TPT July 2007

P lastic & C omposite T ube: P roducts & M anufacture

For this technology, mechanical scanners are no longer required. The picture of the product is directly projected onto a high- resolution line sensor, and measuring values are continuously available within fractions of a second. With the X-ray measuring system, users can achieve a continuous measurement and control of the extrusion line under consideration of the minimum values. The system is easy to integrate into every extrusion line for tube and hose. The measuring axes are arranged under 0º and 90°, which also permits the measurement of eccentricity and wall thickness. The equipment is built as a stand-alone gauge head as this is well-established technology from the gauges of Sikora’s

Inline 2000 series. This concept permits the connection of the system directly to a line computer or PLC via all type of interfaces. The system also includes the function of a diagnostic interface and is compatible to the Ecocontrol 2000 processor/display system. With the measuring values available immediately at the start-up of the line and with continuous measurement, this X-ray based measuring system becomes an invaluable tool. It is essential for tube and hose extrusion lines, where economical aspects and quality control are important, in addition to tight tolerances.

Patented bi-stable reel composite tube for pipeline applications

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RolaTube Technology, UK, has introduced a globally patented bi-stable reel composite (BRC) that can be repeatedly rolled and unrolled from flat spool to rigid tube. In principle, bi-stable composite reel products are fully capable of replacing and/or reinforcing all retractable and fixed tubular structures such as masts, poles and pipes, resulting in unlimited potential applications. The company has also identified the commercial potential of thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs), high tech plastics that contain rubber-like properties. RolaTube was provided with invaluable research support from the London Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS), a DTI initiative supported by the London Development Agency. RolaTube can be used for pipelines and pipeline rehabilitation. The company has manufactured and successfully tested prototype designs of flat-reeled composite pressure pipes and linings for the oil and gas industry. The commercial product, when shipped as a reel, and deployed, fi RolaTube is a newly developed bi-stable reel composite (BRC) that can be repeatedly rolled and unrolled from flat spool to rigid tube

Sikora AG – Germany Fax : +49 421 489 0090 Email : sales@sikora.net Website : www.sikora.com

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J uly /A ugust 2007