TPi November 2018

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The trade magazine for tube and pipe products

November 2018

Your one-stop equipment supplier

The only stock you need for urgent deliveries

Other possibilities

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We are present all over the world but always close to our clients. ASED means integrated and complete solutions for high level business.

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GIEI srl - Via Sesto, 68 - 26100 Cremona - ITALY T +39 0372 803536 - www.giei.it sales@ased.it - www.asedtubes.com

Come and visit us on stand 3B44, Hall 4

A British family owned company established over 40 years for the manufacturing of stainless steel & high nickel alloy special purpose valves. All our special purpose valves are designed & produced in our own factory in Leeds, UK from castings sourced in the UK or in the case of titanium & zirconium the USA. PRODUCT RANGE   Gate Valves.   Globe Valves (angle & oblique).   Check Valves (swing, piston/lift, wafer, axial flow/nozzle).   Cryogenic Valves (½" to 24", 150lb to 2500lb).   Facility to modify and redesign valves for severe service including cryogenic extensions and bellows seal amongst many other features.   Strainers, Y globe valves, Tank bottom valves.   Valves manufactured from bar and forgings for quick delivery.

Gate, Globe and Check Valves ½" to 24" 150lbs to 2500lbs Stainless Steel High Nickel Alloys Duplex Titanium Zirconium

Hydro & Gas Testing to 10,000 PSI Cryogenic & High Temp Testing (-196°C to +700°C) Emission Testing, Ultrasonic Degreasing (Oxygen Service) End users supplied include: Exxon, Shell, Chevron, Sinopec, Sasol, Ineos, Dow

info@yps-valves.co.uk sales@yps-valves.co.uk +44 (0) 113 256 7725 www.yps-valves.co.uk

100% UK manufactured

Editorial Office: Editor

Mr Rory McBride Email: rory@intras.co.uk Mr Christian Bradley Email: christian@intras.co.uk

Editorial Assistant

Design & Production

Mrs Lisa Wright Email: lisa@intras.co.uk

Publisher Founder

Ms Caroline Sullens

Mr John C Hogg

Advertisement Material & Production: Ms Liz Hughes Email: liz@intras.co.uk Ms Andrea McIntosh Email: andrea@intras.co.uk

International Advertising Sales: Mr Steve Singh

Email: steve@intras.co.uk • Tel: +44 1926 834688 Verkauf & Marketing (Deutschland, Österreich, Schweiz) Email: germansales@intras.co.uk • Tel: +44 1926 834687 Ms Giuliana Benedetto – Vendite & Marketing (Italia) Email: giuliana@intras.co.uk • Tel: +44 1926 834686 Ms Linda Li – 中国大陆，台湾，香港以及远东地区销售代表 Email: linda@intras.co.uk • Tel: +44 1926 834685

Subscriptions: www.read-tpi.com Accounts Manager Mrs Julie Case and Subscriptions Tube Products INTERNATIONAL is published by Intras Ltd, UK Europe: 46 Holly Walk, Leamington Spa Warwickshire CV32 4HY, UK

Email: juliecase@intras.co.uk

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: Tube Products INTERNATIONAL (ISSN 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 UKP Worldwide, 3390 Rand Road, South Plainfield, NJ 07080. Periodicals postage paid at Rahway, NJ and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Tube Products INTERNATIONAL, Intras Ltd, C/O 3390 Rand Road, South Plainfield NJ 07080.

© 2018 Intras Ltd, UK ISSN 1755-7216

Tube Products INTERNATIONAL Magazine 46 Holly Walk, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire CV32 4HY, UK Tel: +44 1926 334137 • Fax: +44 1926 314755 • Email: tpi@intras.co.uk

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Contents November 2018

8 Business & market news 24 Products & developments

42 FABTECH 2018 44 Tube India 2018 46 Valves, fittings,

North America’s largest metal forming, fabricating, welding & finishing event

flanges & connectors

52 Valve World 2018 54 Tube inspection & testing technology 59 Laying of a duplex steel pipeline in the north of Germany

8 th All Indian Exhibition & Conference for the Tube and Pipe Industries

An interview with Moritz Fankhaenel and Jan Holtvlüwer of PPS Pipeline Systems, and Jürgen Krüger of Polysoude

63 Editorial index 64 Advertisers index

11 th International Valve Trade Fair & Conference

The trade magazine for tube and pipe products

Events calendar

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November 2018

The trademagazine for tube and pipe products

The November issue

Yourone-stopequipment supplier

2018

07.09.18 10:48

ASMA-D18007_TitelseiteTPI_04.indd 1

6-8 November FABTECH (Atlanta, USA)

Welcome to the latest Tube Products INTERNATIONAL magazine. This issue we have features on valves, fittings, flanges & connectors, and tube inspection & testing technology. These are two areas of the industry in which new innovations are constantly being developed to meet ever-higher levels of safety and quality around the globe. On page 48, for example, you can read about Yokogawa Electric Corporation receiving an order to provide high-performance FluidCom chemical injection metering valves for two offshore oil fields that are being developed by Equinor ASA. The technology being used is staggering. These advanced valves help to significantly reduce the amount of work that must be performed under very demanding conditions on offshore platforms and also help to protect the environment, causing the minimum of damage and disruption possible. We also take a look at three important industry trade shows this issue in the form of FABTECH 2018, which is being held in Atlanta this year; Tube India 2018 in Mumbai; and Valve World 2018 in Düsseldorf, Germany. The magazine will, of course, be represented at all of these shows so please do come and visit members of our team at the stand if you are there. I will be travelling to my third Tube India trade show in Mumbai so I look forward to seeing the relentless march of progress in this huge country as it fulfils its potential as one of the major economic powers in the world over the next few years, and enjoy its usual high levels of hospitality and amazing food. The advertising deadline for the January issue is 5 November. The January magazine will be distributed at the Boru trade show in Turkey and TOLexpo in France. The issue will also have features on OCTG, gas & pipeline products, and small diameter, high precision tubes. If you would like to submit an article for a future issue, or have an interesting story or case study related to the tube products industry, please contact me at: rory@intras.co.uk

International exhibition www.fabtechexpo.com

27-29 November Tube India (Mumbai, India) International exhibition www.tube-india.com 27-29 November Valve World Expo 2018 (Düsseldorf, Germany) International exhibition www.valveworldexpo.com

2019

14-17 January STEELFAB (Dubai, UAE)

International exhibition www.steelfabme.com

28 Feb – 2 March Boru (Istanbul, Turkey) International exhibition www.boru-tel-rulo-fuari.com

5-8 March TOLexpo (Lyon, France) International exhibition www.tolexpo.com 14-16 May Made In Steel (Milan, Italy) International exhibition www.madeinsteel.it 15-18 May Lamiera (Milan, Italy) International exhibition www.lamiera.net

Enjoy the magazine.

Rory McBride Editor

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TUBE PRODUCTS INTERNATIONAL November 2018

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tubacex.com

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Business & market news

TechnipFMC awards deep water Karish to Corinth Pipeworks SA

will commence later this year at the company’s facility in Greece.

maximum water depth of 1,750m to the receiving terminal onshore. The award for the deep-water pipeline project is another milestone in the development of Corinth Pipeworks’ growing presence in the upstream offshore energy business segment. Pipe manufacturing and coating

Corinth Pipeworks Pipe Industry SA has signed an agreement with TechnipFMC for the manufacture and supply of the steel pipes for Energean’s Karish gas field development located in the south- eastern Mediterranean. The agreement covers 90 km of 24" and 30" LSAW pipe material for the offshore gas pipeline, which connects the subsea manifold at a

TechnipFMC plc – UK www.technipfmc.com Corinth Pipeworks SA – Greece

info@cpw.gr www.cpw.gr

Layout of the Karish gas field

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TUBE PRODUCTS INTERNATIONAL November 2018

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Business & market news

Zohr Project – a major order from the oil and gas industry

for customers worldwide in different material combinations since the mid- 1980s. Today Butting is a major producer of metallurgically clad pipes. For these pipes, the layers of metal are connected firmly to each other metallurgically by a diffusion bridge. Depending on the area of use and the requirements imposed on the material, metallurgically clad pipes are used in applications such as SCRs, risers, and process and line pipes. H Butting GmbH & Co KG – Germany

of L450 MOS or L450 QOS material with contact material UNS N06625 for the Zohr project. In the process, requirements in accordance with API 5LD and other project-specific demands have to be implemented. Cord Lütkemüller; sales line pipes and clad pipes, stated, “We were able to promise the customer to comply with even stricter requirements in the corrosion tests, in close cooperation with the raw material supplier.” The family business has been producing metallurgically clad stainless-steel pipes

Butting has received a major order from the oil and gas industry: Sumitomo Corporation of Tokyo commissioned the company to supply a total of more than 60 km of metallurgically clad pipes for the Zohr project, which is the largest project for gas production in the Mediterranean Sea. The company has already supplied metallurgically clad pipes in 12m lengths along with additional extra quantities for the Zohr project. The latest order encompasses the production of metallurgically clad pipes

info@butting.de www.butting.com

Seatronics increases investment in marine pipe tracking technology

Seatronics, a specialist in the rental and sale of marine electronic equipment, has increased its investment in Teledyne Marine pipe tracking technology with the purchase of a HydroPact 660 system to add to its global rental fleet. The new, compact HydroPACT 660 features a single, small form-factor coil array measuring 1,200 x 600mm at a weight of only 15.8 kg, and offers an operating range of greater than 85 per cent of that of the significantly larger HydroPact 440 system. The smaller and lighter coil array has been designed to help reduce the operating cost of subsea pipe surveys by allowing the use of smaller classes of underwater remotely operated vehicles. The HydroPact 660 operates to 3,000m depth, and is offered with two different power options: 24 VDC or 110 VAC. The installation, operating routines and information displays are identical to those used on the 440 system, utilising the user-friendly, comprehensive DeepView operating software. Derek Donaldson, VP global operations, Seatronics, said, “The investment in the new HydroPact 660 system was a clear choice for Seatronics. Our custom- ers have trust in the Teledyne Marine

geophysical surveying; inspection and construction work; ROV survey sensors; diver-led non-destructive testing; and video inspection. Its skilled engineers provide a comprehensive service that encompasses equipment installation, set-up and calibration, cable moulding

products and we have seen significant interest in their range of pipe tracking solutions. The purchase is yet another example of Seatronics’ continued dedi- cation to providing our global custom- ers with innovative subsea technologies from industry-leading manufacturers.” Seatronics Ltd specialises in subsea marine electronic equipment rental for a range of applications: navigation and positioning; environmental and

and data acquisition. Seatronics Ltd – UK aberdeen@seatronics-group.com www.seatronics-group.com

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November 2018 TUBE PRODUCTS INTERNATIONAL

Business & market news

MST named finalist in 2018 AMM awards MST Seamless Tube & Pipe, a manufacturer of carbon and alloy seamless cold-drawn tube and pipe, has been recognised by American Metal Market (AMM) for its accomplishments in the steel industry. The manufacturing company has been named a finalist in the category of Tube & Pipe Producer of the Year. is the domestic mill that is smallest, but states that it can “still hold its own against the larger global players.”

expansion improves the cold-drawing process and provides customers with a higher quality, more consistent product. These upgrades, expansions and additions have helped MST diversify its product line, produce more product overall, stay competitively priced, create more jobs and expand its operational footprint. The AMM Awards for Steel Excellence feature 16 categories dedicated to all segments of the steel industries. Winners are selected by a panel of judges with extensive steel industry leadership experience. MST Seamless Tube & Pipe – USA www.mstube.com distribution process in dashboards that are optimised by purpose and target user. The new network will enable easier expansion of the water supply and treatment monitoring system as demand grows in the future. “Yokogawa offers effective water distribution management and energy conservation solutions, as well as integration of field data to enable predictive analysis for the water and wastewater domain,” said Anil Singh, technical general manager at RISL. “We expect the new centralised system will deliver significant savings of both water and electricity.” Raman Garg, head of sales for non- conventional solutions at Yokogawa India, commented, “As part of the Smart Cities Mission, the Government of India is promoting models of sustainable urban development in 99 cities across India. Yokogawa is honoured to be selected for this crucial project that will demonstrate how our expertise in industrial automation and IT can deliver long-term benefits to vital social infrastructure like water supply and treatment.” Yokogawa Europe BV – Netherlands info@nl.yokogawa.com www.yokogawa.com

In recent years, MST has invested heavily in capital improvement projects in order to stay competitive, both domestically and globally, and to stay ahead of the manufacturing curve. The company built a 10,000ft 2 pickle house to expand its pickling operations; installed a quench and temper line; and added a 377-foot atmosphere- controlled furnace. It also acquired the Blue Diamond trademark for A106 pressure pipe products. MST capped off its aggressive $45mn plan with the completion of a cold pilger mill. This highly specialised

AMM created the Awards for Steel Excellence in 2010 to honour large and small companies that have achieved excellence in the industry. Typically, finalists for Tube & Pipe Producer of the Year are larger and more widely known. Of the three companies nominated this year – MST, JSW USA and Trinity Products – MST

Water management system for India Yokogawa Electric Corporation’s subsidiary, Yokogawa India Ltd, has been entrusted by the State Government of Rajasthan with the implementation, operations and maintenance of a centralised, integratedwater information management system (WIMS) in Jaipur, the state capital, as part of the Smart Cities Mission. information is stored locally. This means measurement frequency is limited, recorded data is sometimes inaccurate, and central decision-making cannot be carried out in an effective, timely manner.

The WIMS initiative aims to establish a centralised monitoring system for both the potable water supply and industrial and municipal wastewater systems across the state to optimise resource utilisation and improve service delivery. Yokogawa will leverage the open, scalable architecture of its Fast/ Tools TM SCADA system to integrate legacy SCADA installations in 100 geographically remote locations into a single network. The company will also be responsible for implementing water network management and analytics software, as well as developing mobile applications for field personnel. Water flow and energy consumption data from the multiple SCADA systems will be transferred regularly to a central command centre and data storage facility, named the Water Information Hub, to be built at the State Data Center in Jaipur. The new monitoring system will provide a real-time view of assets and the

Awarded through RajCOMP Info Services Ltd (RISL), a Government of Rajasthan company responsible for IT services, the initial commissioning of the multi-million-dollar project will be completed in November 2018, after which Yokogawa will provide 24/7 on-site facility management services for five years. Water demand in Rajasthan, the largest state in India, has continued to rise along with the growth in population, and already exceeds supply in many areas, making it increasingly difficult for the state’s Public Health Engineering Department to deliver the quantity and quality of water required. With the present public drinking water system, which supplies more than 370 million litres per day, most of the data collection has been done manually or using supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems where

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TUBE PRODUCTS INTERNATIONAL November 2018

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Business & market news

Delivering calm to international projects in Indonesia and Nigeria

“It also includes a leak detection system complete with instrumentation to allow the user to monitor the seal performance; an integrated pressure transmitter to monitor the pressure during loading; and an integrated electrical slip ring to allow electrical cable connections from subsea to topside.” In addition to the CalmBuoy Swivels, FES International is supplying chain stoppers for the mooring system and hydraulic umbilical for the Balongan project, and chain stoppers for the mooring system, hydraulic/electric umbilical, and process pipework and valves for the Calm Buoys for the Escravos project. Focusing on the provision of fluid transfer systems through its core product lines, FES International has grown to become the supplier for a wide range of customers globally. FES International – UK fes@fesltd.co.uk www.fesinternational.com

The Escravos Export System Project (EESP) also sees the supply of the turret- type Calm buoy (two in total), which will become part of a new 30" pipeline, approximately 42km long. The Calm buoys will be permanently located in water depths of up to 30m, and will be part of a new SPM system designed to accommodate vessel sizes up to and including VLCCs. The system is intended for loading and unloading between the terminal and offshore tanker, and will be capable of handling up to 30,000 barrels per hour. FES International managing director Rob Anderson said, “These two new contracts demonstrate that the industry is recognising the many benefits the Calm Buoy Swivel brings to the market. “One of the major advantages of the Calm Buoy Swivel is that it enables the replacement of seals on board without the requirement to bring the main buoy into a repair yard, therefore significantly reducing maintenance downtime and being offline for long periods of time.

FES International, a producer of fluid transfer systems to oil and gas clients, has secured two new contracts, to supply equipment to projects in Indonesia and Nigeria. The company has supplied both projects with its Calm Buoy Swivels – a sealing and bearing system, fully certified by DNV GL. The swivel technology allows the buoy to fully rotate while maintaining a leak-free joint between the subsea pipelines and vessel, during the transfers of fluids such as oil, LPG and water. The contract for both projects was awarded by Orwell Offshore Consortium. The Balongan upgrade project involves the supply of the turret-type Calm buoy, which will be permanently located in water depths of 26m, off the north-east coast of West Java. The buoy is part of the new SPM system, which is designed to accommodate up to 165,000 DWT vessels and is intended to be used to offload crude oil from tankers to the RU VI storage tanks, for consumption in Indonesia.

FES International’s Calm Buoy

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TUBE PRODUCTS INTERNATIONAL November 2018

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Business & market news

Lincoln Electric appoints executive vice-president

Electric’s chairman, president and chief executive officer. Mr Nangle joined Lincoln Electric in 1979 and held numerous sales management positions with increasing responsibility. In 1999 he was appointed president of the company’s Harris Calorific subsidiary, and in 2003 was appointed as president of the retail subsidiary WCTA LLC. He was also elected president of JW Harris Co in 2005. Mr Nangle holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Roanoke College and an MBA from California State University, Fresno. Lincoln Electric designs, develops and manufactures arc welding products, robotic arc welding systems, and plasma and oxy-fuel cutting equipment. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, thermoplastic connection solutions since 1996, including compression fittings, sprinklers and drippers as well as valves and filters. Its certified products are used in drinking water treatment and in supplying drinking water and gas to households, as well as in water-saving micro-irrigation systems for agriculture. The products are sold primarily in India and other Asian countries. Targeted acquisitions contribute to diversifying business activities and strengthening the growth of Norma Group. Acquisitions are therefore an integral part of its long-term growth strategy, and since its IPO in 2011 the group has acquired a total of 14 companies. Norma Group SE – Germany www.normagroup.com

Lincoln Electric Holdings has announced the promotion of David J Nangle to executive vice president. This is in addition to his role as president of the Harris Products Group segment. As president of Harris, Mr Nangle has successfully expanded the Harris brand through product innovations, and has advanced operational excellence through extensive lean and environmental, health and safety (EH&S) initiatives. His organisations’ efforts have resulted in an improvement in segment profitability and operational efficiency in the last five years. “Dave’s strong leadership has been invaluable in advancing Harris towards commercial andoperational excellence,” stated Christopher L Mapes, Lincoln Norma Group has announced that the acquisition of Indian water management specialist Kimplas Piping Systems Ltd has been successfully closed. Norma Group expects the acquisition to contribute approximately €10mn to sales in 2018. Kimplas will be immediately consolidated. The acquisition was financed through existing long-term bank loans. “The acquisition of Kimplas will see Norma Group expand its water management portfolio and strengthen its position in Asia,” said Bernd Kleinhens, chairman of the management board of Norma Group. “Along with electro mobility, water management is one of the future-oriented markets in which we would like to continue growing for the future.” Based inNashik inWestern India, Kimplas has been developing and producing

David J Nangle

USA, the company has 63 manufacturing locations, including operations and joint ventures in 23 countries, and a worldwide network of distributors and sales offices covering more than 160 countries.

Lincoln Electric – USA www.lincolnelectric.com

Norma Group closes acquisition of Kimplas

Trading

Dedicated supplier of seamless steel tube and pipe!

• EN 10294 • EN 10305 • EN 10216 • EN 10297 • EN 10210 • API 5L • ASTM A106 • ASTM A179 • EN 10305-1/-4 • EN 10216-1/-2/-3/-5 • E 25 L/L1/M • EN 10297 • EN 10210 • ASTM A106 • ASTM A179 • ASTM A213 • AST 268 • ASTM A312 • ASTM A789

Contact: Tel: +44 203 735 7247 Emails: info@qualitube.co.uk 3.08 Q West Great West Road

Brentford TW8 0GP

Member of the ITA

www.qualitube.co.uk

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Business & market news

BLECH India returns to Mumbai in 2019 for sixth edition

cent). Visitors from steel and aluminium construction (7 per cent), automotive industry and related suppliers (5 per cent), and iron and steel production (3 per cent) were also in attendance. As in previous years, BLECH India 2017 was co-located with Fastener Fair India 2017, which welcomed 3,632 trade visitors and 187 exhibiting companies. The fastener and fixing technology exhibition will return to New Delhi in 2018. For companies interested in exhibiting at BLECH India 2019, the organiser has produced an exhibitor brochure that includes information on stand reservation and stand packages, the venue, and India’s sheet metal market. Mack Brooks Exhibitions Ltd – UK

international networking experience. International exhibitors came from Germany, Italy, the UK, Turkey, China and Spain. BLECH India 2017 provided a networking platform for exhibitors to establish business relations with customers, agents and partners in India. The exhibition was an opportunity for exhibitors to raise brand awareness within this vibrant and growing market. Exhibitors and visitors were quick to give positive feedback, with exhibitors commenting on the high quality of visitors. The exhibition attracted visitors from many key industry sectors. The greatest number of visitors came from the mechanical engineering industry sector (31 per cent), and sheet metal products, components and assemblies (28 per

The sixth edition of BLECH India, an exhibition for the sheet metal working industry, will be held from 25 to 27 April 2019, at the Bombay Exhibition Centre in Mumbai, India. Taking place in the newly built Hall 4, the exhibition will build on the success of the five previous events. Encouraged by India’s manufacturing initiative ‘Make in India’, the fifth edition of BLECH India, held in 2017, demonstrated the campaign’s intention to foster entrepreneurship and facilitate business opportunities on a global scale. An audience of 4,568 attended the show – an increase of more than 20 per cent, compared to the previous edition held in 2015. 151 exhibitors from ten countries helped to make the event an

info@blechindia.com www.blechindia.com

ESAB gathers elite welders to share advice and tips

Hot Welding Tips playlist on ESAB’s YouTube channel. “The welding industry has embraced Instagram and YouTube as ways to

world, to share knowledge and provide practical welding advice through social media. To begin the programme, each partner has created welding tips videos for esab.com/elite and the

In an effort to help members of the welding community master their craft, ESAB Welding & Cutting Products has created the ESAB Elite, a team of respected welders from around the

share work, solve problems and challenge each other to see who can lay the best beads,” said Steven Molenda, ESAB’s director of global marcom and marketing strategies. “The ESAB Elite programme adds fuel to their fire and channels the energy of these social media leaders so that the industry collectively benefits.” The inaugural Elite class repre- sents a global team of fabricators with diverse backgrounds and skill sets. From creating custom metal roses to designing food trucks, each partner has talent and a desire to see the industry grow. ESAB Welding & Cutting

Products – USA www.esab.com

ESAB Elite’s team of welders will share their wisdom and provide practical welding advice

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TUBE PRODUCTS INTERNATIONAL November 2018

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Business & market news

Robotic cleaning pioneer launches new base of operations in Houston

Tube Tech’s clients include global majors in oil and gas and petrochemicals. The company says that it earns its reputation through a process of innovation and high-tech solutions to respond to new challenges facing companies with fouled equipment. The launch of Tube Tech’s US base also comes with the announcement of the company’s new partnership with Jetstream of Houston LLP. In an effort to deliver on-the-ground solutions to its customers, the alliance with Jetstream will ensure access to North America’s leading pump equipment range, with logistical savings to be passed on to customers for further competitive advantage. Tube Tech International Ltd – UK

downturn in oil prices – unnecessary shutdown is just not an option. Where clients may have been reluctant to try alternative solutions before, they are now forced to explore more efficient options, and the results speak for themselves. We have worked in the US for a while and the response to our technology and the immediate ROI it delivers has been overwhelming.” Unlike traditional cleaning methods, which typically only achieve two per cent surface area contact, Tube Tech’s remote, no-man entry, robotic technology offers less environmental and human risk. Mr Chanel stated: “Even in challenging environments we consistently deliver more than ninety per cent clean with a fraction of the downtime usually associated with heavily fouled assets.”

In response to demand to save heavily fouled heat transfer assets across US Gulf Coast refinery operations, UK-founded Tube Tech International is launching a dedicated local base in Houston, Texas, USA. The move, set to serve a client base that loses millions of dollars on lengthy and preventable shutdowns, will see Tube Tech develop strategic local relationships with operators in the region and extend its scheduled cleaning provision, alongside its well- respected portfolio of critical cleaning services. Christian Chanel, vice president of Tube Tech Inc, will be leading the operations in Houston. He said, “It has got to a point where the industry must evolve to tackle the

info@tubetech.com www.tubetech.com

 SIL 3Third Party Certified

 Essential component in the control of electro-hydraulic and pneumatic valve actuators  Provides a unique digital partial stroke test solution suitable for SIL applications  Low power - normal operation is less than 1W

EHPC210 SIL 3 Certification Partial Stroke Function

Bifold Fluidpower Ltd,Bifold Group, Broadgate,Oldham Broadway Business Park,Chadderton, Greater Manchester,OL9 9XA.UK. Tel: +44 (0) 161 345 4777 Email: marketing@bifold.co.uk Web: bifold.co.uk

Half page Advert for Tube Products International Magazines Nov Issue 2018.indd 1

23/08/2018 15:38:44

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Business & market news

ClearWell scales up North American presence with double appointment

Commenting on his appointment, Mr Gaudin said, “I’m pleased to be working with ClearWell and the opportunities the role will provide. Having worked in the oil and gas sector for over two decades, it’s clear to me that ClearWell’s technology is one of a kind, is in the early stages of commercial growth and has huge potential for expansion in North America.” ClearWell is a patented scale control technology that uses pulsed radio frequency signals to prevent the formation of mineral scale in oil and gas wells and process systems. The chemical-free solution runs continuously over the life of the well and requires no intervention and therefore no production loss to install. ClearWell Oilfield Solutions – USA www.clearwell-os.com

Flow assurance and scale control specialist ClearWell Oilfield Solutions has strengthened its US presence with the appointment of two key positions. Brian Gaudin and John Simonson join the company as director, business development, and business development manager, respectively. Mr Gaudin brings 23 years of business development and account management experience to ClearWell, having worked with top-tier oil and gas service companies. Most recently he held the position of global account manager for Intertek, where he was responsible for a collective group of oil and gas supermajors’ accounts. Mr Simonson’s business development and sales experience is rooted within the domestic and international oil and gas sectors, with specific focus on US land and service operations.

Scale build up on an oil pipe

In addition, as ClearWell focuses on business growth and adding value for its clients, William Baker Grant, currently US business manager, has been appointed director, applications engineering. In his new position he will head ClearWell’s technical function to improve the technical quality of well-site delivery, and drive innovation and consistency.

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November 2018 TUBE PRODUCTS INTERNATIONAL

Business & market news

Masterflex opens up markets in Spain and Portugal

This development of business undertakings on the Iberian Peninsula comes as a result of the expansion of the company’s headquarters in Gelsenkirchen, Germany. The group also launched a new website in Spanish at the start of this year to provide digital support to the sales activities. The Masterflex Group specialises in the development and manufacture of connecting and tubing systems made of high-performance plastics and textiles. The group brings together six companies: Masterflex, Matzen & Timm, Novoplast Schlauchtechnik, Fleima-

rate of economic growth in many production sectors that are of relevance to us.” The group’s experience in product distribution will ensure that the products offered by Masterflex and Novoplast Schlauchtechnik will find suitable niches in these strategically important markets. According to Mr Alvarez, there is considerable demand for these products in the aviation construction, glass and wind power sectors, as well as the plastics, pharmaceutical, and bulk solids handling industries. Important potential applications would include use in cooling and air conditioning systems and in suction transport.

Masterflex is actively expanding its tubing and connector sales operations in Europe and will also begin the distribution of its product- and system- specific solutionsmade of special plastics and textiles in Spain and Portugal. “We consider that there is still considerable potential that we can exploit in Europe and by establishing our own agency in Spain we believe we are firmly on the road to enhancing our business prospects in that country,” explained Dr Andreas Bastin, chairman of the Masterflex Group. Sergio Alvarez, the Masterflex Group sales manager for Spain and Portugal, added, “Spain and Portugal are interesting markets exhibiting a good

Plastic, Masterduct and APT. Masterflex Group – Germany www.masterflexgroup.com

Pipetech wins project with Nexen Pipetech, an independent process system integrity specialist, has won a project with operator Nexen to deliver Active Caisson Management on its Scott platform. also includes ongoing inspection and monitoring.

Scott platform to monitor the caisson’s internal scale levels and intervene if required. This proactive approach is vital in today’s cost-effective market.” Following a site survey to identify the full requirements, Pipetech deployed a team of four to carry out the clean utilising its Aqua Milling ® technology. The system has a track record in successfully removing tough scale and blockages, and has the ability to reach up to 600m in a straight line from a single point of entry. It can negotiate up to 20 directional changes. Pipetech is currently the only company licensed to use Aqua Milling in the UK. The technology was deployed 27m above sea level and recovered back to the 1.5" entry point, mitigating any chance of blockages. In total the project took eight days to complete, with a full camera inspection conducted during a planned outage to further confirm the results of the cleaning. Pipetech Norway pipetech@pipetech.no www.pipetech.no

Eric Doyle, managing director at Pipetech, said, “This project is a fantastic example of our ability to mobilise quickly and remove stubborn scale which has been problematic to tackle. By carrying out the work while the platform remained in operation, we saved the valuable cost implications of shutting down production as well as a lengthy start up process. With our many years of caisson experience, we understand the importance of a proactive integrity management plan. Our Active Caisson Management service means we will continue to manage inspection on the

Active Caisson Management delivers a single-sourced solution for inspection, cleaning, coating and planned and programmed maintenance and repair scheduling, to drive cost efficiencies and maintain asset integrity throughout the lifecycle of a caisson. Pipetech has completed the first stage to remove internal scale build up from a 42" produced water caisson on the platform, located 188 km from Aberdeen, while it remained in operation. The scope

Before and after the cleaning process

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Business & market news

Forbes magazine names Hypertherm one of “America’s Best Employers” in new 2018 ranking

“It’s a testament to the culture created upon our founding 50 years ago and the foresight shown by founder Dick Couch and his wife and business partner Barbara Couch in supporting our transition to a 100 per cent employee- owned company.” Hypertherm designs and manufactures industrial cutting products for use in industries such as shipbuilding, manufacturing and automotive repair. Its product line includes cutting systems, in addition to CNC motion and height controls, CAM nesting software, robotic

The surveys were anonymous, allowing participants to openly share their opinions. Respondents were asked to rate the likelihood of recommending their employer to others, in addition to answering questions related to working conditions, salary, potential for development and company image. Respondents also had the opportunity to nominate organisations in industries outside their own. The final list ranks the employers receiving the most recommendations. “We are honoured by our inclusion on this list of America’s Best Employers for 2018,” said Evan Smith, president and CEO.

Hypertherm, a manufacturer of industrial cutting systems and software, has announced its selection as a Forbes magazine America’s Best honouree, taking 30 th place on the list of the 500 Best Midsize Employers, and second among engineering and manufacturing companies. Forbes worked with market research company Statista to pinpoint the companies liked best by employees. The rankings are divided into two lists: one for large companies with more than 5,000 employees, and the other for mid-sized companies like Hypertherm that employ between 1,000 and 5,000 people. To create the list, Statista surveyed 30,000 Americans working for both large and mid-sized employers.

software and consumables. Hypertherm Europe BV – Netherlands www.hypertherm.com

Custom made pipe nipples made in house Custom made pipe nipples in house Custom pipe nipples made in house

IMPORTERS AND DISTRIBUTORS OF eUrOPeAN FAsteNers, FittiNGs AND Metric hArDWAre IMPORTERS AND DIST IBUTORS OF eUrOPeAN FAsteNers, FittiNGs AND Metric hArDWAre IMPORTERS AND DISTRIBUTORS OF eUrOPeAN FAsteNers, FittiNGs AND Metric hArDWAre

BritishMetrics stocks a comprehensive range of hydraulic & pneumatic fittings, tubing, adaptors and flanges. Full range of adaptors BSP/BSPT/NPT/Metric in all materials for hydraulic, pneumatic and electrical use. Metric, British, BSF, BSW, and BA fasteners are available. BUY ONLINE NOW, we ship WORLDWIDE, ask about your discounts . Now offering metric Aseptic fittings and stainless Pro Press fittings. BritishMetrics stocks a comprehensive range of hydraul c & pneumatic fittings, tubing, ada tors and flanges. Full range of adaptors BSP/BSPT/NPT/Metric in all materials for hydraulic, pneumatic and electrical use. Metric, British, BSF, BSW, an BA fasteners re vailable. BUY ONLINE NOW, we ship WORLDWIDE, ask about your discounts . Now offering metric Aseptic fittings and stainless Pro Press fittings. BritishMetrics stocks a comprehensive range of hydraulic & pneumatic fittings, tubing, adaptors and flanges. Full range of adaptors BSP/BSPT/NPT/Metric in all materials for hydraulic, pneumatic and electrical use. Metric, British, BSF, BSW, and BA fasteners are available. BUY ONLINE NOW, we ship WORLDWIDE, ask about your discounts . Now offering metric Aseptic fittings and stainless Pro Press fittings.

www.britishmetrics.com www.britishmetrics.com www.britishmetrics.com

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Business & market news

Zekelman acquires Hayes Modular Group Zekelman Industries has acquired Hayes Modular Group, based in Austin, Texas, USA. Through this acquisition, Zekelman has expanded its presence in the modular construction industry.

projects for the modular division at Zekelman Industries.” Zekelman Industries includes the oper- ating divisions of Atlas Tube, Pico- ma, Sharon Tube, Wheatland Tube, Western Tube and Z Modular. It is a major independent manufacturer of hol- low structural sections (HSS) and steel pipe, and a producer of electrical con- duit and elbows, couplings and nipples. Zekelman Industries – USA

in Hayes Modular Group, we are now able to supply owners and developers with a complete package of modular services. From design and engineering of a project to a complete fit-out of each module with Z Modular, and with the delivery and installation expertise of Hayes Modular Group, Zekelman Indus- tries is a one-stop shop for your next modular construction project.” Rick Tavern, who will serve as general manager of Hayes Modular Group, commented, “We are very happy to be joining the Zekelman Industries family. Our wealth of experience in the modular construction industry and connections with key owners and developers across North America will open doors to future

Founded in 1986, Hayes Modular Group specialises in the installation of large-scale modular projects across North America. Its next project, scheduled for installation in 2019, will be Cheatham Street Flats, a student-housing complex in San Marcos, Texas. Mickey McNamara, president of Zekel- man Industries’ modular construction division, said, “With the new investment

info@zekelman.com www.zekelman.com Hayes Modular Group – USA info@hayesmodular.com www.hayesmodular.com

Val-Matic appoints new engineering project manager Val-Matic has announced Tim O’Shea as its new engineering project manager. Mr O’Shea has more than 18 years’ experience in the valve industry, with seven valve-related US patents attached to his name. In addition to his valve design and application experience, Mr O’Shea participates in AWWA committees covering air, ball, butterfly, check, cone and plug valves as well as those for valve actuators, waterworks gaskets and elastomers, and grooved end connections. He is the chair of the AWWA subcommittee on hydraulic and pneumatic actuators. He is also active in many MSS committees and is the chair of the MSS cast iron valve committee and the MSS coordinating committee. Val-Matic Valve & Manufacturing Corp – USA valves@valmatic.com www.valmatic.com

Tim O’Shea

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Conex Bänninger strengthens team with key appointment

“We launched our award winning >B< MaxiPro press-fit solution to the market last year to further establish our presence in the ACR industry. The good news is that this innovative solution is going from strength to strength based on its ability to significantly reduce installation time, costs and health and safety risks on-site when compared to traditional brazing. With Mike on-board in the south-east, our aim is to penetrate the market further and increase brand exposure on our complete ACR range.” Commenting on his new role, Mr Lucken said, “There’s huge potential for Conex Bänninger in the ACR sector, not just for our revolutionary >B< MaxiPro solution, but also for the K65 high- pressure tube system for refrigeration applications and the >B< ACR range. I was immensely pleased to be offered the opportunity to join the business

Conex Bänninger, a manufacturer of fittings, valves and accessories, has strengthened its UK OEM and ACR team with the announcement of Mike Lucken as its new regional technical sales manager for the south-east. With more than 22 years’ experience in the ACR market, Mr Lucken brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the business, having previously worked in various engineering and management roles for Wolseley UK, GEC Marconi, HRP and Kooltech. Bill Barlow, business unit director for Conex Bänninger, commented, “Mike’s appointment highlights our ongoing commitment to the ACR sector. He has a proven track record of delivering strong results and developing excellent relationships so I wish him every success in his new role.

Mike Lucken

and plan to assist Bill and the team by playing an important role to ensure our ACR solutions become the number one fitting of choice for the industry.” Conex Bänninger – UK www.conexbanninger.com

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Business & market news

Materials Processing Institute and University of Leicester collaborate

organisations that work in advanced materials, low-carbon energy and the circular economy. It is recognised as a leading centre for the global steel industry, delivering research and innovation projects, consultancy and training. Chris McDonald, CEO of the Materials Processing Institute, said, “We are delighted to have been selected as a research partner for the development of new steel products and environmental technologies, for one of the world’s leading producers. “The institute is internationally recog- nised for its long track record in indus- trial R&D and is a globally recognised research centre working with many steel companies to improve their products, processes and productivity. “The collaborative expertise and industry knowledge between the institute, the University of Leicester and TWI will prove to be an effective partnership that will add real value to the research project, and support the wider Industrial Challenge programme.” Yixin Huang, chair of NISCO’s board, said, “A NISCO-branded research centre has been established at the University of Leicester in collaboration with TWI and the Materials Processing Institute. “The centre will focus on research and development activities in a number of areas where our UK collaborators’ expertise can be deployed in areas of mutual interest. “It will help NISCO achieve industrial upgrading and high quality development. At the same time, it also helps the University of Leicester and British research institutions to industrialisation of scientific and technological achievements as soon as possible. The research centre would be a model for Sino-British cooperation, and thus benefit the people of the two countries.” Materials Processing Institute – UK enquiries@mpiuk.com www.mpiuk.com

Department, which forms part of the Jiangsu-UK Industrial Challenge programme that aims to stimulate economic growth in China. The Materials Processing Institute welcomed delegates from NISCO to its UK campus for a tour of its facilities and to discuss the research project. It builds on previous visits to the institute and research partnerships with a number of international steel companies, including thyssenkrupp, British Steel and Liberty House Group. The UK’s innovation agency, Innovate UK, has allocated up to £5mn to fund projects in the programme, with the Materials Processing Institute successful in winning support for the joint development project. The Jiangsu Science and Technology department is also funding eligible partners from the Jiangsu province, as all projects involved in the programme must involve at least one UK business and one from the province. The Materials Processing Institute is a research and innovation centre serving

UK-based research and innovation centre the Materials Processing Institute has continued to strengthen its ties with international steel producers, as part of a collaborative £500,000 research project. The institute has partnered with the University of Leicester and TWI Ltd to support Chinese steel manufacturer Nanjing Iron and Steel Company (NISCO). The project forms part of a £2mn investment by NISCO at the University of Leicester in creating a UK-based steel research activity. The collaboration aims to develop technology that can control the solidification process during the casting of very thick semi-finished steel products at NISCO’s production line, and improve productivity by reducing the segregation and porosity in these materials. Steel manufacturer NISCO is based in Nanjing, the capital of China’s eastern Jiangsu province. The research project follows a joint call for R&D between Innovate UK and the Jiangsu Science and Technology

(From left) Professor Hong Dong, University of Leicester; Chris McDonald, CEO, Materials Processing Institute; Yixin Huang, chair of NISCO’s board; Alan Scholes, chief technology officer, Materials Processing Institute; and Juefei Chu, chief engineer, NISCO

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