TPT January 2007

Technology Update

The machines can be used for in-line production, off-line re-cut operations, hydro- form applications or even stand-alone custom applications. With the new system, New-Form Tools aim to cut steel tubing with high saw-cut quality. The tube cutting system is fully automated and can be produced with the latest automation techniques to assist in 100 per cent part quality assurances. This system now enhances the company’s other high quality related tube cutting essentials such as tube shearing knives and dies. New-Form’s highly skilled and well-trained technical staff is available for project discussions, long-term service and installation anywhere in the world. Increasing demand for large- diameter tube finishing Bronx/Taylor-Wilson, UK and USA, has reported strong demand for its range of OCTG tube finishing equipment. In particular, the company have received lucrative orders for its tube straightening and hydrotesting equipment for processing large diameters. The company has recently signed a contract in Russia for three large tube straightening installations and one hydrostatic pipe testing installation. One of the company’s largest single orders to date, the machines will be manufactured and delivered during 2007. All four of these installations will operate out of the Russian Federation, and will process high grades of OCTG products according to API and GOST specifications. The first installation – a 10CR9 series tube straightening installation – can process plain and upset end pipes (max Ø 168.3mm), at temperatures up to 660°C and grades of API Q125 & S135. The hydraulic quick opening system allows the machine to straighten pipes right up to the upset ends. As with the other straightening installations in this contract, the machines will be controlled by the Bronx patented COMPASS computer aided setting system, which ensures consistency of quality and throughput. With this system, set up times and changeover times are reduced, with a change from minimum to maximum diameter taking less than three minutes. New-Form Tools – Canada Fax : +1 519 272 1996 Website : www.newformtools.com

Universal pipe notching machines ALMI Machinefabriek, Netherlands, has developed a series of manually operated and electrically driven machines for the notching of pipes. The machines are suitable for use with a variety of pipe, including stainless steel, non-ferrous, gas pipes and steam pipes. The quality of a welded tube construction depends largely upon the right preparation. For applications where pipes need to be welded together at an angle of 90°, ALMI’s pipe notching machines ensure that the correct slot is cut quickly and accurately.

The pipe is placed in a rotatable clamp, which is mounted on a compound rest/carriage, enabling the grinding of a diameter to the required angle. The benefits of grinding instead of milling include cost-savings, and an easier, shorter process. Unlike punch-cutting machines,

› ALMI’s range of universal pipe notchers

which use separate auxiliary tools, these pipe notchers are ready for work immediately. The machines are also suitable for making double corner joints, and the range includes a notcher for sink outflow.

ALMI Machinefabriek BV – Netherlands Fax : +31 546 564 465 • Email : info@almi.nl • Website : www.almi.nl

The second installation will be the larger 10CR10 series tube straightening installation, a 10 rolls machine for processing plain end and upset end pipes with a maximum diameter of 245mm, at hot temperatures and grades of API P110 and S135 and high end GOST standards. The third installation heading to Russia is the even larger 6CR11 series tube straightening installation. A 6-rolls machine, this installation will process plain end pipes up to 426mm in diameter, at temperatures of around 700°C and casing material grades up to API P110.

The final installation from the contract will be a Bronx/Taylor-Wilson hydrostatic pipe testing installation that will pressure test pipes from 219-340mm in diameter, with lengths varying from 6-13m. The machine will offer a rate of 67 pieces per hour at maximum test pressure, with a 10 second hold time. Material grades in API reach Q125 and GOST632-80 ‘T’. The maximum test pressure for the installation will be 125MPa, resulting in a maximum end load on the machine of around 6,800kN. › A Bronx/Taylor-Wilson hydrostatic pipe testing installation is part of a major new order for the company

Bronx/Taylor-Wilson Ltd – UK Fax : +44 870 442 2989 Email : europesales@btwcorp.com Website : www.btwcorp.com

› A six roll

straightener from Bronx/Taylor-Wilson

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J ANUARY /F EBRUARY 2007