TPT May 2022

3R solutions to exhibit dedicated software suite at Tube 2022 5 A12

WHEN it comes to pipe spool pre fabrication, there are usually two ways that pipe shops can be set up, depending on the type and volume of spools that need to be fabricated. Shops for industries requiring high volumes of identical spools, such as the automotive industry, generally utilise highly automated fabrication cells, often with autonomous fabrication cells with robots for handling and processing the pipes. For these shops output is the key factor, and every second saved by improving a process has significant impact on savings and efficiency. The number of different geometries is comparatively limited and the pipes are often calibrated to meet very exacting tolerances. The other type of setup is often used in shops that work on a project basis, either as part of a larger installation, such as a shipyard, or as a subcontractor supplying pipe-spools for a client who provides the necessary drawings, and sometimes the material as well. These shops are often more conventional, with a lower level of automation, because they need to cover a much wider range of dimensions and spool geometries. Instead of high-volume fabrication of a few different types of geometries, these shops build small batches or even single units of many different types of spools. However, regardless of spool geometry and fabrication volume, both types of shop share one commonality: the work that goes on in the shop needs to be supported by proper planning, tracking and documentation. In other words, the most sophisticated robotic fabrication cells, or the most skilled fitters and welders, cannot realise their full potential, unless they get proper support. The most obvious factor that impacts fabrication is material availability. If there is no available material, then the machines inside the shop stand idle. But there is more to material management than just making sure that the right material is in stock. It is not only crucial to bring the correct number of pipes and fittings to the shop itself, but to also make sure that the material is available at the respective machines and workstations

when it is needed. A fitter who has to leave his station every time he starts a new spool, in order to retrieve the necessary flanges, elbows, tees or other components from a central location at the entrance of the shop, will spend as much or more time walking and carrying as he does on his actual job. If all the materials for his daily work orders can be delivered directly to his station, however, he can easily improve his productivity. It is important to balance the workload between different machines and workers, to ensure that nobody is overworked while other stations stand idle. If there is not enough work for all machines, then it might make sense to use some at full capacity and keep others idle. It is once again important that the internal logistics and the work orders are streamlined, in order to make sure that nobody has to stand idle and wait. On top of the planning of processes, it is also important to track and document these processes. It is not enough to make sure that they are performed efficiently, it is also necessary to record who performed a process. Thus, if there are quality concerns or other problems, it is easy to identify who made the mistake. In addition, performance and process tracking allows better budgeting for future projects, as it is much easier to determine just how much time and material a comparable project required. All of these tasks can be performed by a dedicated software suite, like the one offered by 3R solutions. The 3R applications can be used to convert 3D models into isometric drawings

Visit us at the International Trade Fair Tube 2022 in Düsseldorf, Germany! We exhibit in hall 5 at the booth C05

3R solutions www.3-r.de

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MAY 2022