TPT January 2007

A utomated S ystems for H andling, B undling & P ackaging

moves on to join other blasted pipes. These pipes are then automatically fed in pairs to the two welding robots. With each of the two high-performance turbines having an advantageous single-disk design, Agtos claim that the performance levels of its turbines are 20 per cent higher than comparable double- disk machines. The blasting abrasive is kept in a closed process loop. After the abrasive has been discharged and collected in a hopper, a screw conveyor transports it to the bucket elevator. The abrasive moves to the roof of the machine for processing, where an air stream sorting process separates and removes foreign material and undersized abrasive.

these

complicated

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workpieces.

The Diabolo conveyor imparts a uniform rotational and linear motion to the workpieces, which is a prerequisite for the subsequent blasting process. Every 14 seconds, the work-pieces sequentially pass three Agtos high- performance turbines, where they are blasted from the outside.

› Part of Calanbau’s handling system utilised by Agtos in blasting technology

handling and changing system ensures that work can proceed without interruption. Because stabilisers are considered safety components, all of the process parameters are monitored. Improperly treated workpieces are recognised by the system and discharged into a reject container.

The position of the turbines is slightly staggered in order to achieve a homogeneous blasting footprint. The next step is internal blasting, which requires a processing time of 1.5 minutes. Pipes must be collected in packets of six using a handling device and then passed to a chain conveyor in batches. Only in this way can interior blasting proceed without wasting time. Workpieces are automatically positioned and fixed from above before the nozzles move to the optimal blasting position. Afterwards, compressed air is used to blow out the stabilisers, removing any remaining abrasive. The final step is the unloading of the workpieces by a handling system into a waiting transport container, and a container

This article was supplied by Mr Ulf Kapitza, director of marketing & services, Agtos GmbH.

Agtos GmbH – Germany Fax : +49 2572 960 26 111 Email : info@agtos.de Website : www.agtos.de Calanbau GmbH – Germany Fax : +49 5066 808 999 Email : info@calanbau.de Website : www.calanbau.de

Automation systems for tube transport and packaging IMEC Tubes srl, Italy, is an expert in the field of tube automation, with a range of machines and systems for tube finishing, transport and packaging. These systems are constructed using the latest technology, and require simple operation with low mechanical intervention. One of the latest innovations is a palletizing system with a feeding conveyor that enables palletizing operations for tubulars fed from one or more cutting lines. The picking system consists of suction cups or clumps depending on the products to be handled. The format change is quick and easy, while tubular size and basket configuration can be stored in the control panel and selected every time. The production speed is about 8 product pickings per minute, with a picking capacity of circa 40-45kg for each suction cup group. The suction cup group rotation is 90° + 90°, and picking capacity is a maximum of 9 tubes concurrently.

› The Diabolo conveyor mechanism

The filter cartridges are automatically cleaned, and the dust from the cartridges is discharged via a collection hopper into dust collection bags. The goal of the ‘shot peening’ blast process is to create internal compressive stresses as uniformly as possible in the workpiece surface. The machine operator places the untreated, flattened stabilisers in bundles in a loading magazine. After they are automatically separated, the workpieces are fed to the degreasing station by a chain conveyor. Following this, the workpieces are placed by a two-axis linear system onto a Diabolo roller conveyor, specially developed for

IMEC Tubes srl – Italy Fax : +39 0543 483473

Email : sales@imec-tubes.com Website : www.imec-group.com

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J ANUARY /F EBRUARY 2007