TPT January 2007

Technology Update

Flexible system for hard-to-reach valves

Water-based bending gel allows welding without washing

Dutch valve-control specialist Netherlocks has developed Nether-Flex, a flexible shaft system to facilitate the operation of inconveniently situated valves. The Nether- Flex brings handwheels into an ergonomic position without requiring any pipework modifications, and also removes the need for scaffolding or a chain wheel. Although stringently designed, process plants are often subject to revision after start-up, as loopholes in operability are identified. Difficult-to-reach valve operators are a common oversight, and may be located too high, in a pit or behind a firewall. The Nether-Flex system is designed to overcome such problems, and consists of an operator unit situated in a safe and convenient position, a second unit mounted on the original valve, and a flexible connection running between the two stations. A counter with easily adjustable set points is integrated into the operator station to indicate whether the valve is open

AddisonMckee, UK, a tube-bending and end-forming technology specialist, has launched an own-label, water-based tube gel specifically designed to provide a clean, environmentally-friendly alternative to traditional tube bending compounds. Called AMgel – and developed in association with Gramos Applied Chemicals – the solution is mainly water-based, has the viscosity of a gel, and will provide a reliable lubrication barrier for the majority of tube bending applications. One advantage provided by the gel is that bent tubes and components can proceed to various follow-on processes (including MIG, TIG and resistance welding) without the need for washing. At the end of the manufacturing process the oil-free gel can then be removed by washing in a mildly alkaline water-based solution, negating the need for costly and potentially harmful caustic cleaning solutions. Mr Peter Chapman, AddisonMckee’s sales and marketing director, said, “ We felt the time was right to introduce a tube lubricant product that not only provided the very highest performance characteristics, but was also exceptionally environmentally friendly and could help reduce manufacturing costs .”

AddisonMckee Ltd – UK Fax : +44 1772 323 227

Email : sales@addisonmckee.co.uk Website : www.addisonmckee.com

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J ANUARY /F EBRUARY 2007