TPT November 2011

I ndustry N ews

Sica Symposium: international experience and innovation

AN important international symposium took place recently at the company Sica in Alfonsine, Italy, catching the attention of extruder manufacturers, corrugators manufacturers and pipe producers. There were 43 companies coming from 14 different nations, with a total of 63 participants. Visitors saw first-hand new technologies for pulling, cutting, socketing and packaging of plastic pipes. Noteworthy were the haul-off and saw for HDPE pipes for diameters up to 2,000mm and wall-thickness up to 130mm. The P 2000/14 Plus haul-off has fourteen caterpillars; the upper eleven pivot (Sica patented system), while the lower three are positionable electromechanically. All the caterpillars are anchored via connecting rods to the machine frame, so that reaction forces are transferred to both sides of the frame, with clear advantages in terms of structural efficiency and therefore better mechanical performance. The caterpillars have 2,200mm contact length and are made with special high-friction low-wear rubber. With DN 1200 to DN 2000 pipes, a maximum pulling force of approximately 400,000 N is generated using fourteen caterpillars. Whereas, with DN 630 to DN 1000 pipes, the pulling force is approximately 170,000 N using six caterpillars. The TRK/C/Sy 2000 is a planetary saw with a tool that cuts without removing material; so it is swarfless and generates no dust. The saw is suitable for polyethylene pipes with wall thickness up to 130mm. The external pipe diameter range is from a minimum of 450mm to a maximum of 2,000mm. To best adapt to the pipe surface, the machine is equipped with universal clamps, with each clamp arm having multiple rubber and pivoting gripping elements. The frame of the

planetary saw is made of cold rolled steel sections affording superior stiffness and resistance to stresses. To facilitate safe maintenance procedures, in semi- automatic mode the movement phases are performed using two-hands type controls. The machine’s control system, using PLC logic, includes a graphical touch-screen for controlling quickly and intuitively the entire haul-off and cutting process. Sica’s new generation of socketing machines are smaller and definitely innovative; they have been revised for higher outputs with considerable energy savings. Among the models shown during the symposium, there were socketing machines for polypropylene, bi-oriented PVC (PVC-O) and normal PVC pipes. Unibell is the latest model suitable for PVC pipes to be socketed with mechanical mandrel or with integral Rieber type gasket. The Unibell model on display had a short- wave infrared oven and a patented cooling

system, which enable the machine to reach outputs equal to those of standard two- oven models but with reduced dimensions and consumption. Sica, founded in 1962, concluded its symposium by reminding all guests that its 50 th anniversary is approaching. Its goal is always to be on the cutting edge, continually investing in research and development. Sica SpA – Italy Website: www.sica-italy.com

Stellar acquires EIL enlistment certificate ZHEJIANG Stellar Pipe Industry Co Ltd, a sub-company of Stellar Tube & Pipe Group Co Ltd, has attained approval from Engineers India Limited (EIL). EIL, which works under the services for petroleum refineries and other industrial projects. Zhejiang Stellar Pipe Industry started the EIL enlistment application in October 2010, and received the certificate from EIL in July 2011. covering the range for OD to 273.05mm and WT to 12.7mm. In 2010 Zhejiang Stellar Pipe Industry Co Ltd also gained qualification from Petrobras of Brazil. Stellar Tube & Pipe Group Co Ltd – China

administrative control of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoP & NG), Government of India, was set up in 1965 to provide engineering and related technical

With this certificate, Stellar is qualified to directly or indirectly supply EIL associated projects with stainless steel seamless pipes,

Email: sales@stellarpipe.com Website: www.stellarpipe.com

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N ovember 2011

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