TPT January 2007

EDITORIAL INDEX Huntingdon Fusion Techniques Ltd ...........................102 IGEME...........................................................................6 Ihlas Fuar.......................................................................6 IMEC Tubes srl............................................................68 iNOEX GmbH ..............................................................36 Intras............................................................................15 Julius Maschinenbau GmbH......................................106 Kemppi (UK) Ltd........................................................108 Kent Corporation .......................................................102 Land Instruments International....................................26 LAP GmbH Laser Applikationen..................................38 LinYi SanYuan Steel Pipe Industry Co Ltd ..................32 Lone Star Steel............................................................14 Lorch Schweißtechnik GmbH....................................106 Machine Sazi Arak (MSA)............................................20 Mack Brooks Exhibitions Ltd .......................................12 Made in Steel Srl .........................................................16 Mahalaxmi Seamless Limited......................................32 Maillefer SA .................................................................26 Markator Manfred Borries GmbH ................................31 Metalex 2006...............................................................18 Metal-Expo 2006 .........................................................18 Mexican Association of Machinery Distributors (AMDM) ...............................10 George A Mitchell Company........................................24 Motoman Robotics (UK) Ltd ........................................66 MRB Schumag Ltd ......................................................18 Mueller Europe ............................................................20 Netherlocks BV............................................................30 New-Form Tools ..........................................................22 New-Ma Srl..................................................................70 Omni-X ........................................................................18 OMP srl........................................................................74 OP Srl..........................................................................26 Pardiskeyan Co Ltd .....................................................20

AddisonMckee Ltd.......................................................30 Agtos GmbH................................................................67 Aiexpo Exhibition Service Co Ltd ................................15 Alkhorayef Industries.....................................................7 ALMI Machinefabriek BV.............................................23 AMI .............................................................................16 Apolo Mecanica e Estruturas LTDA.............................14 Arc Energy Resources.................................................20 Arc Machines Inc.........................................................92 Attl a spol sro...............................................................70 Automation Technology Egypt 2007............................18 Axxair...........................................................................94 BLM .............................................................................40 Borealis AG..................................................................34 Boulder Steel Ltd.........................................................10 Bronx/Taylor-Wilson Ltd...............................................23 Büker Rohrtechnik GmbH............................................31 Burlington Automation Corp.........................................65 Calanbau GmbH..........................................................67 Can-Eng Furnaces Ltd ............................................8, 18 Carl Cloos Schweisstechnik GmbH.............................96 CMI Enterprise........................................................... 110 Combilift Ltd.................................................................72 Cypress Welding Equipment Inc .................................35 D+L Technik GmbH ...................................................109 Davis-Standard..............................................................8 Diamond Ground Products..........................................94 EFD Induction..............................................................98 Esco Tool.....................................................................32 Fabricators & Manufacturers Association International (FMA).......................8, 10 Festo Ltd......................................................................34 GH Group ....................................................................89 Gulf States Tube Ltd....................................................18 HGG ............................................................................18

Petrol Station 2007......................................................18 Polysoude.................................................................. 110 PS Laser GmbH & Co KG .........................................104 Queins & Co GmbH.....................................................74 Rofin-Sinar Laser GmbH .............................................92 Roll-Kraft......................................................................18 S+C Märker GmbH......................................................94 J Schmalz GmbH.........................................................64 Seco/Warwick..............................................................18 Sikora AG ....................................................................26 Sinico SpA...................................................................22 Slingofer Meccanica SpA.............................................65 Smith Flow Control Ltd ................................................36 SMS Demag Innse SpA...............................................10 SMS Demag ................................................................20 SMS GmbH .................................................................20 SMS Meer GmbH ........................................................10 Somass........................................................................16 Spectro Analytical Instruments ....................................20 Süddeutsches Kunststoff-Zentrum (SKZ)....................24 Superior Technologies Europe ....................................20 Techfluid ......................................................................14 TeZet Technik AG ........................................................33 The Institution of Mechanical Engineers......................20 ThyssenKrupp Steel AG ........................................20, 22 Titan Strapping Systems Ltd .......................................76 Titan Umreifungstechnik GmbH & Co KG ...................76 TMK.......................................................................12, 18 Toffanin & C...............................................................100 Unison .........................................................................18 Welspun Gujarat Stahl Rohren Ltd..............................12 Wilkinson Star Limited......................................... 98, 112 Witt Gas Techniques Ltd............................................ 112 Witt GmbH & Co..........................................................20 Yaskawa Electric Corp.................................................66

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J ANUARY /F EBRUARY 2007

Quality in stainless steel tubes

round pipes square pipes rectangular pipes

C ontents

Time to get posting… The two most remarkable business developments I have witnessed in four years working on Tube & Pipe Technology have been the proliferation of global exhibitions and the rise of the Internet. Globalisation has signalled a crammed exhibition calendar, catering to a new and exciting order of emerging markets. This year will be the first with a different exhibition featured in every issue – Tube Arabia in this issue, Boru in March, Tube Russia in May, Tubotech in July, Tube Southeast Asia in September, and Fabtech in November. This will ensure that 2007 is a bustling year for everyone. It is impossible to imagine global business being quite so brisk and lucrative without the revolutionary way in which the Internet has come to define our industry and working practices. Global trade and the Internet now go hand-in-hand, and our industry is the best example of how globalisation and the Internet can have a positive effect. In my leader of July 2005, I highlighted the debate over the relationship between print media and the Internet. To progress this matter, every print edition of Tube & Pipe Technology will now be partnered by an e-zine, available online at www.read-tpt.com. We know that many readers will always enjoy the magazine in print form, but the digital version will be equally valuable and convenient, reaching an even wider readership. Further progress in the digital arena has come with the launch of an online forum at sister site www.tubefirst.com/forum, where forum members can now discuss technical issues and business opportunities. Judging by the number of emails I mistakenly receive each month asking for product quotations, this forum will be an invaluable resource. But a forum can only work successfully if two criteria are fulfilled: awareness and participation. So for 2007 I urge you all to join and get posting to make this forum a global community.

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E ditorial I ndex

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I ndustry N ews

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T echnology U pdate

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O il & G as N ews

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F rom T he A mericas

120 A dvertisers I ndex

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Rich Sears Editor • Email: richard@intras.co.uk

Incorporating Tube & Pipe Asia

Published by: Intras Publications , 46 Holly Walk, Leamington Spa, CV32 4HY, UK Tel : +44 1926 334137 • Fax : +44 1926 314755 Email : tpt@intras.co.uk Website : www.read-tpt.com USA Office (Editorial only): Intras Limited, 272 First Ave, Apt 12G, New York, NY 10009, USA Indian Office: Jintras Ltd, Subarna (Ground Floor) P21/N, Block A New Alipore, Kolkata 700 053, India Tel: +91 33 2407 0701 • Fax : +91 33 2407 0700 Email : jeroov@vsnl.com All rights reserved – © Intras Ltd ISSN 0953-2366 This publication and its full contents of layout, text, images, and graphics is copyright protected. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying, recording or any other storage or retrieval system without the publisher’s written permission. The publisher, owners, agents, printers, editors and contributors cannot be held responsible for and hereby exclude all liability whatsoever for errors, omissions or the accuracy and claims printed or inferred in the editorial or advertisements published in this, previous or subsequent editions or for any damages, costs or losses caused thereby. Tube & Pipe Technology reserves the right to edit, reword and subedit all editorial submissions in accordance with editorial policy. Tube & Pipe Technology expressed graphically or by text is a registered name and style trademark of Intras Ltd, UK. All matters relating to this disclaimer are governed by the laws of England. Tel/Fax : +1 212 614 9266 Email : dfabian@rcn.com

Editor • Rich Sears Features editor (USA) • Dorothy Fabian Editorial assistant • Christian Bradley Production manager • Lisa Benjamin Design • Julie Tomlin

Sales & marketing

• Catherine Sayers English speaking sales • Giuliana Benedetto Italian sales • Hendrike Griffin German speaking sales • Linda Li Chinese sales • Jeroo Vandrevala Indian sales

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Advertising co-ordinator

• Liz Hughes

Accounts manager

• Richard Babbedge

Subscriptions

• Liz Hughes

Publisher

• Caroline Sullens

Founder

• John C Hogg

US Copies only: Tube & Pipe Technology (ISSN No: 0953-2386) is published bi-monthly by INTRAS Ltd and distributed in the US by DSW, 75 Aberdeen Road, Emigsville, PA 17318-0437. Periodicals postage paid at Emigsville, PA. POSTMASTER: send address changes to Tube & Pipe Technology , PO Box 437, Emigsville PA 17318-0437. Tube & Pipe Technology magazine is available on subscription, or via membership of the International Tube Association – See www.itatube.org for more membership benefits

F eatures

V ol 20 No 1 January/February 2007

42

Taking care of business forms the essence of the technology behind handling, bundling and packaging systems. The experts in this area know that mechanical innovation does not stop with the manufacture of a product. It must be carefully conveyed, handled and dispatched with the same military precision used in all other areas of production. From diabolo conveyance and vacuum gripping systems to robotic automation and CNC bundlers, here we showcase the latest in this field of dynamic mobility and protection. A highly specialised field, welding technology is always on a rollercoaster ride of innovation and discovery. Arguably the most difficult field to automate, the selection of a welding method must always suit the application in question, whether it be pipeline welding or small lot production of thin wall automotive parts. And a whole plethora of welding technology is available to choose from, including cold process, laser, orbital, plasma arc, TIG, MIG/MAG, ERW and inductive welding. Here we focus on the latest developments in the field of welding for the tube and pipe industry. With a largely expatriate population of 1.3 million, Dubai is now the place to do business in the Middle East and has welcomed an increasing number of regional offices, conglomerates and multinationals. Due to take place from 13-16 January, the much anticipated Tekno/Tube Arabia exhibition comes at a time when business is flocking to the United Arab Emirates, with exhibitors and visitors alike also expected to flock to Tube Arabia. Here we feature essential information, the exhibitor/stand details, and a selection of the technology on offer. Tekno/Tube Arabia 2007: Show Feature Systems for Handling, Bundling & Packaging Welding Technology, Equipment & Consumables

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88

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T echnical A rticle

114 Predicting the properties of welded

rollformed tubes for subsequent processes using the Finite Element Method By Mr Albert Sedlmaier, data M Software GmbH, Germany

Illustration images used this issue courtesy of Al Fajer Information & Services, Attl a spol sro, BLM Group UK Ltd, Carl Cloos Schweisstechnik GmbH, International Tube Association, Messe Düsseldorf GmbH, Ihlas Trade Fairs, S+C Märker GmbH, J Schmalz GmbH, Steel Tube Institute of North America, Strategic Images

Industry News

Boru 2007: the event for Turkey and the surrounding region

The premier international tube, pipe and fittings exhibition in Turkey – Boru – will return for the third time from 22-25 March 2007, with organisers Ihlas Fuar already confirming double the exhibition space. Strongly established as the largest tube and pipe event in Turkey, Boru will again be held at the ideally located Istanbul World Trade Centre (IDTM). The exhibition is aimed at a broad market including Turkey, the Balkans, North Africa, Middle East, southwest Asia and the Turkic Republics (Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Northern Cyprus). With a huge domestic market of 71 million and an increasing consumer spending power, Turkey holds a unique strategic position between Asia and Europe. Turkey offers a vast workforce and competitive manufacturing prices, and has grown into an investment destination for many European and other distinguished international companies. A new report by Mr Hasan Köse of the Turkish Foreign Trade Department for the Tubes, Pipes and Fittings Sector (IGEME), reveals that the Turkish tube and pipe

market has been experiencing considerable growth since 2004. According to the report, there are 50-60 Turkish companies involved in plastic pipes and fittings, 35 iron and steel pipe firms, and 4 companies associated with natural gas, oil and sanitary pipelines. The report states that of the 24.4 million tons of Turkish steel production in 2005,

86 per cent contributed to production of long products, with the welded/ seamless iron and steel tube and pipe industry having a production capacity of 3 million tons. Turkey is the fifth largest steel pipe industry in Europe (after Italy, Germany, UK and France), with exports of metal and plastic tube and pipe reaching US$1.197bn in 2005 (a 25.6 per cent growth). Of this figure, the Turkish ForeignTradeDepartment reveal that in 2005 US$865mn accounted

› Double the exhibition space is expected from 22-25 March at the Istanbul World Trade Centre, while visitor numbers are expected to be substantially up as interest in Boru grows

for export of iron and steel pipes and fittings. In 2005, the USA, UK, Spain, Germany and Iraq were the main export markets. This success has been facilitated by a range of policies from the Turkish government, which has transformed the business stage in Turkey, with movement towards EU membership following agreement of a date for negotiations.

❱

Turkey is the fifth largest steel pipe industry in Europe... in 2005 US$865mn accounted for export of iron and

Pro-business policies include a new direct investment law effective since 2003, advanced commercial legislation, free movement of capital, and highly liberal foreign investment legislation. It is reported that in 2005 Turkey gained an FDI of US$9.6bn, with similar levels expected for 2006 (UNCTAD, World Investment Report, 2006). This industrial affluence has been mirrored by the popularity of Boru. The 2 nd Boru in 2006 attracted 17,609 visitors and 104 exhibitors, filling two exhibition halls, with reports of a high level of satisfaction from both visitors and exhibitors alike. The 2006 show welcomed international visitors from countries including Germany, Italy, France, Spain, Austria, UK, Bulgaria, Romania, Czech Republic, Russia, Ukraine, Iran, Syria, Egypt, Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco, Israel, and other Middle Eastern countries, in addition to the Turkic Republics. Dedicated to showcasing a full spectrum of technology, Boru will feature the latest in ferrous and non-ferrous tube and

steel pipes and fittings

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fi Istanbul, at the crossroads between Europe and Asia, will play host to the 3 rd Boru exhibition

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J ANUARY /F EBRUARY 2007

Industry News

pipe products and suppliers, plastic and composite tube and pipe, product and component suppliers, production and manufacturing equipment, processing and finishing machinery, lubricants and coatings, and plants, dies, tools and accessories. With increasing brand quality and recognition, Boru is gaining a great deal of interest from the tube and pipe industry, and the 2007 show is expected to be even more popular. Tube & Pipe Technology will both attend and exhibit at the show in 2007.

DIARY OF TUBE EVENTS

JANUARY 2007 13-16 Tube Arabia/Tekno

Ï

Email : alfajer@emirates.net.ae Website : www.tekno7.info

Dubai, United Arab Emirates Exhibition

MARCH

Ï

06-09 Tecma 2007

Email : jpvazquez@tecma.org.mx Website : www.tecma.org.mx

Mexico City, Mexico Exhibition (tooling & machinery)

Ï

15-17 SIPPE 2007

Email : 2007@aiexpo.com.cn Website : www.sippe.com.cn

Shanghai, China Exhibition (pipelines & OCTG)

Ï

22-24 Made in Steel ® Brescia, Italy Exhibition

Ihlas Fuar – Turkey Fax : +90 212 454 2506 Email : info@ihlasfuar.com Website : www.ihlasfuar.com

Email : commerciale@madeinsteel.it Website : www.madeinsteel.it

Ï

22-25 BORU 2007

Email : info@ihlasfuar.com Website : www.ihlasfuar.com

Istanbul, Turkey Exhibition

IGEME – Turkey Fax : +90 312 4172233

MAY

Ï

22-24 Stainless 2007

Email : hasank@igeme.gov.tr Website : www.igeme.gov.tr

Email : hg.diederichs@focus-rostfrei.com Website : www.stainless2007.com

Ostrava, Czech Republic Congress

Ï

28-31 Tube Russia/Metallurgy/Wire Russia Moscow, Russia Exhibition

Email : wolfgramC@messe-duesseldorf.de Website : www.metallurgy-tube-russia.com

Alkhorayef establish a new production facility for HDPE-lined pipe

JUNE 18-20 Nagoya Tube 2007 (ITA) Nagoya, Japan Conference 21-24 8 th Guangzhou Intl Metal & Metallurgy Exhibition Guangzhou Province, China

Ï

Email : jstp@jstp.or.jp Website : www.jstp.jp/en

Alkhorayef Industries Co, Saudi Arabia, has established a new factory featuring high density polyethylene (HDPE) lining systems. The facility uses a patented process to produce carbon steel pipes with an integral HDPE lining, sold under the Ultrapipe ® brand. The factory can line spool pipes up to 40m long and 10" in diameter. Buried pipes are exposed to external conditions such as hostile soil and the ever-rising saline content in water. Inside the pipeline, abrasion due to suspended particles in the flow stream, corrosion caused mainly by reduced pH value, chlorination and other factors can have a damaging effect on bare pipe walls. Alkhorayef offer plastic lined products that are designed as a solution to such problems. The steel pipe resists internal and external pressures, and Ultrapipe can withstand water pressure up to 93 Bar, depending on the steel pipe quality. In addition, HDPE resists corrosion, erosion and scale build- up, and improves flow efficiency. Alkhorayef Industries – Saudi Arabia Fax : +966 1265 2348 Email : factory@alkhorayef.com Website : www.alkhorayef.com

Ï Ï

Email : julang@pub.guangzhou.gd.cn Website : www.julang.com.cn

SEPTEMBER 24-26 Tube Ukraine (ITA) 25-27 Pressure Pipes 2007 Düsseldorf, Germany Conference

Email : info@amiplastics.comn Website : www.amiplastics.com

Ï

Email : info@itatube.org Website : www.tube-ukraine.com

Dnepropetrovsk, Ukraine Conference

OCTOBER 02-04 Tubotech/Metaltech São Paulo, Brazil Exhibition

Ï

Email : cipa@cipanet.com.br Website : www.cipanet.com.br

Ï Ï

16-18 Tube/wire Southeast Asia Bangkok, Thailand Exhibition

Email : tube@mda.com.sg Website : www.tube-southeastasia.com

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Non-Ferrous Bangkok (ITA Seminar) Bangkok, Thailand

Website : www.itatube.org

NOVEMBER

Ï

11-14 Fabtech

Email : information@fmafabtech.com Website : www.fmafabtech.com

Chicago, USA Exhibition

FEBRUARY 2008 14-16 Tube India

Ï

Email : kueppersS@messe-duesseldorf.de Website : www.messe-duesseldorf.de

New Delhi, India Exhibition

MARCH/APRIL 31-04 Tube Düsseldorf

Ï

Email : info@messe-duesseldorf.de Website : www.messe-duesseldorf.de

Düsseldorf, Germany Exhibition

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J ANUARY /F EBRUARY 2007

Industry News

identified and targeted thousands of metal fabricating and welding technology users in the southeast region of the country that had never previously been to the event. Figures show that many of these users visited Fabtech & AWS 2006. On the first day alone, almost 9,000 people were in attendance at the event, delivering thousands of first-time metal forming, fabricating and welding buyers. The strategy to attract new buyers materialized with seven of the top 10 attending states coming from the southeast region, including Texas. In addition, confirming the wide regard for the event, an impressive number of buyers travelled to Atlanta from midwest states such as Ohio, Illinois and Michigan. According to FMA, many exhibitors have secured their exhibit space for the 2007 event in Chicago. Over 600 exhibitors have already reserved almost 400,000ft 2 of exhibition space. Fabricators & Manufacturers Association International (FMA) – USA Can-Eng acquires Gasmac Can-Eng Furnaces Ltd, Canada, has completed the acquisition of Gasmac Inc, an industrial furnace designer and manufacturer. The deal includes Gasmac’s engineering capability and spare parts. Gasmac’s industrial thermal processing designs include those of Wayne Forge, The Gas Machinery Company, Heat Engineering and Technology, and Scarborough and Grant. The company’s main product range includes aluminium stack melters and holders, infra-red process heaters, and custom designed batch and continuous heat treating furnaces. Can-Eng Furnaces will continue to provide Gasmac customers with a high level of support for aftermarket service, spare parts, field service and new industrial furnace equipment. The design and experience gained by the acquisition will allow Can-Eng Furnaces to provide a wider product range to both new and existing customers. Fax : +1 815 484 7701 Email : info@fmanet.org Website : www.fmanet.org

Southern success for first Fabtech in Atlanta

Fabtech International & AWS Welding Show 2006 – the first to be held in Atlanta, USA – was a tremendous success and attracted a high number of visitors, organisers say. With new markets and first-time attendees in evidence, the Fabricators & Manufacturers Association (International) reported over

21,000 visitors and 873 exhibitors covering 307,600ft 2 (net). The objective of the move to Atlanta was to reach outside the traditional US midwest and open up new markets and industries for exhibitors. FMA’s research had

fi With over 21,000 visitors, a large number of new exhibitors and visitors attended Fabtech from the southeast region

Management buyout at Davis-Standard Davis-Standard LLC, USA, has been acquired by its management and an investor group led by Hamilton Robinson LLC, a private equity firm. The acquisition both supports Davis- Standard’s strategy to expand its global converting and extrusion range, and owner Chemtura Corp’s decision to relinquish a non-core business to focus on its specialty chemical expertise. “Chemtura has been an excellent partner. We especially appreciate the support and counsel of Mr Bob Wood, Chemtura’s chairman and CEO as well as the guidance and advice of senior Chemtura executives Mr Greg McDaniel and Mr Arthur Wienslaw, who served ably on the Davis-Standard board of directors,” said Mr Charles Buckley, president of Davis-Standard LLC.

❱

Commenting on the merger, less than two years ago, of Davis-Standard and Black Clawson Converting Machinery Inc, Mr Buckley stated, “By any measure, the integration of these two companies has been a tremendous success and has paved the way for this transaction.”

The new ownership structure will continue

to be led by the existing Davis-Standard management team

❱

The new ownership structure will continue to be led by the existing Davis-Standard management team and the company’s financial strength will be preserved under the new capital structure. The management ownership ranks are not limited to just a few senior executives but include dozens of managers, and the company intends to offer the rewards of ownership to even more managers in the near future.

Can-Eng Furnaces Ltd – Canada Fax : +1 905 356 1817 Email : furnaces@can-eng.com Website : www.can-eng.com

Davis-Standard – USA Fax : +1 860 599 6258 Website : www.davis-standard.com

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J ANUARY /F EBRUARY 2007

TRM

TRM Rollers and Slitter knives are selectively made of high-quality material. Roll planning and CAD system design can accurately customise customers’ existing design. Rollers are produced on CNC machines with performance tools and precision measuring equipment by highly

experience skilled staffs to ensure our customers a very fine finish quality.

Industry News

Completion of the raised capital is expected in the first quarter of 2007, subject to approval from Boulder’s shareholders, a bankable feasibility study, and a review by the Australian Foreign Investment Review Board. Dr Peter H Wallner, Boulder’s managing director, signed financial advisory and capital raising mandates with TNI, who are headquartered in Abu Dhabi. Boulder has appointed TNI to act as its exclusive financial advisor in relation to the funding of the Seamless Tube Project. TNI is a highly-reputable, multi-award winning investment company, ranked as a leading equity house in the UAE by Euromoney in 2005 and 2006.

UAE investment for Boulder’s seamless tube project

Boulder Steel Ltd, Australia, have announced funding agreement worth US$600mn from United Arab Emirates investment bank The National Investor (www.tni.ae). The capital will be used to invest in the Australian Seamless Tube Project including a state-of-the-art steel mill in Queensland and a potential seamless steel tube finishing

facility in the Middle East. This substantial progress will also involve the expansion of the Euro Forming Services (EFS) business. The Queensland-based steel mill and seamless tube plant will provide a predicted 350,000t/annum capacity, and is expected to produce seamless tubes mainly for use in the oil and gas industries. The development is based on Boulder’s research into the

seamless steel tube market which is set to grow at an average of 30 per cent a year in Australia and 10 per cent worldwide. The project is intended to lower Australia’s dependence on seamless tube imports, while also supplying the Pacific Rim market. As there are currently no seamless tube producers in Australia, this development is expected to be highly lucrative. Boulder will purchase equipment from Europe, India and Australia, with construction starting in January 2007 and full capacity expected in 2011.

fi A successful business agreement: (left to right) Mr Firdhose Coovadia, TNI’s managing director, Mr Abdulrahman Falaknaz, director of Boulder Steel Ltd, and Dr Peter Wallner, Boulder’s managing director

Boulder Steel Ltd – Australia Fax : +612 9419 2818 Email : admin@bouldersteel.com.au Website : www.bouldersteel.com.au

China’s Anshan order new PQF mill

Anshan New Steel Corp Ltd, China, has placed an order with SMS Meer, Germany, for the supply of a new seamless tube mill employing the PQF (premium quality finishing) process. The new order will be carried out in close cooperation with SMS Demag Innse SpA, Italy. The mill will be used to produce seamless tubes with diameters ranging from 73mm to 177.8mm, with a planned capacity of 250,000t per year. The mill is scheduled to go into full production at the beginning of 2008. SMS Meer will supply all the key components of the mill equipment, in addition to project management, supervision of erection and commissioning, and training of the operating personnel. Anshan, who successfully commissioned a conventional MPM (multistand pipe mill) plant in 2003, has now opted for the latest PQF technology for the production of seamless tubes. The new plant will be the third in China and the sixth worldwide to employ this technology. SMS Meer GmbH – Germany Fax : +49 2161 350 667

Fabtech organisers back Mexican machine tool exhibition

The American Welding Society (AWS), Fabricators & Manufacturers Association (FMA), and Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME), have announced their joint support of machine tool technology exhibition, Tecma 2007. This exhibition – established in 1991 – will take place for the 12 th time at the Expo Santa FE complex in Mexico City, Mexico, from 6-9 March 2007. Organised by the Mexican Association of Machinery Distributors (AMDM), Tecma claims to be the only show in Mexico to specialise in machine tool technology, related equipment and peripherals. More than 164 exhibiting companies and 574 trade names are set to occupy over 21,600m 2 of exhibit space, with a prediction of over 10,000 visitors. Designed for those companies looking to distribute in southern Mexico or attempting to increase their market presence, Tecma will showcase technologies including welding, tools, CNC CAD/CAM flexible manufacturing systems, forming/fabricating, and metal cutting machines. All the main Mexican industries will be represented at Tecma, including automotive, electronics, HVAC, metal construction, chemical, and oil/gas.

Mexican Association of Machinery Distributors (AMDM) – Mexico Fax : +52 55 5531 6858 Email : jpvazquez@tecma.org.mx Website : www.tecma.org.mx Fabricators & Manufacturers Association International (FMA) – USA Fax : +1 815 484 7701 Email : info@fmanet.org • Website : www.fmanet.org

Email : info@sms-meer.com Website : www.sms-meer.de SMS Demag Innse SpA – Italy Fax : +39 02 2124 699 Email : innse@sms-demag.it Website : www.innse.com

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J ANUARY /F EBRUARY 2007

The advantages: fast centering of the

crosshead directly after starting of the extrusion process continuous measure- ment and control of the extrusion line under consideration of the minimum values permanent quality control

X-RAY 2000 monitor image

X-RAY 2000

Quality control and process optimization: at the extrusion of single and multi layer plastic tubes and pipes

X-RAY 2000 is an attractive on-line measuring and control system for plastic tubes and hoses. State of the art X-ray technology provides continuous measurement on the wall thickness, eccentricity, diameter and ovality. With the X-RAY 2000 SIKORA presents an exciting measuring system, which is focused on process optimization by providing: quality control and improvement reduction of start-up scrap reduction of material over-consumption increased productivity approach as simple as a diameter gauge The technique of transilluminating the tube or hose with X-Rays in two planes of view provides wall thick- ness measurements without calibration requirements. Reliable measurements are available for multi-layer products with and without fabric reinforcement layers. This unique technique makes wall thickness measure- ments an operation as simple as a diameter gauge! With a relatively low investment a return of investment drastically below 12 month can be achieved.

LASER 2000 Check-out also SIKORA’s range of diameter gauges, which are available for products of 0,1 to 200 mm. The advantages: XY and triple axis diameter and ovality measurement with optimum precision MTBF (meantime between failure) >15 years no calibration required

See us at India Rubber Expo 2007 Chennai 17 – 20 January 2007

SIKORA AG · Bremen · GERMANY · sales@sikora.net SIKORA PACIFIC · Seoul · KOREA · sikora@chol.com

SIKORA ASIA · Fuzhou · P. R. CHINA · sales@sikora-asia.com SIKORA RUSSIA · Moscow · RUSSIA · sales@sikora-russia.com SIKORA INDIA · New Delhi · INDIA · sikoraindia@gmail.com SIKORA UKRAINE · Vinnitsa · UKRAINE · sikora@vinnica.ua SIKORA ITALIA · Vicenza · ITALY · sales@sikora-italia.com SIKORA INT CORP · Peachtree City · USA · sales@sikora-usa.com

SIKORA Technology To Perfection

Industry News

TMK and Welspun announce plans for joint venture TMK, Russia, has announced that its Volzhsky Pipe Plant has agreed to set up a joint venture with Welspun Gujarat Stahl Rohren Ltd, the Indian manufacturer of high-end large-diameter pipes for the oil and gas industry. A 60 per cent stake in the joint venture will be owned by VTZ, with 40 per cent belonging to Welspun. Large-diameter welded pipes are used in the construction of oil and gas trunk pipelines. Russia’s largest consumers of these products are Gazprom and Transneft. The new venture will lead to increased capacities for the production of double submerged arc welded (DSAW) longitudinal pipes (single-seam) with Ø 20-56" (508mm to 1,420mm), up to 40mm wall thickness and 18m in length, in addition to spiral welded pipes. On completion of the DSAW plant, the joint venture’s capacity in the production of large-diameter welded pipes is expected to be more than 1.2 million tons per annum. Large-diameter longitudinal welded pipe production is scheduled to begin in Q4 2007. TMK’s general director, Mr Konstantin Semerikov, said, “ The TMK-Welspun joint venture enables the company to expand its participation in pipeline projects not only in Russia and the CIS but beyond .” Mr B K Goenka, Welspun’s vice chairman and managing director, commented that the partnership would allow the company to provide a wide array of products for onshore and offshore linepipe requirements to its customers. He said, “ We have already done most challenging projects like supplying pipes for the world’s deepest pipeline in the Gulf of Mexico, and this JV will give us the opportunity to cater to the needs of the burgeoning oil and gas industry of Russia .”

Record results for EuroBlech 2006 The organisers of EuroBlech 2006, the 19 th international sheet metal working technology exhibition, have reported a record-breaking show with 1,409 exhibitors from 40 countries. Innovations and cutting edge technological developments were on display in every sector of the product range. Always a feature of the event, EuroBlech 2006 featured an even larger number of live machine displays.

For the first time the event covered an exhibition area of 76,000m 2 net in seven halls and attracted 64,353 trade visitors. Show organisers, Mack Brooks Exhibitions, were particularly satisfied with a 25 per cent increase in foreign visitors. The number of visitors from all over Europe, and particularly from Eastern Europe, has grown substantially. The number of visitors coming from Asia has also doubled since the previous event in 2004. exhibitors at EuroBlech, the current economic situation in the sheet metal working industry has substantially improved over the last two years. It was reported that there was lively trading activity in the halls and the mood was buoyant. According to

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For the first time the event covered an exhibition area of

76,000m 2 net in seven halls

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Large increases in new business contacts and sales activities was also a success of the event. A large proportion of exhibitors are already planning to participate at EuroBlech 2008 which will be held in Hanover from 21-25 October 2008. › Over 1,400 exhibitors were in attendance at sheet metal working exhibtion, EuroBlech, with 64,353 visitors – a 25 per cent increase

Mack Brooks Exhibitions Ltd – UK Fax : +44 1727 814 401 Email : press@mackbrooks.co.uk Website : www.mackbrooks.com

TMK – Russia Fax : +7 495 775 7601

Email : tmk@tmk-group.com Website : www.tmk-group.com

Welspun Gujarat Stahl Rohren Ltd – India Fax : +91 22 2490 8020 Email : sales_wgsrl@welspun.com Website : www.welspun.com

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Industry News

OCTG joint venture for Lone Star and Brazil’s GPC

Exhibition for oil, petrochemical and energy TechFluid 2007, a new international fair for technological solutions in mechanical subcontracting, metals and innovative materials for the oil, petrochemical and energy industry, will be held from 10-12 May 2007 in Piacenza, Italy at the PiacenzaExpo exhibition centre. The exhibition is targeted at producers of tube, components (aluminium, special steels, stainless steel, titanium, brass, and copper), ferrous and non-ferrous foundry castings, polymers/composite materials, and prototyping/design companies. TechFluid 2007 will be divided into several areas of interest, including underground drilling and boring, plant engineering for the petrochemical industry, and producers of special vehicles, complete machines, complete plants, mechanical groups and sub-groups.

Lone Star Technologies Inc, USA, has entered into a joint venture with holding company Grupo Peixoto de Castro, Brazil. The agreement involves Lone Star acquiring a 50 per cent ownership stake (worth US$42 million) in Apolo Mecanica e Estruturas Ltda, an oilfield tubular products facility in southeastern Brazil operated by Apolo. The remaining 50 per cent ownership stake will be held by GPC, with profits split equally. The joint venture will be run by its own board of directors initially consisting of six directors (also split equally), while management is expected to consist primarily of current managers of Apolo Tubulars. Apolo Tubulars currently operates a new ERW pipe mill and related finishing facilities capable of producing approximately 150,000t of oilfield tubular products ranging from 2 3 / 8 " to 9 5 / 8 ". Mr Rhys J Best, chairman and CEO of Lone Star said, “Our strategic investment in Apolo Tubulars will give us the opportunity to benefit from the strong growth in demand for

oilfield tubular products that is anticipated to occur in many South American countries. Together, we can offer practical commercial solutions utilising profitable, efficient and safe manufacturing.” Grupo Peixoto de Castro is a Brazilian holding company with principal operating subsidiaries that manufacture and distribute refined petroleum derived products, lubricants, chemicals and petrochemicals, and steel tubular products. Lone Star is a holding company responsible for the manufacture of oilfield casing, tubing, linepipe, and speciality tubing products, including finned tubes. They also supply flat rolled steel and other tubular products and services.

Lone Star Steel – USA Fax : +1 972 770 6409 Website : www.lonestarsteel.com

Techfluid – Italy Fax : +39 030 221 168 Website : www.techfluid.it

Apolo Mecanica e Estruturas LTDA – Brazil Fax : +55 21 2240 0538 Website : www.tubosapolo.com

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J ANUARY /F EBRUARY 2007

Industry News

Tube & Pipe Technology : now available as an e-zine

Sippe 2007: an exhibition for China’s petroleum/natural gas industry A result of the growing importance of oil and gas in China, a special exhibition will take place from 15-17 March 2007 at the Shanghai Everbright exhibition centre. Sippe 2007 is billed as the Shanghai international oil and gas pipeline and storage technology equipment exhibition, and will feature exhibits including steel and PE/PVC/CPVE tube, other metal and non-metallic pipe and fittings, pipeline and OCTG products, inspection/measuring equipment, and related technology. Organised by Pudong International Exhibition Corp and Aiexpo Exhibition Service Co Ltd, Sippe is approved by the Shanghai Municipal People’s Government and sponsored by a raft of recognised Chinese and international organisations. These backers include the China Petroleum Storage and Transportation Committee, China Gas West-to-East Transportation Company, Russian Natural Gas Industry Stock Company, and the Shanghai Pudong branch of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT). Over the coming years, it is expected that issues such as long-distance oil transportation and gas transportation pipelines will gain increasing importance in China. Major projects are currently underway in China including the gas west-to-east transportation project, southwest finished oil and gas product pipeline and oil/gas storage and transportation project. Such large- scale projects are expected to increase the development of China’s petroleum chemical industry. Sippe 2007 is expected to attract both domestic and foreign businesses. Technology will include oil/gas exploration and production equipment, drilling technology and offshore equipment, petroleum equipment and production, equipment for oil and gas pipeline construction, and inspection, repair and maintenance technology.

Tube & Pipe Technology , the leading international magazine for the tube and pipe industries, is now also available as an e-zine via www.read-tpt.com. The e-zine has been launched as a partner to the print edition, to further increase an already wide readership. Now offering a powerful combination of print and digital media, the new e-zine is available with some free content for all, and a range of subscription packages. Online readers can click directly onto advertisements

and hyperlink to company websites, while video-movies can be incorporated into e-zine adverts. The e-zine will maximise the impact of Tube & Pipe Technology , providing advertisers with even more leads, and readers the flexibility to browse the magazine in all formats. Intras Publications – UK Fax : +44 1926 314755 Website : www.read-tpt.com

Ultrasonic Flaw Detection and Thickness Measurement The Echomac ® Ultrasonic Multi Channel NDT System for Fast and Accurate Inspection of Tube, Bar, Rod, Plate And Strip

• High throughput speeds • New design means superior signal to noise ratio • No-seal rotary technology improves reliability • Measure ovality, eccentricity, OD/ID variations in tube • Microsoft Windows ® platform; offers full network support, viewing and control.

• Rapid change-over for varying sizes • Also suitable for retrofit applications using existing transducers • Can be combined with MAC eddy current and flux leakage testers for optimal results Since 1928, Magnetic Analysis Corporation has been providing NDT solutions to allow its customers to ship more and reject less. Long-recognized leader in ultrasonic, eddy current & flux leakage technology, MAC has the resources, capabilities and experience to meet your NDT requirements. For more information, contact us today.

Magnetic Analysis Corp. Nondestructive testing since 1928 535 South 4th Avenue, Mount Vernon, New York10550 (914) 699-9450 • Fax: (914) 699-9837

Aiexpo Exhibition Service Co Ltd – China Fax : +86 021 65282319 Email : 2007@aiexpo.com.cn Website : www.sippe.com.cn

www.mac-ndt.com

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J ANUARY /F EBRUARY 2007

Industry News

end applications such as the chemical industry and oilfields. Plastics are generally lighter, more flexible and less susceptible to corrosion than traditional materials, and new grades of plastics are being developed and tested for pressure pipe use. Hydrostatic pressure testing is used to predict the safe performance window for new pressure pipes. Testing during pipe development has shown that failure occurs in a variety of ways: ductile failure, brittle mechanical failure, and chemical degradation of the pipe material. Specific standards cover critical pipe properties such as creep rupture strength and resistance to stress cracking and rapid crack propagation. The standards and testing requirements for pressure pipes are extensive and ensure safety of pressure pipes in use. The conference will address these concerns and many others from 25-27 June 2007 AMI – UK Fax : +44 117 989 2128

Somass expand services to cover cold rollform FE-Analysis

Somass, Germany, has expanded the services available from its roll design office, by offering finite element analysis. Each roll design is now, by standard, verified with finite element analysis, without additional cost to customers. The company designs tool sets for profile manufacturers and machine builders in the rollform market, provides development of forming strategies, flower and roll designs, and supports companies with in-house and external design services.

The company’s roll designs are used to produce round and rectangular tubes, trapezoidal sections, roofing profiles and special profiles, for a range of industries (ie the automobile industry).

Somass – Germany Fax : +49 8025 993 238 Email : info@somass.de Website : www.somass.com

Conference to examine plastic pipes under pressure AMI, UK, has announced a new international conference for the plastic pipes industry. Plastic Pressure Pipes 2007 will be held at the Renaissance Hotel, Düsseldorf, Germany, and will cover developments in materials, processing technology and applications of plastic pressure pipes. Pressure pipes are used in many areas, from gas, potable water, sprinkler systems and sewage transport, to high

fi Somass now provides finite element analysis

Email : info@amiplastics.com Website : www.amiplastics.com

Back for the second time: Made in Steel 2007 The second staging of Made in Steel ® will take place in Brescia, Italy, from the 22-24 March 2007. A networking event that combines a conference and exhibition, the event is designed to unite those involved in the world of steel, and will run concurrently with Metalworking 2007.

The venue will offer 15,000m 2 of exhibition space in 2007, which is double the size of the first event in 2005. Organisers report that almost 90 per cent of the commercial exhibition space has already been sold. The last event in 2005 attracted 5,000 visitors, a significant number given the fact that the whole Italian steelmaking industry amounts to no more than 2,000 companies.

In October a delegation from Made in Steel visited Shanghai where they met representatives of around 60 Chinese companies. These contacts with China are set to open the way for more Chinese visitors and exhibitors making Made in Steel a truly international affair. Over the three day event, Made in Steel will host a large number of meetings and conferences. The organisers of Made in Steel intend to create a networking forum for new ideas and initiatives in the evolving world of steel. Discussion topics will include general economics, energy sources and global trade alongside more steel specific concerns such as production techniques and legal aspects. Made in Steel has the official support of Federacciai (the Italian steelmakers syndicate), Assofermet (traders), Aim (Italian Association of Metallurgy), Bir (Bureau of International Recycling) and Centro Inox.

Made in Steel Srl – Italy Fax : +39 030 2549833 Email : commerciale@madeinsteel.it • Website : www.madeinsteel.it

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