TPi March 2020

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The trade magazine for tube and pipe products

March 2020

JOIN US INTO THE FUTURE OF STEEL TUBES

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Editorial Office: Editor in chief

Mr Rory McBride Email: rory@intras.co.uk Ms Helen Gaskell Email: helen@intras.co.uk Mrs Lisa Wright Email: lisa@intras.co.uk

Editorial Assistant

Design & Production

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Ms Caroline Sullens

Mr John C Hogg

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Tel: +44 1926 334137 Fax: +44 1926 314755 Email: tpi@intras.co.uk Website: www.intras.co.uk Intras USA Danbury Corporate Center 107 Mill Plain Road Danbury, CT 06811, USA Tel: +1 203 794 0444 Email: doug@intras.co.uk

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This publication and its full contents of layout, text, images, and graphics is copyright protected. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying, recording or any other storage or retrieval system without the publisher’s written permission. The publisher, owners, agents, printers, editors and contributors cannot be held responsible for and hereby exclude all liability whatsoever for errors, omissions or the accuracy and claims printed or inferred in the editorial or advertisements published in this, previous or subsequent editions or for any damages, costs or losses caused thereby. Tube Products International reserves the right to edit, reword and subedit all editorial submissions in accordance with editorial policy. Tube Products International expressed graphically or by text is a registered name and style trademark of Intras Ltd, UK. All matters relating to this disclaimer are governed by the laws of England. US copies only: T ube Products INTERNATIONAL (ISSN No: 1755-7216, USPS No: 024-676) is published six times a year: January, March, May, July, September and November by Intras Ltd and distributed in the USA by Asendia USA, 701 Ashland Ave, Folcroft PA. Periodicals postage paid at Philadelphia, PA and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: send address changes to Tube Products INTERNATIONAL, 701 Ashland Ave, Folcroft PA 19032.

© 2020 Intras Ltd, UK ISSN 1755-7216

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Contents March 2020

8 Business & market news

26 Products & developments

40 Tube Düsseldorf 2020

The world’s largest exhibition for the tube and pipe industries Düsseldorf, Germany 30 March – 3 April 2020

54 MACH 2020

56 Meeting tube corrosion challenges in high temperature applications Sandvik

58 Editorial index

59 Advertisers index

The trade magazine for tube and pipe products

Events calendar

March 2020

www.read-tpi.com

The trademagazine for tube and pipe products

JOIN US INTO THE FUTURE OF STEEL TUBES

The March issue

2020

Meet us at TUBE March30 -April 3,2020 Düsseldorf,Germany HALL3 - STAND 3D30

30 March – 3 April Tube Düsseldorf 2020 (Düsseldorf, Germany) International exhibition www.tube.de 31 March – 3 April TOLexpo (Paris, France) International exhibition www.tolexpo.com 20-24 April MACH (Birmingham, UK) International exhibition www.machexhibition.com 11-13 June Guangzhou (Guangzhou, China) International exhibition www.julang.com.cn 17-20 June Korea Metal Week (Seoul, South Korea) International exhibition www.korea-metal.com 23-26 September Tube China (Shanghai, China) International exhibition www.tubechina.net 27-30 October EuroBLECH (Hanover, Germany) International exhibition www.euroblech.com 16-18 June FABTECH Canada (Toronto, Canada) International exhibition www.fabtechcanada.com

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Welcome to the latest Tube Products INTERNATIONAL magazine. A recent report by IndexBox looked at the world iron and steel tube, pipe and hollow profile market, which it estimated amounted to $124.6bn in 2018, rising by 3.9 per cent against the previous year. It was interesting to read the breakdown of tube consumption by country. China (23 million tonnes) constituted the country with the largest volume of consumption of tubes, pipes and hollow profiles (of iron or steel). In fact consumption of tubes, pipes and hollow profiles in China exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest consumer, India (10 million tonnes), twofold. Quite staggering numbers. Russia (9 million tonnes) ranked third in terms of total consumption with a 8.4 per cent share. However since 2007 it is India that has shown the highest annual growth rate (+10.7% per year). Global exports totaled 45 million tonnes in 2018, growing by 7.3 per cent against the previous year. Over the period under review, exports of tubes, pipes and hollow profiles, however, continue to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. It seems that from 2009 to 2018 exports dipped and failed to regain their momentum. In 2018, the average export price for tubes, pipes and hollow profiles (of iron or steel) amounted to $1,300 per tonne, rising by 2.8 per cent against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price for tubes, pipes and hollow profiles, however, continues to indicate a slight downturn. There were significant differences in the average prices among the major exporting countries. In 2018, the country with the highest price was the US ($2,287 per tonne), while Turkey ($836 per tonne) was among the lowest. In value terms, the US ($10bn) constitutes the largest market for imported tubes, pipes and hollow profiles (of iron or steel) worldwide, comprising 16 per cent of global imports. The second position in the ranking was occupied by Germany ($3.4bn), with a 5.4 per cent share of global imports. It was followed by Australia with a 4.1 per cent share. Next issue we will have features on steel & stainless steel tubes; valves, fittings & flanges; and large diameter pipe. The

magazine will also be distributed at Tube Russia 2020 and Guangzhou 2020 in China. If you would like to submit editorial for the forthcoming issue you can contact me at: rory@intras.co.uk. The advertising deadline for the issue is 13 March.

18-20 November FABTECH (Las Vegas, USA)

International exhibition www.fabtechexpo.com

Rory McBride Editor in Chief

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TUBE PRODUCTS INTERNATIONAL March 2020

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Business & market news

Multi-million-dollar R&D shell side fouling innovation from Tube Tech International

“We have spent years researching and developing solutions to the industry’s most difficult fouling challenges, and we are proud to be demonstrating this unique service, which is the first of its kind.   “The technology includes a detection system that is able to indicate bent tubes and severely fouled areas, protecting the asset and ensuring a more precise clean. We are also able to offer the client detailed digital reports which includes information such as the distance of baffle plates, location of damaged or broken tubes, volume of fouling, photos of before, during and after the clean, and an intuitive heat map. “Using this system, we can restore assets to near design thermal efficiency, in turn reducing CO 2 emissions and improving productivity, which will ultimately save millions of dollars a year for refineries across the world. “We conducted our first live demonstration of the system at the 2019 WJTA Conference and Exhibition in New Orleans in November to more than 1,600 spectators. The feedback we received was overwhelmingly

Tube Tech International has announced that its multi-million-dollar Shell Side Jet innovation has begun live demonstrations to the open market. The Shell Side Jet, which has been developed by Tube Tech International, with R&D funding from the Horizon 2020 programme, via the SME Instrument, has been created to meet the demands of the petrochemical market for a solution that can clean in-between shell side tubes. Derek Sumsion, R&D manager for Tube Tech International, said: “The live demonstrations of our Shell Side Jet solution is a huge milestone for us, prior to the launch in March 2020.

positive. Improving safety standards is a top priority for any technology that we develop; many people were impressed with the remote operation of the system and the safety benefits this brings. We can’t wait to start rolling out the service to clients worldwide, and welcome enquiries for technology demonstrations.” The Shell Side Jet is the result of a multi-million-dollar R&D investment and claims to restore assets to near design thermal efficiency, reduce CO 2 emissions and remove at least 90 per cent of fouling. Shell Side Jet will be the only technology in the world able to tackle shell side fouling with guaranteed results. Tube Tech International www.tubetech.com

The Tube Tech Side Jet

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TUBE PRODUCTS INTERNATIONAL March 2020

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Business & market news

FES International secures multiple DBSC orders across three continents

and confined spaces with little, or no, subsea intervention at all. This is due to the patented automatic end fitting release system that allows for the connection of the bend stiffener and release of the umbilical without subsea intervention. In addition, in-house assembly and testing facilities allow FES Interna- tional to rigorously test all connectors produced, with all items undergo- ing numerous fit and function checks before delivery. FES International www.fesinternational.com

established relationships with all four customers who, over the years, have come to trust that FES will deliver well- engineered, robust equipment on time and to budget. “Each project we work on is unique and there are often bespoke design requirements, time frames and complex challenges we have to work around. We approach each with a fresh perspective and collaborate with our customers to ensure we meet stringent specifications.” FES International’s DBSC design enables the installation of bend stiffeners in often very congested

FES International, a provider of fluid transfer systems to oil and gas operators around the world, has secured four new orders for its Diver Bend Stiffener Connectors (DBSCs). These new orders mean that a total of 31 DBSCs are being delivered by FES International to projects located across Asia, Africa and Europe throughout 2019 and 2020 including projects taking place in the Johan Castberg field in the Barents Sea, Norway; the Vorlich field in the North Sea, UK; the Liuhua field in the South China Sea; and the Zinia 2 field on the Atlantic Coast in Angola. Rob Anderson, managing director of FES International, said: “We have long-

VOSS Fluid: 66 years of tube couplings and coupling technology

its know-how in the field of fluid-related coupling technology to industries that use clamping rings as a standard to create leak-tight connections: including the energy sector, the chemical industry and the automotive industry. “One current area of application, which will become even more important in the future, is the use of CNG (compressed natural gas) or hydrogen or fuel cells in alternative drive systems. Renowned certifying authorities have already attested to the required high degree of leak-tightness of VOSS Lok 40 when exposed to high system pressures.”

VOSS Fluid has recently celebrated 66 years of coupling technology and since 1953 has registered the sale of over two billion couplings. The company, based in Wipperfürth, Germany, has put large investments into research and development plus in-house electroplating and is still continuing to innovate. The company said: “Our current popular products include the VOSS Form SQR and VOSS Lok 40 tube forming systems. Particularly with the introduction of VOSS Lok 40, VOSS Fluid has transferred

VOSS also recently intro- duced the VOSS Plug for narrow assembly spaces, which was developed to assemble and disas- semble hydraulic hose fittings in a space-saving way. The VOSS Plug achieves plug-in reliability even at high pressure loads of 450 bar.

In addition to the sale of individual com- ponents, VOSS now also produces and sells ready-to-install hydraulic lines and VOSS Fluid supplies all components for hose connections in mobile and station- ary machines and systems. VOSS Fluid www.voss-fluid.net

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March 2020 TUBE PRODUCTS INTERNATIONAL

Business & market news

Metalube aims to be carbon neutral by 2020 As part of its commitment to environmental management, global lubricant manufacturer Metalube has made a pledge to be carbon neutral by 2020. To support this responsibility, Metalube has joined forces with Climate Partner, an organisation that provides companies with climate protection solutions: from carbon footprints and climate protection strategies all the way to climate neutral products with the support of international carbon offset projects. Climate Partner provides a next step towards increasing the sustainable man- agement of Metalube by offsetting all CO 2 emissions that cannot currently be avoided. The aim is to support econom- ic, ecological and social development in regions with Metalube offices, such as clean ocean initiatives in India, forest conservation in Brazil, and geothermal energy development in Indonesia. Metalube aims to be carbon neutral by 2020

Mr Brown concluded: “As a relatively small industrial business we are mak- ing big environmental commitments that aim to protect our employees, customers and most importantly the environment that we all live and work in. The efforts we are making in-house combined with our partnership with Climate Partner will, we hope, ensure our long-term sustainability.” Metalube www.metalube.co.uk Climate Partner www.climatepartner.com

He added: “In addition, the Metalube technology centre is actively developing future lubricants, that are both safer for the environment and to the end user. Today, we are very proud that those products are now being used in industrial applications around the globe. In production, Metalube is currently making further eco commitments by transitioning our packaging practices away from plastics, and instead using environmentally friendly and recyclable materials.”

Commenting on this green ethos and its recent partnership with Climate Partner, Robert Brown, managing director, said: “Our company philosophy has always been to support sustainability and has long been concerned with the environmental impact of our products and how the emissions they produce can be reduced. Since 2015, Metalube has been ISO 14001 registered, which formally acknowledges our ongoing commitment to operational sustainability.”

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Business & market news

Global Piping Stockholder achieves new international accreditation

decided that we didn’t want to prolong the transition and therefore started the in-depth review and analysis process earlier this year. We are delighted to have achieved the ISO 45001 Standard and I’m confident that I will be able to guide our other teams around the world to attain it as well,” continued Ms Richmond, who is now looking at coordinating the teams in the Scottish, Texan, Brazilian, Singaporean, Dubai and Australian divisions to ensure global compliance.  Managing director Alex Forth added: “Ensuring excellence across all parts of our business is crucial for us. This includes the quality of the products we supply, the top-level service that we provide and, of course, the environment we provide for our employees. “Beryl has worked tirelessly to help us achieve ISO 45001 and I know that we will all continue to work together to ensure the safety and welfare of everyone at SPM.” Special Piping Materials www.specialpipingmaterials.com

all aspects of the company to ensure that we are providing a safe and secure working environment.  The ISO 45001 is set to replace a previous standard – OHSAS 18001 – over three years following its publication in March 2018 It is designed to maintain effective, healthy and operational environment for workers by improving employee safety, reducing workplace risks and creating better, safer working conditions and organisations that achieve it are recognised to be putting the health and safety of their workers first. “Although we didn’t have to comply with the new standard until 2021, we

The Trelleborg Sealing Solutions facility in Kalmar, Sweden, has announced the inauguration of a new production line that will significantly increase brake shim capacity at the facility. The line includes triple stations of adhesive lamination and a vision system with marking robots to ensure flexibility in manufacturing and enhanced quality control, providing an even better service to its customers. Stefan Lundström, president of damping solutions for Trelleborg Sealing Solutions, said: “Increasing our capacity at the Kalmar facility will enable us to fulfill our commitment to delivering continued growth and meeting growing market demands. This Special Piping Materials, a stockholder and supplier of pipes, fittings and flanges, has achieved a new international standard in occupational health, safety and security. The ISO 45001 accreditation, which is a new industry standard, has been coordinated and developed by a committee of occupational health and safety experts from around the world and was awarded to Special Piping Materials last year after the company was proactive in reviewing the new standard and ensuring compliance. The work was driven by internal quality assurance manager Beryl Richmond who undertook a full review of the company, from its management systems to the use of machinery and testing equipment in the warehouse, who commented: “Since the appointment of our new managing director in January, we have worked to really prioritise the safety and wellbeing of our staff.  “We reinstated our health, safety and environmental committee and we took a collaborative approach in reviewing

The Special Piping Materials stock

Trelleborg inaugurates new production line at Swedish brake shim facility

investment is a significant step in making sure we can satisfy customers’ future requirements with the next evolution in brake shim materials.” The formal opening of the new production line was performed by Peter Nilsson, president and CEO Trelleborg Group, Peter Hahn, business area president Trelleborg Sealing Solutions, Stefan

Giorgio Gabella, managing director, Gabella Macchine SpA. Trelleborg www.tss.trelleborg.com

Lundström, president for damping solutions within Trelleborg Sealing Solutions, Ulf Johansson, facility manager, Johan Persson, municipal commissioner for the city of Kalmar and

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More premium pipes for more premium customers

TMK-ARTROM is a vertically integrated seamless steel pipes producer that provides premium and custom products for top companies around the world.

Draganesti street, no. 30, 230119, Slatina, Olt, Romania Phone: +40 372 498 102 Mail: office.slatina@tmk-artrom.eu

Business & market news

British Valve and Actuator Association announces inaugural Future Leader Award winner

members of the industry on a platform that tends to be dominated by an older demographic. He also now leads the project element of the Future Leaders Programme.  The award is sponsored by longstanding valve industry family the Greenhalghs and Martin Greenhalgh, technical consultant at the BVAA, presented the award. Four generations of his family have been involved in the valve industry, and Martin’s grandfather, James Greenhalgh, was a founding member of the association at its first meeting in September 1939. Rob Bartlett, CEO of the BVAA, and the award blends the association’s rich heritage with its forward-looking ethos: “When we launched the Future Leaders Programme, we hoped it would act as a catalyst for the development of talent in the industry. Dave’s career trajectory, and ongoing involvement with the association is the epitome of this. It’s very fitting that he should receive the inaugural Future Leaders Award, which includes an inscription about James Greenhalgh. This godfather of the British valve and actuator industry held progressive views on the qualities of good leadership that are still relevant today.” British Valve and Actuator Association www.bvaa.org.uk

“It’s great that the association makes a point of celebrating and nurturing emerging talent. The pace of change is accelerating in the digital age, so it makes sense to blend the skills and expertise of people from the full spectrum of the industry.” He joined the first cohort of the BVAA Future Leaders Programme in 2016. Programme leaders have been impressed with the way he’s applied learnings from the course in the real world to further his own career and benefit the wider industry. Earlier this year he was co-opted to the BVAA Board to give voice to younger

The British Valve and Actuator Association (BVAA) has announced the winner of its first Future Leader Award as Dave Godfrey, product manager service and aftermarkets at Rotork. The launch of the new award, which marked the BVAA’s 80 th anniversary AGM, recognises the ongoing achieve- ments of former participants on the BVAA’s Future Leaders Programme. Mr Godfrey said he was proud to accept the award: “The BVAA’s Future Leaders Programme marked a pivotal point in my own career, so it’s a pleasure to support subsequent cohorts on their leadership journeys.

Dave being presented his award by Colin Findlay, along with three members of the Greenhalgh family (L to R: Jos Greenhalgh (4 th generation), Colin Findlay BVAA Chairman, Dave Godfrey, Martin Greenhalgh and Malcolm Greenhalgh)

Strikes in SSAB’s production in Finland impact earnings

at the end of November until the end of the year. The strikes and other industrial actions have affected SSAB Europe’s production and shipments and it is estimated that SSAB Europe’s result for the fourth quarter 2019 will be negatively impacted by around SEK 250mn. SSAB www.ssab.com

on 11 December, 2019. However, the Finnish Electrical Workers’ Union strikes in Raahe and Hämeenlinna continue and there is a risk of further industrial action. In addition to this, there have been negative effects on SSAB Europe’s operations due to new rules from trade unions such as an over-time ban and issues with machinery, for example according to SSAB, one of the blast furnaces in Raahe was put out of action

The strikes in Finland organised by a number of trade unions in conjunction with negotiations about new collective bargaining agreements are estimated to weaken SSAB Europe’s fourth quarter earnings by around SEK 250mn. The strikes organised in Raahe and Hämeenlinna by The Industrial Union, Trade Union Pro and the Federation of Professional and Managerial Staff YTN started on 9 December and ended

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Business & market news

BPF Pipes Group releases butt fusion jointing guide The BPF Pipes Group has published a new guide for engineers and specifiers on butt fusion jointing of polyethylene pressure pipes. The butt fusion welding technique has been shown to consistently deliver quality pipe joints under a broad range of construction situations.  The guide, which is presented as a reference source to com- plement industry procedural specifications is available at www.bpfpipesgroup.com/support-downloads/guidance-notes/ and uses case studies to show some of the many applications, environmental conditions and pipe sizes for which butt fusion is now routinely used with polyethylene pipes. The BPF Pipes Group is a member of the European Plastic Pipes and Fittings Association (TEPPFA) and has customised the guidance prepared by TEPPFA to UK applications. BPF Pipes Group www.bpfpipesgroup.com

New guidance on butt fusion techniques for water and gas is now available from the BPF Pipes Group

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Business & market news

Report: plastic pipe sales in China upheld by residential sector and material innovations that are underway

The report states that China accounts for a fourth of glob- al plastic production, which reflects the abundance of availability of raw material and the subsequent ease in procurement of the same. This has been the predom- inant factor establishing a strong base for plastic pipes market in China and despite serious environmental con- cerns surrounding the use of

According to new research, the China plastic pipes market looks set to thrive on the back of accelerated demand from the construction industry and particularly the residential sector. Plastic pipe sales in China reached two million tons in 2018 and are expected to be rising at a strong compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of seven per cent during 2019 – 2029. According to Persistence Market Research who launched the report, the government’s efforts in wastewater management and water conservation are contributing significantly to the growth of the China plastic pipes market and are heavily spending on new pipeline installations.

Plastic pipe sales are stable in China

for replacement and repairs, thus, making the plastic pipes assembly a maintenance free system causing a noteworthy reduction in the entire assembly cost. These features are expected to spur the growth of the China plastic pipes market. The report uncovers valuable insights on the competitive scenario of China’s plastic pipes market, emphasising various developmental strategies of leading market players. Some key players in the market are Na Ya Plastics Corp, China Lesso Group Holdings Ltd, GF Piping Systems Ltd, Rehau, Hebei Dingsu Plastic Sales Co Ltd, and Kunshan Pinhong Rubber & Plastic Co Ltd. Prominent companies in plastic pipes market are investing significantly in R&D of sustainable plastics. Product innovation strategies of major players are centered on the demands of the thriving residential sector. As indicated by the study, leading players in China plastic pipes market are focused on manufacturing of products with affordable pricing in order to attract customers towards the products. Through extensive R&D, companies are trying to find an alternative manufacturing procedure which can cut off the operational cost without compromising on the quality of products. This in turn gives impetus to the China plastic pipes market. Persistence Market Research www.persistencemarketresearch.com

plastics, it has been observed that plas- tic remains a preferred choice among pipe manufacturers thanks to its light weight and cost efficiency in compari- son with other materials. Pipes manufactured from non-plastic materials are expensive more prone to leakage. However, biodegradability and recyclability will remain a major concern accounting for serious regulatory implications associated with plastic pipes. Manufacturers are therefore innovating with sustainable plastic types such as polyethylene (PE) and high- density polyethylene (HDPE). According to the report, in the coming years, industrial lubricants are expected to witness consistent demand. With the persistent trend of providing application- specific lubricants, manufacturers are focused on keeping their product portfolios strong. Plastic products are considered as long lasting and completely durable which can serve the purpose of transmission for a long period of time. The plastic pipes are inert and are less likely to react to damp and moist conditions. Furthermore, the extensive corrosion resistance and chemical resistance also complements and enhances the serving life of the pipes. Additionally, plastic pipes are more preferred for the underwater sewer works and concealed piping assembly in the buildings as they provide long service life and are less susceptible

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Business & market news

Plastic Pipe Institute introduces free document about the NDT of plastic pipe

ing involvement will play an important role in moving these non-destructive processes forward responsibly. TN-60 will be emphasised during any presen- tations we make and especially at the AGA meetings we attend.” Ms Patterson added: “At this time, PPI has not established a position on the use of NDT inspection for plastic pipe, fittings or joints as the maturity of the technology and related inspection practices vary significantly. We will continue to monitor and actively participate with the NDT industry as it develops these technologies, which show promise.” The TN-60 is available for free at the PPI website. Plastics Pipe Institute www.plasticpipe.org

when selecting an NDT technology and inspection team.” According to PPI, interest in the topic has gained considerable momentum during the past several years because for nearly 25 years, NDT was done by individual firms. Ms Patterson said: “Now, the technology has made its way into the standards organisation for the inspection of plastic pipes, fittings and joints.” Members of the Energy Piping Systems Division (EPSD) of PPI involved in gas distribution, and oil and gas gathering have also shown a lot of interest in NDT technologies over the past few years. Randy Knapp, PhD, engineering director of the EPSD, said: “It is important for the industry to know about NDT and NDE. This PPI document and PPI’s continu-

The Plastics Pipe Institute Inc (PPI) has published a new document that provides an overview of non-destructive testing (NDT) and evaluation techniques that have been introduced into the plastic pipe industry. The new document, entitled TN-60, Inspection of Plastic Pipes, Fittings and Joints Using Non-Destructive Test Methods and Evaluation, includes sections about research, NDT/NDE considerations, inspector qualification and evaluation procedures. “This is the first document of its kind for our industry,” stated Sarah Patterson, technical director of PPI. “The goal of TN-60 is to bring awareness to a number of factors when using NDT for the inspection of plastic pipes, fittings and joints, while emphasising that careful due diligence is needed

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Business & market news

Tenova and Chalco Ruimin signed the FACs for two aluminum lines

Tenova and Chalco Ruimin Co Ltd have officially signed the Final Acceptance Certificates for a continuous annealing line and a chemical pre-treatment line for processing aluminium strip coils. The two new lines process automotive and aerospace industry grade aluminium alloys (series 5XXX, 6XXX and 7XXX), with strip width ranging from 1,000 up to 2,200mm and thickness ranging from 0.5 up to 4mm. They will be located at a new plant in the Fuzhou Economic Technical Development Area, on China’s South Eastern Coast. “This project confirms Tenova’s experience and reliability in supplying leading technologies and plants for the aluminium and steel strip processing

Signing of the co-operation agreement

with a process speed of 60m/min. Both lines are equipped with the latest state- of-the-art technologies for producing qualities and grades requested by automotive and aerospace industry top applications. Tenova is a worldwide supplier of advanced technologies and equipment for the iron, steel and mining industries. Chalco Ruimin Co Ltd, is a company belonging to Aluminium Corporation of China (Chinalco), one of the world’s largest aluminium producers. Tenova www.tenova.com Chalco Ruimin Co Ltd www.ruimin.en.ecplaza.net

industry. With more than ten reference plants supplied in the last few years for auto and aerospace highest grades applications Tenova confirms its leading position in the market,” stated Nicola Cavero, senior vice president Tenova Italimpianti. “In the next couple of years, several additional lines we are currently supplying will start their production, further strengthening our leading position. We are ready to continue to provide our customers with our experience and our technology.” The total production rate for the continuous annealing line is 100,000 tons/year with a process speed of 80m/min, whereas the chemical line production rate is 120,000 tons/year,

Molecor shows optimism for new challenges and projects

from DN500mm (18") to 1200mm in diameter (48") and 25 bar of pressure (305 psi). This interest has resulted in the start of the new developments and now Molecor is faced new challenges. However, the company has said that it is taking these challenges on “with great optimism and thanks all visitors for the great interest shown, both in the company and in its developments.” Molecor www.molecor.com

Spanish company Molecor has announced that it will be developing and launching several new projects over the next few years. The company, which is specialised in the development of molecular orientation, a technology applied to pipeline solutions, recently attended the K2019 trade fair and reported a large number of visitors and a lot of interest in the company and its products. According to Molecor, one of the things that attracted the greatest interest of the visitors at the event was the Molecor

M-OR-P 5012 technology, which has a production capacity of 7200 tons per year and is the only machine that will allow the manufacture of PVC-O pipes

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Business & market news

Val-Matic releases new air valve brochure

Valve manufacturer, Val-Matic has released an updated version of its Air Valve Brochure featuring the addition of the VaultSafe ® family of products. VaultSafe products such as the FloodSafe ® , FrostSafe ® and VentSafe ® work in conjunction with air valves in many applications with the aim of better protect portable water systems. The valves are certified to NSF/ANSI 61 for Drinking Water and NSF/ANSI 372 Certified Lead-Free. All Val-Matic Valves are manufactured under a certified ISO 9001 quality system. The updated brochure is currently available online. Val-Matic www.valmatic.com

US Department of Justice approves Tenaris’ acquisition of IPSCO Tubulars from TMK

international producer of seamless and welded pipe. TMK expects to be able to consummate the transaction shortly. PAO TMK www.tmk-group.com

The proposed transaction was entered into on 22 March, 2019 pursuant to a Stock Purchase Agreement between PAO TMK, one of the world’s leading producers of tubular products for the oil and gas industry, and a wholly owned subsidiary of Tenaris, an

PAO TMK, a global manufacturer and supplier of steel pipes for the oil and gas industry, has announced that the US Department of Justice (DOJ) has closed its investigation into Tenaris’ proposed acquisition of IPSCO Tubulars, Inc from PAO TMK.

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Business & market news

Metalube appoints business development manager

project, commented: “From the first point of contact with Flexenergy, then during the tender process and creating the network, we knew that this pipe technology was the correct product for this project; the pipe could be electrofusion welded, there was no cumbersome tooling and the large coil availability were all key factors in our choice, as well as the offsite support with sizing and design. “Our onsite resources were able to collaborate with our sister civil engineering business, Deans Civil Engineering, to get the pipe installed within tight timeframes as access became available in each area. “We will certainly look to utilise the same system on future projects.” Flexenergy’s is the only pre-insulated plastic pipe in the UK that can be fully welded, securing the integrity of the network while minimising heat losses and also uses recyclable materials. Flexenergy www.flexenergy.co.uk to be Chevron UK. For as long as I can remember I have always had an interest and fascination in all things mechanical and wondered how they work or what they do. “The one thing they all have in common is lubricants. From a Ferrari to a Royal Navy frigate to a wire drawing machine, effective and correct lubrication is essential. Metalube attracted me as it has an enviable reputation for Global expertise and innovation. Their focus and determination to succeed was a key motivator.” Metalube www.metalube.co.uk

Global lubricant manufacturer Metalube has appointed Adrian Day as its new business development manager. Mr Day has over twenty years in the lubricant industry with the last eight focused on speciality lubricants used in the nonferrous tube as well as wire drawing and wire rope sectors. Douglas Hunt, commercial director, said: “It’s great to have Adrian on board he is exceptionally experienced and his friendly and highly positive personality will fit well within our business culture. He will be responsible for new business development, sales

and working closely with existing clients specifically in Africa, Australasia, China, India and South East Asia. Mr Day added: “I started my lubricant career in 1995 with Texaco Lubricants, later

Flexenergy’s pipe technology chosen for housing development in Glasgow

project, improving the thermal efficiency and minimising the thermal losses of heated water being transported to the housing development at Ibroxholm Oval. Jamie Stephen, managing director of CHAPS (GB) Ltd, the mechanical contractor for the Glasgow

A district heating scheme for a new housing development in Glasgow has been optimised by pre-insulated pipe supplier Flexenergy. Flexenergy supplied 500m of pre- insulated polybutylene pipe for the

The Flexenergy pipes in Glasgow

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Masterflex SE and Winkler AG announce cooperation in templine ® heating hoses

hose systems under the name templine for more than ten years and now, the two companies based in Gelsenkirchen and Heidelberg in Germany, will work closely together in the future. “Masterflex will continue to supply components for the production of heating hoses,” explained Andreas Zenner, CEO of Winkler AG. “Among other things, a special tem- pline series with high-performance protective hoses from Masterflex, which will be marketed with the addi- tion ‘Protected by Masterflex’, is also planned.” Masterflex SE www.masterflex.de Winkler AG www.winkler.eu

brand and its marketing from Masterflex SE with immediate effect. “In Winkler AG, we have found a cooperation partner who will be able to supply our customers with high- quality heating hoses in an even more targeted manner in the future and who

Masterflex SE, developer, manufacturer and processor of spiral hoses, and Winkler AG specialist in heating hoses and heating systems, have agreed an extensive cooperation. Winkler AG will take over the templine ® product group as well as the templine

will continue to develop the segment, which is entirely in our interest”, said Dr Andreas Bastin, CEO of the Masterflex Group. “At the same time, this streamlining of our portfolio is a sensible addition to our range of products and services.” Masterflex has been manufacturing heated

Spiral hoses from Winkler AG

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Business & market news

Xiris appoints Australian representative Weld Australia has announced that Xiris Automation has appointed it as its exclusive distributor of Xiris Weld Camera products for Australia.

continuous improvement of technical knowledge.” Weld Australia represents the welding profession in Australia and among its various activities, it recommends and provide equipment to its members to help them develop their welding capabilities. Xiris Automation Inc specialises in developing optical equipment used for process and quality control across a number of specialty industries. Xiris www.xiris.com Weld Australia www.weldaustralia.com.au

The Xiris XVC weld cameras are used to monitor live welding processes to detect process and quality issues in welding and Weld Australia will also provide turnkey sales and after sales service and training. In entering into this relationship with Weld Australia, David Garrard, sales director of APAC for Xiris Automation explained: “We are excited to work with an excellent partner who has many years of experience in the welding industry at all levels in Australia, combining training and certification

Weld Australia distribution deal

experience with extensive welding equipment knowledge. They share our values of a high level of commitment to ensuring customer satisfaction and

MAB-PPI HDPE pipe repair guide now available

users, contractors, code officials, and others for use in the repair of HDPE pressure water piping systems. It includes repairs using electrofusion, fusion and also mechanical systems. Two quick-reference charts delineate the alternatives that can be considered to fix various types of leaks. The document is available free of charge on the PPI’s website.

The Municipal Advisory Board (MAB) and the Plastics Pipe Institute Inc (PPI) has together published a document on Basic HDPE Repair Options. The MAB-4 details the various methods and steps for repairing a high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipeline in the field. The MAB-4 Basic HDPE Repair Options is intended as a guide for engineers,

Plastics Pipe Institute Inc www.plasticpipe.org

Asahi/America expands BIM and CAD library files

Asahi/America, Inc, a thermoplastic fluid flow technologies company, has expanded its building information modeling (BIM) library on its website. The library now contains CAD files for the company’s Air-Pro ® compressed air piping, Asahitec ™ PP-RCT commercial HVAC and plumbing piping, Proline ® single wall industrial piping, Purad ® ultra high purity PVDF piping systems, in addition to its manual valves.

Engineers, estimators, and designers can download CAD files through the company’s online catalog and the interface supports 32 formats. BIM software platforms include Revit ® MEP, AutoCAD ® MEP, and CADmep ™ . Supported CAD software platforms include AugtoCAD ® , Pro/ENGINEER ® , Catia ® , SolidWorks ®, and Solid Edge ® . Asahi/America www.asahi-america.com

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Solid plastic: New Ceresana report about the global market for high density polyethylene (HDPE)

injection moulding, blow moulding, extrusion and other technologies. Chapter three provides useful company profiles of the most important HDPE producers, clearly arranged according to contact information, turnover, profit, product range, production site, capacity and profile summary. Extensive profiles of 83 producers are provided – Braskem SA, Chevron Phillips Chemical Co. LLC, China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC), China Petroleum & Chemical Corp (Sinopec Corp), ExxonMobil Corporation, Formosa Plastics Group, Ineos Holdings Ltd, LyondellBasell Industries NV, National Petrochemical Company (NPC), Saudi Basic Industries Corp (SABIC), Siam Cement Public Co Ltd., and Total SA. To read the full report, visit: https://www.ceresana.com/en/ market-studies/plastics/polyethylene-hdpe/ Ceresana www.ceresana.com

High density polyethylene (HDPE) ranks among the most sold plastics and its demand continues to increase. “HDPE is the polyethylene type with the highest strength and the lowest flexibility” explains Oliver Kutsch, the CEO of the market research company Ceresana. “The strong and somewhat hard plastic is suitable for a large spectrum of uses: for rigid containers and pipes, as well as for films and a multitude of products for the transportation and electronic industry.” Ceresana has recently published its fifth extensive report about the global market for HDPE, which shows that there is expected to be an increase of HDPE demand by an average of 2.9 per cent per year worldwide, by 2026. The sectors pipes, packaging films as well as heavy-duty industry sacks are among the most dynamic growing markets. The Asia-Pacific Region is by far the biggest consumer of HDPE with a market share of 48 per cent. The most important technology for processing HDPE is extrusion, injection moulding and blow moulding. In 2018, more than 11mn tonnes of HDPE have been processed worldwide in the film and sheet extrusion. Blow moulding and injection moulding followed in second and third place. Ceresana’s analysts expect, that the processing of pipes and profiles through extrusion will achieve the highest growth rate in the coming eight years, with four per cent per year. HDPE is needed in a wide range of products but with a market share of roughly 48 per cent, a majority relates to the packaging industry. In 2018, this plastic was most commonly used for the production of rigid packaging: 5.9mn tons HDPE was processed for the transport and industry containers alone. But nearly 21 per cent of the global consumption relates to flexible packaging like films, sack and bags. Chapter one provides a detailed description and analysis of the global market for HDPE – including forecasts until 2026: The development of demand, revenues as well as the development of production will be depicted for each region. Furthermore, the application areas of HDPE will be examined: Packaging films, bags and sacks, heavy duty and industry sacks, beverage containers, industry and transport containers, pipes, construction industry, transportation, industry, electric and electronic and other applications. In Chapter two, the 29 most important countries for the HDPE market – from Germany and the EU to South Africa, from America to Asia – will be looked at individually. Depicted will be the demand, revenues, trade, production and capacities. Demand and revenues will be broken down for the individual application areas as well as for the processing technologies,

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