per cent. It is not just an issue in less developed countries. In Italy, for example, the average water loss is around 37 per cent. Several factors cause water losses, including leakages or unauthorised consumption in piping systems. Preventing water loss Repairing leakages in aging pipelines sustainably leads to significant savings. Directly, costs for water consumption are saved. Indirectly, less energy is needed to power the networks, water treatment costs are lowered, CO 2 emissions and human resource costs for restoring pipelines, and expenses for researching losses and inefficiencies in the supply are Water losses due to leakages in global water networks, lead to the loss of 39 billion dollars’ worth of water a year. The introduction of durable, corrosion-free polymer pressure regulating valves into the water network can be a modern, easily installed alternative, to prevent non- revenue water (NRW).

reduced. Additionally, there are also possible penalty expense savings for non-compliance with the loss percentage parameters imposed by the authority. Water loss can be prevented passively, repairing the pipeline with the necessary tools or searching for leaks in the area to identify and then repair the pipelines that generate the leak. A proactive approach to prevent water loss would be to install constant flow control and pressure control to avoid the consequences listed above while continuing operations. The efficiency of the networks is maintained by protecting the system from the too high pressure that can lead to accelerated aging, causing micro-fractures. These can turn into major breaks with traceable losses calling for traditional loss detection methods in the long run. Reducing the pressure in the network by 25 per cent, for instance, will lead to a reduction in losses of up to 75 per cent.

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data for acquisition in any remote control or another data collection method. The NeoFlow manual pilot can be replaced by a remotely controllable and programmable “smart” pilot, connectable with the most common data transmission systems. The flexibility that characterises installation, handling, and adaptation to existing spaces is also found in its performance. The combination of axial flow design and polymer material make the valve much less prone to cavitation damage, even at high pressure differential. Thanks to the materials chosen and the design of the valve, reliability is very high and maintained for years. Another considerable benefit of NeoFlow is the reduced maintenance costs. Compared to traditional metal valves, it features only two moving parts. The maintenance of NeoFlow is carried out in under an hour. The calibration of the manual

Light, compact polymer pressure regulating valves, like NeoFlow can be installed in tight manholes

pilot is very simple and quick. Once the necessary downstream pressure has stabilised, it is then constantly maintained, even when facing sudden consumption, such as from the opening of hydrants or other unscheduled consumption. If there is an opening of the valve, the necessary flow rate at the preset pressure is maintained. NeoFlow does not only regulate downstream pressure. We can also apply the valve for possible regulation of upstream pressure, as a support function, to regulate the level of a tank or the pressure based on the flow rate. GF Piping Systems also offers prefabricated kit solutions. The valve is already installed in a system equipped with filters and valves, made of plastic material, which can be installed directly in the network thanks to the exits tensile resistant universal MULTI/JOINT fittings that adapt to the existing pipe. With its reduced weight the NeoFlow polymer valve has less need for space and offers lower maintenance and monitoring costs is an environmentally friendly solution, saving valuable resources. It is easy to use, technologically advanced, and offers a great deal of efficiency and reliability over time. About GF Piping Systems GF Piping Systems is a leading flow solutions provider worldwide and aims to enable the safe and sustainable transport of fluids. The company specialises in plastic piping systems and system solutions plus services in all project phases. GF Piping Systems has its own sales companies in 31 countries, which means it is always by its customers’ side. It has production sites in 36 locations in the US, Europe and Asia that ensure sufficient availability and quick, reliable delivery. In 2020, GF Piping Systems generated sales of CHF1,708bn and employed 6,893 people. GF Piping Systems is a division of Georg Fischer AG, founded in 1802, and headquartered in Schaffhausen, Switzerland.

The PRV can be directly installed in the water system

Even in conditions of extreme flow rates, the valve behaves reliably at a very low opening, as well as with maximum opening. The axial flow technology considerably reduces the turbulence of the downstream flow, and thanks to the reduced space needed, a flow measuring equipment can be installed directly next to the outgoing flow with no harmful effect on accuracy. With NeoFlow valve, the “wafer-style” assembly is achieved by inserting the valve between two flanges with threaded rods and bolts to close the body, the speed and simplicity of installation make it a very convenient choice in the design phase. The NeoFlow weighs about 40 per cent less than traditional metal valves. The extreme lightweight and reduced dimensions allow installation in confined spaces. Olivier Narbey, senior business development manager water network performance at GF Piping Systems, said: “Existing water networks often lack the space for retrofitting, causing high installation costs. For example, in a tight manhole, only one person fits through. For retrofitting a metal pressure regulating valve, more than one person is necessary, as the valve’s weight is a big issue. “NeoFlow PRV was therefore developed to solve these problems. The state-of-the-art technology polymer PRV is three times more compact than a standard metal PRV and up to nine times lighter, so it ensures safe and hassle-free installation, even in the tightest of spaces. The installation process also becomes extremely cost-effective on a newly built valve installation, compact pre-fabrication saving up to 40 per cent of the costs.” Retrofit operations can be carried out easily since the NeoFlow valve is inserted in the same spaces as the previous valves, leaving extra space for the possible insertion of flow measurement instruments. The saved space can facilitate the insertion of any sensors in the network for the detection of parameters necessary for checking the quality of the water. These parameters can converge with the pressure reading

GF Piping Systems – Switzerland info.export@georgfischer.com www.gfps.com/neoflow

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