TPi January 2019

Products & developments

Boosting rates with feedscrew replacement A recent feedscrew replacement has boosted rates by more than 33 per cent for a Davis-Standard customer. evaluating every aspect of performance from melt temperature to torque. This gave Swan the validation they needed to achieve immediate results.”

The new high-throughput designs included one 2.5" and three 4.5" feedscrews. The trip to Davis-Standard’s lab proved valuable, since Swan needed capabilities to process both PVC and TPV resins. During the trial, several designs were tested to determine the best options for outputs and stability specific to Swan’s process requirements. According to Jason Baird, the senior process engineer at Davis-Standard who conducted Swan’s trial, working with Mr Rossi at the lab was essential to ensuring the desired outcomes without worrying about hypotheticals. “We have analytical capabilities at the lab that enable us to see what’s going on inside the extruder as we test different feedscrews,” explained Mr Baird. “When you improve output rates, you also need to confirm stability to achieve uniform product. Swan supplies garden hoses to major big-box stores, so quality and consistency is essential to their business. We were able to verify both outputs and stability while also

Swan Products, LLC, a North American manufacturer of water hoses for consumer and industrial markets, installed four new feedscrews on existing Davis-Standard extruders at one of its plants in Canada. From order to installation, the project took about two and half months, and provided a cost- efficient means to increase productivity. “We were able to replace feedscrews on older machines and improve throughput by over 33 per cent,” said Jose Rossi, director of manufacturing, North America, for Swan Products. “We appreciate Davis-Standard’s lab facility at its headquarters in Pawcatuck, Connecticut, which enabled us to prove design concepts alongside feedscrew engineers with hands-on experience. They are very thorough in their management and delivery.”

Davis-Standard offers a complete menu of R&D, feedscrew replacement and rebuilding services. Feedscrews are available in sizes ranging from 20 to 305mm (¾" to 12") in diameter and with different L/D options. Feedscrews can be designed for any extruder brand and barrel. In addition to feedscrew replace- ment, Davis-Standard offers barrel measurement services to ensure dimen- sional fit and best performance. In most cases, quotes for new feedscrews are available within a day. Lab trials can be scheduled to accommodate customer timelines and processing requirements. Davis-Standard, LLC – USA www.davis-standard.com

Swan Products – USA swan.cs@swanhose.com www.swanhose.com

i-Tech adds mini ROV capability to inspection fleet

transported easily to site via helicopter or airline carrier for faster transportation. Despite their compact size, the mini ROVs have high manoeuvrability and power-to-weight ratio, allowing them to carry small tools and manipulators for operating effectively in strong currents. They are suited to rapid mobilisation and manual deployment from any platform, FPSO, barge or vessel of opportunity. Neil Milne, vice president for i-Tech Services, said, “The introduction of mini ROVs into our portfolio enhances our rapid-response inspection capability and allows us to provide a more com- prehensive UWILD offering. Further- more, it provides clients with a reliable, cost-effective and safe alternative to traditional manned inspection or work-

forming subsea operations in challeng- ing environments. A cost-effective solu- tion for smaller scopes of work, the mini ROVs are quick to deploy and can be

i-Tech Services, a Subsea 7 company, has strengthened its underwater inspec- tion and maintenance capability with the provision of new mini ROVs for per-

class ROV services.” i-Tech Services – UK http://i-tech7.com

An i-Tech technician working on a mini ROV

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TUBE PRODUCTS INTERNATIONAL January 2019

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