TPT September 2018

T E CHNOLOG Y

Robotic welding centre to aid move towards increased automation

SOLVAY, a global supplier of speciality polymers, has introduced Solef ® 90615/2002 polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF). The new polymer is designed to improve the capabilities of steel pipes, flexible risers and flowlines used in oil and gas recovery. Combining high ductility, thermal stability up to 150°C (302°F) and resistance to oilfield chemicals and fluids, Solef 90615/2002 PVDF delivers reliable performance despite the high temperatures and pressures required for oil transmission in onshore and offshore environments. “Solef 90615/2002 PVDF introduces a unique combination of high-performance properties that can help expand design options, improve the lifetime of oil and KEMPPI has opened a robotic welding application centre in Pune, India, to respond to the increasing need for welding automation. The centre provides complete solutions and services to integrators and end customers. Kemppi’s experienced welding engineers help customers to optimise their welding applications, and offer comprehensive training covering all aspects of welding. “The robotic welding application centre helps to speed up our growth in Asia, which is one of Kemppi’s strategic target areas,” said Kemppi Oy’s CEO, Ville Vuori. “Kemppi India Private Ltd started its operations in Chennai in 2011, and the new application centre is a natural next step in themarket, where the accelerating automation increases the popularity of robotic welding. The centre gives insight to increase customer understanding and helps in serving the important markets in India even better. Local expertise is a key business factor for Kemppi.” The Pune centre is equipped with Kemppi’s A7 MIG welder and KempArc robotic welding systems integrated with robots from well-known robot

subsidiary facilities in Pune. A similar centre was opened in Beijing, China, in December 2017.

manufacturers. The systems are presented in action to demonstrate the efficiency and quality that can be reached with the company’s Wise optimised welding processes. Visitors can also try the A7 MIG welder’s web browser-based interface, experiencing its ease of use and seeing how much time it can save in system setup. The robotic welding application centre is located at Kemppi India’s new

Kemppi Oy – Finland Email: info@kemppi.com Website: www.kemppi.com

Kemppi India Private Ltd – India Email: sales.india@kemppi.com Website: www.kemppi.com

Next-generation Solef PVDF for enhanced protection and performance

permeation of gases, such as methane and hydrogen sulphide, further promote long-term liner integrity. Solef 90615/2002 PVDF’s ductility also offers benefits in flexible pipes as a pressure sheath material, particularly in high-pressure applications. It is claimed to deliver reliable performance across temperatures ranging from 30°C to 150°C (-22°F to 302°F), reducing the risk of rupture during installation in colder climates and expanding options for use in newly drilled, hotter fields. The material can also resist blistering in rapid gas decompression up to 1,500 bar.

gas assets, and lower operating costs over the lifetime of the pipe,” said Mike O’Brien, oil and gas market manager for Solvay’s global Specialty Polymers business unit. Liners made from Solef 90615/2002 PVDF are easily inserted into steel pipes due to the material’s high ductility and elasticity. Once inserted, the PVDF liner’s high chemical resistance helps slow corrosion, while its smooth, low- stick surface supports more consistent flow rates and flow assurance over time. Solvay’s new PVDF grade also reduces the need for corrosion inhibitors, antibacterial agents and other additives. The polymer’s thermo- mechanical properties and resistance to

Solvay – Belgium Website: www.solvay.com

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SEPTEMBER 2018