TPT July 2016

T E CHNOLOG Y

Monitoring steel tube temperature during annealing

the furnace, where analysis of the process can be made. These Hot Box systems can be engineered to fit inside large diameter pipes that are annealed in walking beam furnaces, or can be connected directly to small diameter tubes, which may be annealed in a roller hearth furnace. Where solid drawn tube is produced, the billet reheat temperature in the rotary hearth furnace can also be accurately measured. The video can be viewed online at youtu.be/lGxi1jYnTIc

data can be gathered by using a PhoenixTM Hot Box profiling system. This system operates by attaching thermocouples to critical points along the tube, and connecting these to a data logger that is protected by a thermal barrier. In this way the profiling system can travel through the furnace together with the product. A test product is prepared outside the furnace, where thermocouples are inserted into the tube wall and fed back through the tube to the profiling system, which is also fitted inside the test product. Temperature data is then stored on the data logger, and at the same time transmitted in real time to a PC outside

A NEW video explaining how the temperature profile of a steel tube is monitored during the annealing heat treatment process has been produced by PhoenixTM. Annealing modifies the physical properties of the tube material to increase ductility, relieve internal stress and create a homogeneous structure. It involves heating the tube to above its upper critical temperature, soaking at this temperature and cooling at a controlled rate. When the tube is annealed in a continuous operation such as a walking beam furnace, it is difficult to get a true assessment of the temperature profile of the product, but accurate temperature

PhoenixTM Ltd – UK Fax: +44 1353 968684

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

PhoenixTM Hot Box system in walking beam furnace (annealing), roller hearth furnace (annealing), and rotary hearth furnace (billet reheat)

Fusion machine with Tier 4 engine MCELROY has launched a newmachine in its flagship TracStar ® series that offers advanced emissions reduction and automation technologies, allowing users to meet tough regulations in air quality and data logging. outstanding global supplier so that our customers will be ready for emissions regulations in all markets, including strict requirements in Europe, and have ready access to top-tier engine service and support,” said McElroy director of product development Jason A Lawrence, PE.

thermoplastic pipe in accordance with many of the international fusion standards, and includes all of the ongoing features of the TracStar machines. The all-terrain vehicle features rugged rubber crawler tracks and is self- propelled via wireless remote control. It is also self-contained, with an on-board generator for powering the heater. Hydraulic power assists the operator with all fusion functions, including the operation of the jaws, pipe lifts, heater and facer. Low-, medium- and high- force machines are available.

The new TracStar 900 Series 2 Automatic features a Cummins US EPA Tier 4/EU Stage IIIB engine that burns ultra-low sulphur diesel, making it cleaner burning, quieter running and more efficient. Fusion functions are controlled automatically with The Coach ® pendant, which also has the ability to upload joint reports to the McElroy DataLogger ® Vault TM for safe storage, analysis and validation of pipeline integrity. “We have equipped the Auto machine with an advanced diesel engine from an

“It’s also increasingly important to have the ability to upload joint data to show that pipelines were fused properly, which offers greater accountability as well as a competitive edge. This machine does that.” Engineers made it easy to access the engine for maintenance on the TracStar 900 Series 2 Automatic by redesigning the cowling and rearranging the components. The machine fuses 340 to 900mm (12" IPS to 36" OD)

McElroy – USA Fax: +1 918 831 9285

Email: fusion@mcelroy.com Website: www.mcelroy.com

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J uly 2016