TPT March 2012

T echnology N ews

Remote welding at reactor sites SAFETY at nuclear power stations is of paramount importance and operators need to specify the best fail-safe repair systems in order to guarantee minimum risk. An essential part of EDF Energy’s comprehensive safety system in its UK nuclear fleet is the high quality welding systems provided by Arc Machines Inc (AMI) for secure repairs to damaged re- heater tubes. Following a three-year development process, from concept to design and application testing, AMI has supplied a bespoke Model 20 weld head with full remote deployment to plug and seal any leaking tubes on the re-heaters at EDF Energy’s Advanced Haven introduces flying cutoff THE HavenTrak ® flying cutoff tube cutting machine is an economical, precision cutting solution to assist tube manufacturers in remaining competitive in the global marketplace. length control system. This combination delivers accurate, high quality, dimple free cuts on the fly. Mill installations with speeds up to 250fpm are best suited for this new product. The cutting system has furthered Haven’s global reputation for over 50 years of innovation, reliability, quality and cost savings. The HavenTrak minimises cost by providing an accurate and distortion free cut that eliminates the need for secondary operations. Haven Manufacturing Corp – USA Fax: +1 912 264 9001 Email: derickson@havencut.com Website: www.havencut.com The HavenTrak combines the industry wide recognised Haven Dual-Blade Shear cutoff head and the Universal U-Trak servo

Gas-cooled Reactors (AGR). The new weld head, with an M415 power supply completing the system, will be used in a repair scenario to stop leaking inlet/outlet tubes by plugging a damaged tube during a reactor shutdown. Bespoke adaptations to the weld system include the facility to remotely drive a specially designed plug to the weld area and hold it in position during the application of a two pass weld sequence with the addition of filler wire. The weld head includes a high precision vision system that can quickly locate the pipe, monitor weld progress and enable a post-weld visual check, using a high definition camera, to determine weld acceptance. Ensuring a safe method of sealing off a damaged pipe during a reactor shut down is an essential part of EDF Energy’s safety case. With the integrity of the weld being so critical and the difficulty of pipe access within the re-heater structure, an automated system was the only solution and AMI’s stringent manufacturing standards, workmanship and quality of materials made it the first choice for a reliable solution. The M20 weld system is AMI’s latest venture in a long-term relationship with EDF Energy, providing both standard and bespoke weld heads and power sources. The modified internal diameter (ID) weld head carries a 48mm diameter plug between 8 and 12m from the pipe entry point, depending on the length and location of the pipe, to complete a precise locate and seal operation using AMI’s remote welding video vision system. Arc Machines UK Ltd – UK Fax: +44 1327 315034

New M11-E-6 tube end forming system THE new Model M11-E-6 tube end forming system is now available from Manchester Tool & Die Inc. Several cost savings are available by “going green” with the Model M11-E-6, including power, set up, production and maintenance savings. The M11-E-6 tube end forming system offers lower sound levels, an average power

saving of 83 per cent and setup savings of 67 per cent with numerous end forms available for programming. An average increase in production capacity of 15 per cent – 27 per cent provides up to 480 more parts per shift. Long-term maintenance savings are also realised with the elimination of hydraulic fluid and no clamp toggle links and pins required. Manchester Tool & Die supplies tube end forming equipment and tooling to a variety of industries, with machines ranging from 3 / 16 " to 3" OD capacities. Machines and parts can be manufactured for special applications. Manchester Tool & Die also provides steel fabricating and production machining services. Manchester Tool & Die Inc – USA Email: testeffen@mtdbkb.com Website: www.manchestertoolanddie.com

The Model M11-E-6

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

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M arch 2012