TPi September 2013

products & developments

Pipe alignment clamp proves popular PCES Ltd has received an order from S&D Fabricators Ltd, a pipework fabrication company in Aberdeen, Scotland, for its Condell Pipe Alignment Clamp. The company was said to be impressed with the simple concept, and the speed and accuracy of fit ups. S&D joins J Murphy International, Balfour Beatty CLG and Caledonian Pipe Services in appreciating the benefits of the multi-functional alignment tool,

which combines a jig action with clamping.

Suitable for standard carbon or exotic materials, and with a capacity of 1" to 8" pipe (12" Class 150 flanges), the Condell clamp brings versatility and safety to the workplace. It allows one operative to complete all pipe fitting and fabrication needs, fittings to fittings, and pipe to fittings. Recent positive comments about the clamp include: “I didn’t know what to expect when I was invited to this demonstration, but this tool is fantastic; I want

Condell alignment clamp

The clamp in action

considerable increase in productivity as well as improved accuracy of fit-up” (Balfour-Beatty CLG Ltd).

one in all our facilities” (Doosan Power Systems); “Brilliantly simple idea, great tool; why has nobody else thought of this before?” (CBI-Shaw); and “Once we started using the Condell Alignment Clamp we immediately noticed a

PCES Ltd – UK www.pces.uk.com

Strengthening pipeline safety with inspection technology

potential leaks and safeguard its natural gas system in Northern and Central California. “Our work with PG&E is based on the solitary goal of strengthening PG&E’s overall, multi-faceted safety strategy with innovative technology,” said Dr Daniel Schaper, head of research and develop- ment, 3P Services. “The highly detailed data obtained from our smart pigs pro- vides PG&E engineers with accurate and reliable information with which to make informed decisions about how best to keep their pipeline network safe.”

“Ensuring that our pipelines are in safe operating condition is ourmost important job,” said Nick Stavropoulos, executive vice president, PG&E gas operations. “Smart pig technology tremendously enhances our ability to perform routine inspection and maintenance system- wide faster, more efficiently and with greater confidence.” The flexible, multi-diameter smart pig travels through the pipeline, using a combination of sensor technologies to collect information that is then analysed to assess the condition of the pipe. It can identify dents, corrosion and other defects that could compromise the safety of the pipeline. If any defects are found on a segment of pipe, PG&E will excavate to repair or replace the segments. Smart pigs are just one of many tools PG&E is using to monitor for

Building on its efforts to enhance pipeline safety throughout Northern and Central California, USA, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) has announced that it will add a new, customised in-line inspection device to its growing suite of technology used in the field. Working from inside natural gas pipelines, this cutting-edge ‘smart pig’ provides an efficient and accurate way to determine the condition of PG&E’s natural gas transmission system. Built by 3P Services, the custom smart pig navigates tight bends and turns in pipelines ranging from 30" to 36" in diameter. Designed and produced especially for PG&E’s system, the smart pig will provide sophisticated data about the pipeline’s condition. The tool is currently in development at 3P Services in Lingen, Germany.

3P Services – Germany info@3p-services.com www.3p-services.com

PacificGasandElectricCompany –USA www.pge.com

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Tube Products International September 2013

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