TPi November 2015

products & developments Express delivery for heat exchanger tubes

with 3.2 inspections in several partial deliveries.

In late-2014, the technicians of an Egyptian propane dehydrogenation plant had to face a situation that should never occur: several heat exchangers had failed unexpectedly and caused a production shutdown. Fast action was needed. In close cooperation, Sandvik and the licensor developed a solution. Within just ten weeks, Sandvik delivered 12 tons of super-duplex tubes (Sandvik SAF 2507), and demonstrated the effectiveness of its express delivery programme for duplex steels. Besides major precautions when operating a plant, unexpected material failures cannot be ruled out completely. The consequences can extend from partial to full shutdowns, causing production losses of potentially immense costs. In the case of the Egyptian plant, Sandvik was able to use its extensive expertise in producing and testing seamless stainless steel tubes, as well as its high delivery flexibility and its long-term relationship with the licensor.

SAF 2507 (EN 1.4410) is a high-alloyed stainless duplex steel specifically developed for operation in highly cor- rosive environments. Its austenitic-ferri- tic microstructure is carefully balanced (50:50) and guarantees high corrosion resistance with a pitting resistance equivalent number of min. 42.5. Sandvik’s express delivery programme for duplex steels was launched in 2013. Its concept is to deliver duplex (Sandvik SAF 2205) and super-duplex (Sandvik SAF 2507) heat exchanger tubes within six to eight weeks, according to customer specification. “The close cooperation between Sandvik and the licensor as well as the availability of pre-material and the production flexibility were the key success factors of this project,” explained Christoph Bradter, key account manager at Sandvik. Sandvik (Düsseldorf sales office) – Germany tubesales-de.smt@sandvik.com www.smt.sandvik.com chemicals but can also be supplied containing desiccants that will draw moisture from the air. Sprays and wipes in the ProGardo range can be used to apply VCI chemicals directly to vulnerable surfaces, and will clear minor existing corrosion. Rune Johansen of Alfa Solution commented, “Using two or more ProGardo products in combination can provide total corrosion prevention for extended periods.” Alfa Solution offers full instructions and, if appropriate, training in the use of the products. Solutions can be customised for each individual requirement.

Heat exchanger tubes

During a visit by the licensor to Sandvik’s tube mill in Werther, Germany, Sandvik demonstrated the production of seamless stainless tubes, with the destructive and non-destructive testing methods reassuring the customer of the company’s level of professionalism. Sandvik’s flexible delivery capabilities made an important difference. In the space of ten weeks Sandvik manufactured and delivered the super- duplex tubes, which were all to a non- standard dimension, in accordance with the customer’s specification and

Corrosion protection Corrosion protection specialist Alfa Solution has launched a new range of volatile corrosion inhibiting (VCI) products for the engineering and manufacturing industries.

the electro-chemical reactions that lead to corrosion.

The newProGardo range of VCI products includes tablets, capsules, films, bags, wipes, spray and desiccant. The tablets can be placed in enclosed areas where they give off protective vapour, providing protection for up to five years. Larger

Molecules in the VCI vapour form an invisible barrier on ferrous and non- ferrous metal surfaces, which inhibits

capsules will also absorb chloride and sulphide gases to provide additional protection. ProGardo shrink-wrap film is impregnated with VCI chemicals and is suitable for wrapping components or complete plant and machinery.

Component in ProGardo film

Alfa Solution – Norway post@alfasolution.no www.alfasolution.no

ProGardo bags are not only impregnated with VCI

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Tube Products International November 2015

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