TPT September 2018

T E CHNOLOG Y

Welding technology transforms productivity A NEW type of local vacuum electron beam welding technology developed in the UK by Cambridge Vacuum Engineering (CVE) is helping to revolutionise the power generation sector. The EBManPower project is a joint collaboration between CVE, U-Battery, Cammell Laird and TWI. electricity supply and the remaining 17 per cent is by nuclear fission processes, and this is expected to increase further (IEA, 2015). EBFlow system within a large-scale fabrication facility (in Birkenhead, UK) in order to enable cost-effective manufacture of large-scale power generation infrastructure.

The demand for ‘thick section’ steel structures in power generation is already strong and continues to grow. The ability to fabricate these structures cost-effectively is in part limited by the welding time and associated cost: to produce a typical 40m-long monopile (60mm thick), for example, can take more than 6,000 hours of ‘arc-on’ welding time. To reduce cost, the manufacturing time therefore needs to be significantly reduced. CVE has developed the ‘EBFlow’ system, based on high productivity electron beam welding, which can reduce the welding time involved to less than 200 hours – equivalent to a reduction in cost of over 85 per cent. The EBManPower project, due to complete in 2021 at a value of £1.5mn, will implement and validate the first

The project is focused on reducing the cost of thick section steel structures applicable for both nuclear and offshore wind structures. EBManPower will exploit CVE’s EBFlow system and will innovate, demonstrate and provide a near-to- market result; validation in a real-world environment is the ultimate aim. Bob Nicolson, managing director at Cambridge Vacuum Engineering, commented on the project, “In many cases the speed of welding can be 30 times faster than current methods.” Cambridge Vacuum Engineering – UK Email: sales@camvaceng.com Website: www.camvaceng.com

Large-scale nuclear reactors require high capital investment and rely heavily on the infrastructure of nuclear sites. The challenge has therefore been to develop smaller scale reactors, especially for developing countries and remote areas off main power grids. The current development of micro modular reactors presents a host of economic, industrial and environmental opportunities, contributing to the solution of what is known as the ‘energy trilemma’ (low carbon, secure and affordable energy), and enabling a low-carbon economy. Globally, 79 per cent of electricity is generated by thermal processes, in which conventional power plants provide over 62 per cent of global

EBFlow – UK Email: info@ebflow.com Website: www.ebflow.com

End Forming Tube Expansion Swaging

Increases Productivity Innovative Design

Tube OD Ranges 0.13 in. to 6.00 in. (3.3 mm to 152.4 mm)

Airmo systems and tools are designed to meet your tube and pipe fabricating requirements. Experience improved system control with onboard PLC touch screen for accurate, repeatable performance with no pressure loss. Standard and custom tool solutions for increased productivity. Serving the tube and pipe industry for over 70 years.

+1-763-786-0000 airmo@airmo.com www.airmo.com



© 2018 Airmo Inc.

73

www.read-tpt.com

SEPTEMBER 2018