TPT July 2024

The international magazine for the tube & pipe industries

ISSN 0953-2366

JULY 2024

VOL 37 NO 4

US$33

min

max

4 - 8 Number of cameras

5 Min. object diameter (mm)

720 Max. object diameter (mm)

PROFILEMASTER® SPS Profile Measuring System The PROFILEMASTER® SPS is a light section measuring device for measuring contours and dimensions on profiles of all kinds in cold and hot steel applications.

Benefits:

Highest measuring accuracy due to thermally stabilised measuring unit Surface defect detection based on intelligent software algorithms (Utilising machine learning) Detection of smallest defects due to high sampling rate Designed for measuring complex profiles from rebar’s to train rails Easy maintenance and quick cleaning thanks to proven concept

Zumbach Electronic AG | Hauptstrasse 93 | 2552 Orpund | Schweiz Telefon: +41 (0)32 356 04 00 | Fax: +41 (0)32 356 04 30 | sales@zumbach.ch | www.zumbach.com

INDEX Editorial

GlobalData................................................................................... 46 Kent Corporation..........................................................................12 Paul Leibinger GmbH & Co KG...................................................37 Messe Düsseldorf........................................................................51 George A Mitchell Company........................................................ 10 Moreschi Srl.................................................................................30 Pemamek..................................................................................... 23 Phoenix Inspection Systems........................................................22 Pixargus GmbH............................................................................32 SeAH Steel..................................................................................16 Severance Tool Industries Inc......................................................20 Sikora AG..................................................................................... 37 SL Laser GmbH...........................................................................33 TechnipFMC................................................................................. 49 Unison Ltd....................................................................................31 Universal Tube & Roll Forming....................................................17 Yamazaki Mazak UK Ltd..............................................................18 Zumbach Electronic AG............................................................... 33

3R solutions.................................................................................27 American Society of Mechanical Engineers.................................14 AMETEK Engineered Medical Components................................48 Artrom Steel Tubes......................................................................47 Asahi/America.............................................................................. 47 Behringer GmbH..........................................................................24 BLM Group...................................................................................21 Borealis........................................................................................ 49 BPF Pipes Group.........................................................................50 Bültmann GmbH..........................................................................22 Butting.......................................................................................... 46 Comau SpA..................................................................................26 Combilift....................................................................................... 14 Controle Mesure Systemes..........................................................35 Danieli............................................................................................ 8 Dietronic Srl.................................................................................10 Fives – Steel & Glass Division.......................................................9 Fronius......................................................................................... 28

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Add: Cross of Xinzhao Road and Shiji Road, R-1202 No.707, Lianmeng Road, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China Website: www.kdsz.cc E-mail: info@hebeisz.com Tel: +86 311-85028506

CONTENTS 2 Editorial index 8 Industry news 9 Diary of tube events 20 Technology news 26 Tube software & control systems 32 Advances in tube measuring & marking 38 Industry 360 40 Interview: Brandon Fan, Forever Machinery 56 Advertisers index

Editor

Rory McBride

Design & production

Lisa Wright

Sales & marketing

Jason Smith UK, Italy, USA, Canada, India & ROW jason@intras.co.uk Tel: +44 1926 834684 Linda Li Asia 亚洲 linda@intras.co.uk Tel: +44 1926 834685

Advertising co-ordinator

Liz Hughes

Subscriptions

Louise Jennings

Accounts manager

Louise Jennings

Web Design/Developer

Andrew Barnes

Social Media Administrator Milly Harrison

Founder

John C Hogg

All rights reserved – © Intras Ltd ISSN 0953-2366

Published by Intras Ltd Unit 32, Tangent Business Hub,

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Intras USA Danbury Corporate Center, 107 Mill Plain Road, Danbury CT 06811, USA Tel: +1 203 794 0444 • Email: doug@intras.co.uk

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. US Copies only: Tube & Pipe Technology (ISSN No: 0953-2366, USPS No: 023-507) is published six times a year: January, March, May, July, September and November by Intras Ltd and distributed in the USA by Asendia USA, 701 Ashland Ave, Folcroft PA. Periodicals postage paid at Philadelphia, PA and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: send address changes to Tube & Pipe Technology, 701 Ashland Ave, Folcroft PA 19032.

45 Tube Products INTERNATIONAL www.read-tpi.com The trade magazine for tube and pipe products www.read-tpi.com July 2024

July issue • Business & market news • A time of transition for chemical pipelines as ecological requirements change

Photo credit: Vladimir Kramer

54 ARTICLE

Tube and hose coding and marking: five challenges and their solutions By Paul Leibinger GmbH & Co KG

Tube & Pipe Technology magazine is available in print and online. Go to www.read-tpt.com for more information.

The Professional Publishers Association Member

When you have finished with this magazine please recycle it

The July Issue Welcome to the latest issue of

July 2024 Vol 37 No 4

Tube & Pipe Technology magazine. I hope that you are enjoying a happy and healthy summer wherever you may be located around the world. In this issue we look at two important areas of the industry in the shape of tube

Rory McBride – Editor

software; and tube measuring & marking. Both are closely linked and are very much at the forefront of innovation in the industry. This cutting-edge technology is gradually replacing many dangerous, and sometimes thankless, aspects of the production process – offering increased speed, safety and accuracy, both in the manufacturing facility and for the end user and the public as a whole. These advances in AI, robotics and automation also assist companies that find it difficult to recruit the skilled staff required to perform often dangerous, complicated and highly specialised tasks. Next issue we have features on cutting technology, sawing & saw blades; and tube welding machines & technology. The editorial deadline for the September issue of TPT magazine is 26 July. You can send me any articles or stories you have at: rory@intras.co.uk The September issue is also being distributed at three important trade events: FABTECH 2024 in the US, Tube China 2024 and EuroBLECH 2024 in Germany, as we continue to try and reach every corner of the tube and pipe community around the globe to inform readers about the latest leaps forward in tube technology. I hope you enjoy the issue.

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The international magazine for the tube & pipe industries

On the cover . . . Guild International offers a complete line of coil joining and end welding machines for almost any steel processing, tube producing or stamping application. Its line of patented equipment includes laser welders, arc welders and resistance welders. The Shearwelders™, Zipwelders™ and Laser Welders are some of the most technically advanced welding machines on the market. Guild International also produces a full line of tube mill VOL 37 NO 4 JULY 2024

US$33

ISSN 0953-2366

entry equipment including uncoilers, speed funnels, flatteners and accumulators. Each one of these machines is designed and manufactured to improve the productivity of any strip processing line requiring coil handling and coil end joining and welding. Guild’s team of engineers are dedicated to helping customers assess and determine their coil end joining needs to ensure proper equipment design and compatibility with existing equipment. With thousands of installations around the globe, Guild International has the experience, know-how and manufacturing capability to help its customers stay competitive in today’s manufacturing environment.

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INDUSTRY

Tube and pipe technologies showcased at DIM 2024 THE fifth edition of the Danieli Innovation Meeting (DIM) recently took place it its headquarters in Buttrio, Italy. It offered an opportunity to learn about Danieli’s latest developments in sustainable iron and steelmaking processes and effective management of raw materials, including availability and related costs as well as the integration of Big Data, AI and robotics in steel mills. Following this was a tube and pipe market analysis given by James Ley of Rystad Energy; technology presentations; and discussions focused on competitive seamless tube and welded pipe processing and customer service at DIM 2024. Some of the technology on display included: Patented Danieli FQT offers premium quality results with reduced CapEx and OpEx to produce medium- to large diameter seamless pipes. Fine Quality Train (FQT™) is a combined wall thickness and outside diameter finishing mill designed to cover an output of pipes with diameters from 73 to 508mm and relevant wall thicknesses, with different machine ranges. It ensures production flexibility and competitiveness with capital expenditures proportional to the required capacities, and the lowest OpEx thanks to production efficiency. Maximum production flexibility covers product dimension changeover and lot sizes. Danieli FQT satisfies the demanding oil & gas industry application standards in terms of high product quality, traceability and repeatability, minimising setup times and optimising costs. ATC is the Danieli adaptive wall

Fine Quality Train seamless tube rolling and modern ERW tube manufacturing closed the technology sessions

to produce different types of tube and pipe products, such as precision tubes for automotive, line pipes and OCTG for oil & gas, water tubes, mechanical hollow sections and construction tubes. A couple of presentations were made to show the audience company developments for: high productivity plants, involving a tube mill stand design that can guarantee high quality products together with smooth running and consequent long equipment life, as well as through the installation of a high speed flying cut-off to achieve precise cutting of finished tubes; and automatised solutions that give process continuity together with operating cost reduction, thanks to the fewer operators assigned there, were highlighted. Some examples of significant customer service jobs completed the tube and pipe session, including: supply of tooling like piercer rolls, retained mandrel mills and SM-SRM rolls; refurbishment jobs for various piercer and retained mandrel mill equipment, making use of the Danieli local service centres (and not only for Danieli plants); a revamp project for the Jesco hot rolling line, replacing the intermediate and final transfer systems; a turnkey revamping project for the MPM – upgrade of the rack and front bench; and a final report outlined the C-Stock concept for which various contracts are already in place worldwide.

thickness control for quality seamless pipe production that ensures wall thickness consistency, even in case of potential, unexpected changes during rolling procedures. All Danieli Centro Tube seamless tube mills equipped with Fine Quality Mill (FQM™) and FQT technologies are provided with automated functions, including ATC, to apply different static or dynamic settings to both hydraulic capsules and motors and to control roll positions and speed based on data. Such functions compensate for wall thickness variations due to expected transitions in the rolling process, which are caused by the interaction between the mill and the rolled material (rolling material impact causing motor speed drop). These are also used to correct deviations from subsequent process steps (end thickening in the stretch reducing mill). Danieli ATC system guarantees tube thickness control even in case of unexpected or time-evolving rolling conditions, such as non-constant pierced shell temperature, progressive roll wear or uneven mandrel conditions. ATC provides faster response and target achievement and it can be easily installed on different mandrel mill plants equipped with various adjustment systems or measuring devices. Electric resistance welding equipment and plants, which in some cases are complementary to the seamless ones, were also presented. They are designed

Danieli

www.danieli.com

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DIARY OF EVENTS

Automatic tube mill commissioned for the growing solar industry

2024

25-28 September Tube China 2024 Shanghai, China www.tubechina.net 15-17 October FABTECH Orlando, Florida, USA www.fabtechexpo.com 22-25 October EuroBlech Hanover, Germany www.euroblech.com 27-29 November Tube India Mumbai, India www.tube-india.com 3-5 December ValveWorld Expo Düsseldorf, Germany www.valveworldexpo.com 2025 13-16 January SteelFab Sharjah, UAE www.steelfabme.com 11-14 March Global Industrie Lyon, France www.global-industrie.com 20-24 April MACH 2024 Birmingham, UK www.machexhibition.com

LOCK Joint Tube has chosen Fives to supply a completely automatic tube mill to expand its capacity and meet the growing demand for renewable energy. Lock Joint Tube, a leading US steel tube manufacturer, is doubling production at its plant in Texas to provide solar tubes to key customers who are investing in the solar energy sector. Fives supplied a new OTO tube mill, equipped with the latest-generation technology

Automatic tube mill at Lock Joint Tube

both octagonal and square shapes. The automation is deeply integrated with the mechanics to achieve advanced and cost-effective results. “Automation was our top priority because we wanted to increase safety, reduce heavy work and speed up production. With the new OTO tube mill, we are doubling our original capacity with a single operator on the line. These exceptional results were only possible because of Fives’ advanced technologies and our successful cooperation,” said Mark Richner, Temple plant manager at Lock Joint Tube. Increased productivity is ensured by Robopack, a fully automated packaging system developed by Fives. The system at Lock Joint Tube consists of a complex configuration, where three robots work synchronised to handle special tube lengths up to 15m. It offers greater flexibility and quality standards while providing consistent and safe operation. “The Robopack with three robotic arms is one of the main innovations of this project. Its modular design makes it possible to easily adapt the packaging solution to production needs. For short tube lengths, one or two robots can be on standby, which reduces energy consumption,” adds Roberto Chiminelli, application engineering manager at Fives OTO, a subsidiary of the Fives Group, which specialises in tube mill technology.

that ensures the best performance for a wide range of applications. The global expansion of renewable energy is expected to increase by more than 440 gigawatts over the past 12 months – the largest increase in history, according to the International Energy Agency. Solar energy accounts for two-thirds of the projected increase in global renewable energy capacity. “Prior to the installation of the new tube mill, we could only produce small tubes for mechanical and structural applications. We saw a soaring demand from our customers supplying support structures for solar trackers and invested in new technology. The OTO tube mill is fully automated from the entry line to packaging and flexible enough to produce tubes for all types of applications: solar, mechanical, or structural,” said Michael Donnelly, corporate project manager at Lock Joint Tube. The tube mill doubled the production capacity up to 4,000 tons per month. It was fully operational in spring 2023 and has produced 3,000 tubes per day in

6-9 May Lamiera Milan, Italy www.lamiera.net 6-8 May Made In Steel Milan, Italy www.madeinsteel.it

Fives – Steel & Glass Division www.fivesgroup.com

The automated packing system

All shows are correct at the time of going to print, but are subject to change. Please check to ensure the event is going ahead

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INDUSTRY

Gonvauto Asturias invests in antirust and advanced tube saw blade lubrication system

we don’t wash off the oil applied prior to cutting. This has greatly reduced our oil consumption whilst improving the protection on our products.” The Dietronic saw blade lubrication system has the control system and oil tank remotely mounted from the saw carriage to reduce weight load. A specially designed spray nozzle with three outlets ensures precise application of cutting oil on all areas of the blade teeth. An additional low temperature cold gun spraying air at -20°C reduces the cutting temperature and increases saw blade life. The combination of the Antirust system together with the minimum quantity lubrication of the saw blade ensures that the tubes and profiles exit the mill fully protected against corrosion during storage and transportation.

IN May 2024 Gonvauto Asturias, part of the Gonvarri group, with headquarters in Spain, ordered a new Dietronic Antirust 08 system for one of its precision tube mills located in Corvera, Northern Spain. The order follows the previous installation of a Dietronic advanced saw blade lubrication system on the same tube mill in February 2024. The MQL saw blade system is installed on a tube mill producing precision tubes for automotive applications in the range 40mm to 130mm in diameter and equivalent profiles. Adrián Fernández, production manager at the Asturias plant, said: “We chose Dietronic for the Antirust and saw blade system to improve the quality and control of oiling on our products. It was extremely important to accurately apply the amount of rust prevention oil to the tubes and consequently maintain the protection during the cutting phase so

Gonvauto Asturias has ordered a new Dietronic Antirust 08 system for a precision tube mill located in Northern Spain

Dietronic Srl

www.dietronic.eu

Tube and pipe industry legend George Mitchell has sadly passed away aged 96

Carolynn “Lynn” Bean, whom he married on 19 April, 1968; three children – Pamela Mitchell, Mark Mitchell and Stephen Heck; three grandchildren – Kristen, Nina and Ian; six great grandchildren and a great-great granddaughter as well as his sister, Patricia Logue. President of George A Mitchell Company Paul Russo said: “His legacy will live on in his company and the employees who serve and support the business that he has built over the last 60 years. He always said ‘We don’t just have customers, we have friends.’” George A Mitchell Company has designed and built many hundreds of push pointers, more than 100 cold forming machines and numerous associated layouts of material handling equipment. It also possesses

TUBE and pipe engineering stalwart George Mitchell, 96, sadly passed away on 31 May 2024 at his home, surrounded by his family. Mr Mitchell began his career working part time at Crescent Machine Co in Ohio, when he was just 14 years old. He became interested in tube fabrication in 1950 when he joined Ohio, US-based Lombard Corporation, a manufacturer of aluminium extrusion presses. He spent 70 years working as an engineer before retirement. Mr Mitchell started the George A Mitchell Company in Ohio in 1963. The company continues to design and manufacture cold forming machines and hydraulic push pointers for tubular and bar products. In 1973, he founded the George A Mitchell Manufacturing Company, a full-service

George Ansley Mitchell sadly passed away at the end of May 2024

numerous patents on draw bench design. Mr Mitchell was still active in the company until relatively recently, as well as enjoying travelling around the world to trade events. He was still skiing as a hobby well into his 80s. Please visit www.beckerobits.com to share memories and condolences with Mr Mitchell’s family.

machine shop that specialised in tooling for the tube industry. Mr Mitchell holds several patents, including a method for producing tubing of variable wall thickness patented in 1985. His significant influence on the industry was recognised in 1999, when he and the George A Mitchell Company received a Tube and Pipe Industry Outstanding Contribution Award from the Tube and Pipe Association International. Mr Mitchell is survived by his wife of 56 years, the former

George A Mitchell Company

www.mitchellmachinery.com

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INDUSTRY

Successful installation of two Termomacchine high frequency tube welders

Reduced downtime: the advanced technology and reliability of the Termomacchine welders mean fewer breakdowns and maintenance issues. This translates to less downtime and more uninterrupted production runs, enhancing overall productivity. Energy efficiency: the new welders are designed to be more energy efficient, reducing operational costs and contributing to a more sustainable manufacturing process. “The installation of these two new Termomacchine high frequency welders is a significant step forward for our customer in Tennessee,” said Dean Costello, CEO of Kent Corporation. “By replacing the older units with these advanced machines, we are helping our customer achieve higher levels of efficiency and product quality.” Mr Costello added: “We are dedicated to providing our customers with the best possible solutions to enhance their operations.” Kent Corporation, headquartered in Ohio, US, designs and manufacturing advanced equipment for the coil processing, tube mill and roll forming industries.

KENT Corporation, an innovator in the manufacturing and integration of coil processing, tube mill and roll forming equipment, has successfully installed two new Termomacchine high frequency welders for an important customer in Tennessee, US. This strategic upgrade is set to improve operational efficiency and product quality for the customer and marks a milestone in Kent Corporation’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge industrial solutions. The installation of these advanced Termomacchine welders represents a significant enhancement for the Tennessee-based customer, replacing two older units that had been the backbone of the welding operations for many years. The decision to upgrade to the Termomacchine welders was driven by the need for higher efficiency, reduced downtime and improved weld quality, all of which are critical factors in maintaining a competitive edge in today’s manufacturing landscape. The Termomacchine high frequency welders are known for a robust design and excellent welding capabilities. The state-of-the-art machines utilise the latest in high frequency welding technology, providing consistent welds that are essential for high-quality tube and pipe production. With the ability to operate

The Termomacchine high frequency welders supplied by Kent Corporation

1 /3 Page Horizontal superior weld integrity and consistency. This is crucial for the customer, whose products require the highest standards of durability and strength. at higher speeds and with greater accuracy, the new welders are expected to streamline the customer’s production process, reduce material waste and enhance overall product quality. Some of the benefits of the new welders are: Variable frequency: the new welders are self-tuning at variable frequencies, allowing for faster welding speeds and increased production throughput. This is a significant improvement over the older units, which were limited in their operational speed and efficiency. Enhanced weld quality: the precision and control offered by the Termomacchine welders ensure

Kent Corporation www.kentcorporation.com

Equipment carrier for electroslag welding (ES-Welding)

Equipment carrier with control station for electroslag welding GT500F-Z4.250K-X1.500Z-ZT4.200SP Xs250-Ys100 vertical welding of pipes and plates

Machine

Type

Application

Wall thickness Stroke range welding heads

50-400 mm

650-5000 mm (Weld length approx.4000mm)

approx. v=10 - 100 mm/min, infinitely adjustable 400V/3P/N/PE/50Hz, 35 kW, 63 amps

Welding speed

Power supply Welding heads

3 pcs.

Payload

3.000 kg (3x welding wire reel) Coesterweg 45, 59494 Soest, Germany

Tel.: +49 2921/3690 223 email: info@mechacon.de Website: www.mechacon.de

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F OREVER Shijiazhuang Forever Machinery Co., Ltd.

F OREVER Shijiazhuang Forever Machinery Co., Ltd.

HF Tube/Pipe Mill Line Cold Roll Forming Machine Slitting Line and Cut-to-length Line Directly Forming to Square and Rectangular Tube Mill Line Tube/Pipe Mill Line ld Roll Forming Machine tting Line and Cut-to-length Line ectly Forming to Square and Rectangular Tube Mill Line

www.pipemill.cn

INDUSTRY

Combilift launches national forklift safety campaign COMBILIFT, a which offers material handling solutions, has launch of its new national forklift safety campaign, “Lift your standards by lowering your load.” This initiative aims to enhance awareness and promote best practices in forklift safety across industries. Forklift safety is of paramount importance to Combilift and every year it will use National Forklift Safety Day as a reminder of how forklift operations can and should be safer than ever. This year, the day fell on 11 June and in line with this, its key messaging for the month was focused on safe forklift operating practices. Key Points of the campaign: safety first – emphasising the importance of maintaining a lower load height while traveling to improve visibility, stability and reduce accidents; training and education – offering comprehensive training programs to ensure that forklift operators are well-equipped with the knowledge to perform their duties safely; and industry standards – advocating for adherence to national and international safety standards in material handling operations.

DFT

Combilift www.combilift.com ASME dedicated service award

RICARDO Martinez-Botas, professor of turbomachinery and deputy head of the mechanical engineering department at Imperial College London, has been named the 2023 recipient of the dedicated service award from the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). The award honours dedicated voluntary service to the society marked by outstanding performance, demonstrated effective leadership, prolonged and committed service, devotion, enthusiasm and faithfulness. He has served as chair of the ASME IGTI executive committee, chair of the turbomachinery committee, and a member of the heat transfer committee for three decades. Mr Martinez-Botas also leads the Turbo Group – a recognised centre of excellence in turbocharging, hybridisation and exhaust gas energy recovery. He is director of the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries-Imperial Future of Boosting Innovation Centre and co-directs Locartic, an initiative with the Universiti Teknologi Malaysia.

"MKK Metal to Introduce DFT Line to Double its Production Capabilities in Next 3 Years. "

They ‒ are the largest manufacturer of steel products in South India. The DFT LINE mentioned is produced and manufactured by Tengdi.

TEL:+86-13831146634

American Society of Mechanical Engineers www.asme.org

SAVE ROLLERS

SAVE TIME

SAVE WORKERS

AUTO ADJUST

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Editorial

INDUSTRY

ADVERTORIAL on behalf of SeAH Steel

SeAH Steel’s hydrogen transport pipes satisfy ASME B31.12 K1H standards

It is estimated that the length of hydrogen transport pipelines currently used worldwide exceeds 4,500 km. As the importance of hydrogen grows under carbon neutrality policies, the construction of related infrastructure is expected to continue. Various hydrogen projects have also been carried out in South Korea. SeAH Steel has supplied 7 km of steel pipes for the Ansan Hydrogen City Project and 4.5 km for the POSCO PLANTEC Hydrogen Project, totalling 11.5 km of hydrogen transport pipelines. High-pressure hydrogen can cause hydrogen embrittlement in steel, so hydrogen transport pipelines require high resistance to hydrogen embrittlement. K 1H is a representative indicator for assessing hydrogen embrittlement resistance. SeAH Steel conducted the K 1H hydrogen embrittlement evaluation of its pipes through RINA Consulting – Centro Sviluppo Materiali SpA (CSM) in Italy, a specialised institution in hydrogen embrittlement evaluation. This test aimed to determine whether the steel pipes produced by SeAH Steel meet the necessary hydrogen embrittlement resistance for hydrogen transport pipes by assessing the crack resistance. The test was conducted based on ASME B31.12, Section PL-3.7.1 Steel Piping Systems Design, Option B (Performance Based Design Method), ASME BPVC Article KD-10, and ASTM E1681, applying 80 bar, 100 per cent H2 gas for 1,000 hours. The test results showed that the weld had a resistance of >74.1 MPa•√m, the HAZ had a resistance of >79.6 MPa•√m, and the base metal had a resistance of >74.7 MPa•√m. All these values exceed the minimum requirement of 55 MPa•√m set by ASME B31.12. This confirms that SeAH Steel’s steel pipes possess hydrogen embrittlement resistance required for hydrogen pipelines.

Figure 1: RINA attestation letter

SeAH Steel has conducted a reliable evaluation of the quality level of hydrogen transport pipes and will continue to develop high-quality hydrogen transport pipes. They plan to support the establishment of hydrogen pipelines for urban development projects and pave the way for entry into the global hydrogen pipeline market, including Europe and America.

SeAH Steel www.seahsteel.co.kr

Table 1. Results of K1H Test

Figure 2: Visual and SEM examination

16 1

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INDUSTRY

Universal welcomes Chris Thompson as director of sales and marketing

UNLOCK EVERY INCH OF YOUR STORAGE SPACE! over the years, offering a large inventory of new and used industrial metalworking machinery. Its services include machine reconditioning, new controls and drive systems, start-up and commissioning, as well as buying and selling options for surplus machinery. Founded in 1984 by Ralph Girkins, Universal offers tube mills, cut-offs, re-cut systems, rollformers and coil handling machinery. Its machinery can be sold as-is, or reconditioned by the team, who can replace gearboxes, add new electrics and integrate machinery into production lines. It can also create custom tube mill or rollform lines using machinery from its inventory and new machinery manufactured by Universal Controls Group and ERWTech. Universal Tube & Roll Forming www.utubeonline.com

UNIVERSAL Tube & Roll Forming has welcomed Chris Thompson as its new director of sales and marketing. With extensive experience in industrial automation and machinery sales, Mr Thompson aims to ensure customer satisfaction at each step of the sales process. In 2019, Mr Thompson expanded his sales expertise to include management and marketing, with the aim of integrat ing these critical functions into his role. Customer can therefore expect a cohe sive and targeted approach to meeting their needs. Mr Thompson’s experience also helps him to enhance Universal’s equipment offerings, providing more options and value, the company said. He will also lead the company’s customer outreach and new business acquisition efforts. His focus is be on creating stronger connec

Chris Thompson joins as the director of sales and marketing

tions and uncovering opportunities. Ad ditionally, his commitment to streamlining the sales processes will mean improved efficiency and higher level of service. Universal are confident that Mr Thompson’s leadership and vision will bring significant benefits to its customers and they look forward to the positive impact he will make at Universal. The company has grown considerably

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combilift.com

INDUSTRY

Mazak strengthens Scottish presence with addition of sales manager

for Scottish machinists with demanding cutting requirements; I am very confident David’s appointment will bolster what is already a robust presence for Mazak in Scotland.” Mr Martin said: “Mazak is one of the iconic brands in the metal cutting indus- try and, through my tooling experience, I know the company is already the machine tool provider of choice for many Scottish engineering firms. “With more and more customers in need of ancillary support, particularly with offline programming and integrating automation, Mazak’s offering is perfectly placed to deliver a turnkey solution. I’m looking forward to getting out on the road and connecting with many of my existing contacts while forging new relationships throughout the country.”

Jason Butler, sales director at Yamazaki Mazak, said: “The Scottish market is particularly dynamic and it is not often you find someone of David’s considerable experience in the right place at the right time. “Both our flagship Integrex range of multi-tasking machines and UK made VTC series of vertical machining centres are already popular choices

DAVID Martin has joined ScotMaz – the sole distributor of Yamazaki Mazak machine tools in Scotland – as sales manager to support the manufacturer’s growing presence in the region. Mr Martin, who has 25 years of experience in the metalworking industry, began his career as a toolmaker before moving into technical sales roles with ABT Machine Tools, Arno UK and most recently Kyocera Unimerco Tooling. He joins ScotMaz with a remit to promote Mazak’s extensive machine tool portfolio to customers in the oil and gas and general subcontracting industries, while also targeting growth opportunities in the country’s aerospace, food and beverage and renewable energy markets. The role will see him work closely with ScotMaz directors Scott and Steven Hunter out of ScotMaz’s technology centre in Stirling, Scotland.

(Left to right) Jason Butler, sales director at Yamazaki Mazak, with new ScotMaz sales manager, David Martin

Yamazaki Mazak UK Ltd www.mazakeu.co.uk

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SIMPLY, QUALITY LONGITUDINALLY WELDED PRODUCTS FOR MARKET LEADERS

Danieli Competitive ERW Tube Plants

— Modern, competitive Electric Resistence Welding -ERW plants based on process layout, mechanical and electrical systems, and automation from the Danieli Research Center and the Digimet division of Danieli Automation. — A winning package from Danieli as single-source supplier, along with excellent manufacturing quality from Danieli workshops, plant startup and after-sale services, for sustainable and safe worksites.

Danieli ERW mill portfolio for ½ to 26” OD tubular products:

— Strip preparation and accumulation — Tube forming sections — Welding and bead scarfing devices — NDT and seam annealing systems — Tube sizing sections — Cutting systems and finishing lines — Electrics, automation and robotics — Monitoring, preventive maintenance — Technical and after-sales service

Italy, Germany, Sweden, Austria, France, The Netherlands, UK, Spain, Turkey, USA, Brazil, Thailand, India, China, Japan

Danieli Headquarters in Buttrio, Udine, Italy www.danieli.com

@danieligroup

TECHNOLOGY

TECHNOLOGY

Tool line improves the efficiency and quality of the tube end finishing process

These tools, although they provide a 30° inside chamfer and a 45° outside deburring, are designed for light duty – to break sharp edges of both the inside and outside diameters simultaneously. They feature tooth geometry with a shearing cutting action for fast cutting that prevents loading of chips. These tools can be reground numerous times for long service and operate in speed ranges of 50 to 200 RPM. The outside ring or member is adjustable, secured by screws, to provide various outside edge break sizes and compensate for different wall thickness within a given tube diameter range. Tube deburring cutters are available in standard sizes for 1 / 8 " outside diameter ( 1 / 16 " inside diameter) through to 2 1 / 4 " outside diameter (2" inside diameter) tubing and with a variety of shank styles. Tube end chamfer mills provide the same shear cutting action and outside ring. These are as adjustable as the deburring cutters, plus with

Chatterless™ angle geometry is designed for heavy duty cutting to machine precise, smooth 45° outside diameter and 30° inside diameter chamfers in applications requiring easy assembly with other components. Chamfering mills are available in sizes for pipe and tubing ranges from 3 / 16 " to 2 1 / 2 " outside diameter. The tube end forming cutters machine both an inside diameter and outside diameter radius, establishing a smooth, rounded end that is ideal for applications where tubing may be exposed. A selection of high-speed steel and carbide tools are available in sizes for tubing ranging from 1 / 8 " to 2 1 / 2 " outside diameters – each outside diameter size is complemented by a range of wall thickness or gauge sizes to accommodate most popular tubing applications. For all three types of tube end finishing tools, standard sizes are typically shipped with Same-day services. Severance also provides application specific design and manufacture service, including custom size, chamfer angles and forming characteristics. Single cutting action (inside diameter or outside diameter) chamfering tools are also available, and the company offers a wide range of tool styles and sizes for deburring holes through tube walls. Other Severance tools include 3N1 ® combination countersink/drills, Midget Mills ® rotary files and burrs inside and outside deburring and chamfering mills, Micro-Reamers™, electrode dressers, double-end countersinks, Chatterless™ countersinks and adjustable stop countersink units, stop countersink cutters and a variety of hand operated finishing tools.

FOR manufacturers of tubing products, or those who manufacture products with tubing components, Severance Tool, based in Michigan, US, has developed a line of tube end finishing rotary tools which can deburr, form or chamfer as required by different application needs. The tools are designed to finish both the inside diameter and outside diameter of tubing ends in a single operation and feature adjustable, two-piece construction to accommodate work on the same size tubing with varying wall thickness ranges. Other features include, depending upon application, Chatterless™ tooth geometry that alternates tooth cutting angles to eliminate resonant vibration from the tool and work piece for smooth finishes; and Severance’s exclusive Grayhone™ finish that provides cutting edges ready to work with no break-in period required. Among the tools offered is a full line of tube deburring tools available in high speed steel or carbide construction.

Severance Tool has developed a line of tube end finishing rotary tools that can deburr, form or chamfer tube ends as required

Severance Tool Industries Inc www.severancetools.com

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TECHNOLOGY

Latest Lasertube LT12 offers versatility and precision By Gianbattista Mazzoleni, product manager, BLM Group BLM GROUP’s Lasertube LT12 is a solution capable of meeting the challenging needs of companies in the tube and profile processing industry, providing them with a competitive advantage. BLM Group’s new Lasertube, presented in the second half of 2023 at the Innova Open House, has won over customers with its versatility and high performance. LT12 was also exhibited at the Tube trade show in Dü sseldorf through the support of an innovative application of artificial intelligence, which intrigued the visitors. The goal of this new system is to fill a gap in BLM Group’s Lasertube system offering, which is manifested between two products: the LT8.20, which focuses on flexibility and performance, and the LT14, which is dedicated to processing long and heavy profiles. LT12 is the solution for processing tubes, profiles and beams, keeping the focus on versatility and productivity. Many times, customers have asked BLM Group for a product larger than LT8.20, but the jump to LT14 was too great both in terms of footprint size and performance across the lower range. LT12 was created precisely to give many customers the opportunity to process ‘light’ tubes with great performance, but also to be able to process larger tubes when needed. Certainly a very interesting sector is agricultural machinery. This is a vibrant and dynamic world, but one in which laser tube cutting technology has not yet shown its full potential, as it has in other sectors. We see great opportunities since square tubes, rectangles and even open profiles including “C,” “L,” and “H” profiles whose size easily comes to around 300mm diameter-exactly the size range of the LT12. There are also many structural assemblies in this sector that would benefit significantly in terms of reduced manufacturing cost from the use of a Lasertube system. Of course, this new product is also very interesting in light construction architecture, for making canopies or small sheds, with tubes or beams up to 6 to 8mm thick and lengths typically longer than the traditional 6m. The machine concept is similar to the LT8.20 with a mandrel in the tail and a chuck to support the tube in the cutting zone. LT12 has the interpenetrating mandrel in the chuck, so that minimal scrap is guaranteed without the need for chuck or mandrel movement.

Especially on large tubes, this results in time savings in the scrap reduction stage and is consistent with the desire to have a larger machine, but with excellent processing time performance. LT12 is equipped with a chain loading system for tubes from 8.5m up to 12.5m, fully automatic unloading can reach a length of 12.5m. The quality of the tube support and handling systems both downstream and upstream of the cutting zone has always been a distinguishing and distinctive aspect of BLM Group’s systems, which has always pioneered innovative solutions in this aspect. In addition to a clever mix of the smart template systems and chain-controlled tracking supports that characterise the LT8.20 and LT14, a special inverted smart template has been added that operates from above to hold the tube in place, reducing wear and tear on the support itself. Of course there are the active functions characteristic of Lasertube systems and in particular the active scan, which quickly allows the correct position and size of the tube being cut to be verified, ensuring accuracy. The focusing head is another special feature consisting of a tube cutter with a longer focal length that allows it to process higher thicknesses than the LT8.20 (the machine can process tubes up to 62kg/m in weight) and is able to tilt up to 50° from vertical, a full 5° more than the LT8.20 and LT14. Active piercing and active focus, which we now take for granted on our machines, complete the picture of a cutting system that provides precision, speed and flexibility. Finally, the machine has excellent accessibility and a relatively small footprint compared to the LT14 and is equipped with four cameras, which are necessary to see the cutting area that is inaccessible due to the fibre source, allowing complete visibility of the entire workpiece being processed. On tubes and beams, but increasingly in other areas as well, the possibility of adding some mechanical machining is appreciated because it avoids an additional step following laser machining. LT12 is equipped with a mechanical machining unit capable of making threaded holes from M4 to M12. A 16-tool magazine with tool integrity control allows these machining operations to be fully automatic, programmed directly in the CAD/CAM design phase with ArTube. We fully expect that the LT12 will further expand the application range of Lasertube systems by enticing customers and industries that until now have remained reluctant to tackle this type of technology, but certainly, all those who already have a Lasertube system and want to replace it or increase production volume will now have one more choice. Customers have asked BLM Group for a product larger than LT8.20, but the jump to LT14 was too great

Gianbattista Mazzoleni of BLM Group

BLM Group www.blmgroup.com

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TECHNOLOGY

New automated ultrasonic testing pipe weld scanner developed

This combination of onboard solutions can provide a live visual assessment to support the most precise and efficient defect detection and data acquisition. Ideal for pipeline girth weld inspection in the oil & gas industry as well as ID pipe weld inspection and welds in ferritic and non-ferritic tanks and vessels, Orbital is also suitable for use in the nuclear, power generation and aerospace industries. Orbital is a robust and dynamic scanner that is easy to set up with just one operator and provides an economical scanning solution for multiple applications.

single UT probe up to a maximum of twelve probes simultaneously (diameter dependent). Orbital can also transport a range of accessories to simplify site inspections, including an HD camera, GPS, thermal surface monitor and optional lighting. Orbital is also suitable for use in the nuclear, power generation and aerospace industries

PHOENIX Inspection Systems has launched a new automated ultrasonic testing (AUT) weld scanner at the World Conference on Non-Destructive Testing. Orbital is an efficient solution that can inspect ID and OD pipe welds through to flat for tanks and vessels of any material; hold up to twelve UT probes; and directly mount any compatible OEM onboard acquisition unit, offering versatility in one inspection solution. The powerful scanner comprises an automated carriage with tracks that can adhere to any inspection surface via fully enveloping tension, magnets or vacuum in any orientation. The incorporated probe pan is configurable to your inspection requirement and capable of holding a

Phoenix Inspection Systems www.phoenixisl.com

High speed tube straightening machine from Bültmann is fully automatic

Consistent process optimisation was required, which was implemented through the targeted use of IBA analyser technology. In addition to the high product quality, the advantage for the customer lies in the elimination of two older machines and the associated logistics and labour costs.

size range Ø15 to 60mm with lengths of up to 7.5m. In addition to the straightness <0.1mm/m, the challenge with this application was the extremely high throughput rates and very short cycle times <3.0s. This requirement could be met with straightening speeds of up to 180m/ min in conjunction with reduced non productive times.

THE B ltmann 10-roll tube straightening machine technology has proven successful over a number of years. This has recently resulted in a new 10-roll tube straightening machine, type RRM 10/060, being successfully accepted by a Japanese customer as part of a fully automatic straightening line including coil feeding, separation and discharge. The equipment processes seamless steel tubes in the

Bültmann GmbH www.bueltmann.com

A new 10-roll tube straightening machine, type RRM 10/060, was recently accepted by a Japanese customer

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