wiredInUSA May 2018

Issue No. 83 - May 2018

www.wiredInUSA.com

America’s online magazine for wire and cable

wiredIn USA

Project poised Page 9

Boost for employees. Page 10

Cleats recruited. Page 25

Chinese take away a world record. Page 31

EDITOR

It is now the turn of the US to provide a home for the booming wire and cable industry, for a week at least, in the form of Wire Expo. The Wire Association International’s Operations Summit and Wire Expo is being staged in Nashville, Tennessee, from 14 th to 16 th May. Leaders and wire and cable industry colleagues will be taking part in the biennial staging where the keynote speaker will be former Navy SEAL Curt Cronin. Staged at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center, Monday 14 th May kicks off with the Fundamentals of Wire & Cable Manufacturing as the starting point for 14 presentations on day one. The table-top exhibits start on Tuesday, running alongside another full day of papers. The event ends on Thursday with a post-show plant tour at the Nissan Motor Company in Smyrna, Tennessee. Our coverage in the latest issue of wiredInUSA starts on page 36. All are welcome at Booth 214 to collect a free CD of wiredInUSA and our sister magazines, EuroWire and Wire & Cable ASIA.

David Bell Editor

3

wiredInUSA - May 2018

May 2018 Issue No.83 CONTENTS

06 PAGE

Show Diary 2018

09 PAGE

Making the News Industry news from the USA

24 PAGE

Europe news The latest news from Europe

30 PAGE

Asia & Africa News The latest news from Asia & Africa

36 PAGE

WAI Operations Summit & Wire Expo 2018 Nashville, Tennessee

64 PAGE

Products, Machines & Technology The latest news from machine industries

wiredInUSA - May 2018

4

wiredIn USA

INTRAS INTRAS LIMITED

© 2018 Intras Limited UK ISSN 2046 - 9497 Publishers of EuroWire and Wire & Cable ASIA magazines

INTRAS OFFICES Europe: 46 Holly Walk, Leamington Spa Warwickshire CV32 4HY, UK

Tel: +44 1926 334137 Fax: +44 1926 314755

Email: read@wiredinusa.com Website: www.wiredinusa.com

USA: Danbury Corporate Center, 107 Mill Plain Road, Danbury, CT 06811, USA Tel: +1 203 794 0444 Email: doug@intras.co.uk News Editor David Bell david@wiredinusa.com Features Editor (USA) Dorothy Fabian Features Editor (Europe) Gill Watson Publisher Caroline Sullens

Sales & Marketing (International) Sales Manager Jason Smith jason@wiredinusa.com +44 1926 834 684 Accounts Manager Julie Case juliecase@intras.co.uk

5

wiredInUSA - May 2018

Diary Shows & Events 2018

May 14-16 May 2018 WAI Operations Summit & Expo Nashville, Tennessee, USA www.wirenet.org June 11-13 June 2018 Wire & Cable Guangzhou Guangzhou, China www.wire-cable-china.com

june 6-8 June 2018 The 19 th China International Spring Industry Exhibition

Guangzhou, China www.julang.com.cn

October 23-26 October 2018 EuroBLECH Hanover, Germany www.euroblech.com September 26-29 September 2018 wire China 2018 Shanghai, China www.wirechina.net

october 14-17 October 2018 IWCS 2018 Rhode Island, USA www.iwcs.org

For more info visit: www.wiredinusa.com/showinfo.php

wiredInUSA - May 2018

6

EASIER QUICKER LIGHTER Unique, original-content news and information for the domestic US wire and cable market.

wiredIn USA Digital . Networking . Monthly .

wiredIn USA

wiredIn USA

Delivered direct to your email inbox or available on-line FREE... so pass on to colleagues !

www.wiredinUSA.com

8

Project poised M A K I N G T H E NEWS

Developers of a $2 billion project to carry renewable energy from New Mexico and Arizona are awaiting approval before beginning the construction of two transmission lines. The SunZia project consists of two bi- directional extra-high voltage electric transmission lines and substations that will transport energy across the desert southwest. SunZia’s total transmission capacity has an approved rating from the Western Electricity Coordinating Council of 3,000MW for two single- circuit 500kV AC lines. SunZia submitted its application to the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission in March for approval of transmission line locations, and a public hearing is expected for

June 2018. Developers hope to start construction later this year, with commercial operations beginning in 2020. The project has previously aroused controversy; disputes initially arose over its proximity to a US military installation, and environmentalists have raised concerns about effects on wildlife. The proposed transmission lines would cross 520 miles (836km) of state, federal and private land in the two states. It took federal land managers about six years to review the project’s potential effects on the environment, including the rural desert landscape and historical resources.

9

wiredInUSA - May 2018

Photo by Mathieu Turle on Unsplash

Boost for employees

As a direct result of recent tax reforms, Southwire will reinvest approximately $9 million dollars into the lives, and pockets, of its employees. A press release said that in addition to global, one-time employee bonuses, the company is expanding its parental leave policy and taking steps to strengthen its commitment to education, skilled trade development, science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) programs and diversity in the workplace. Full-time US employees, with the exception of executives and upper management, will each receive a $1,000 bonus, while full-time employees outside the US will get a bonus of $250 or the international equivalent. These investments will impact the majority of Southwire’s nearly 7,500 employees.

“Building organizational capability is one of the key components of our company’s strategy, and it is vital that we make the right decisions as we continually enhance Southwire’s great culture,” said Southwire president and CEO Rich Stinson. “We’re off to a good start in 2018, and I am pleased to be able to share this benefit, both monetarily and through the extension of new and existing programs and partnerships, with the Southwire family.” Southwire will also offer a bridge scholarship program for eligible hourly employees seeking to further their education through a degree or technical certification. There also are plans “to make strong investments into new and existing industry partnerships” to attract diverse candidates into Southwire’s manufacturing and STEM careers.

wiredInUSA - May 2018

10

New York grid

New York state is to spend $15 million on grid improvements. The move aims to support the state’s energy storage and renewable power goals. The spending will be administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and will back the development of a “high-performing” smart grid capable of accommodating an increasing renewable energy capacity.

The funds will come under New York’s $5.3 billion Clean Energy Fund.

Governor Andrew M Cuomo said: “I encourage entrepreneurs and clean energy companies to join in New York’s mission to lead the nation in protecting the planet by investing in renewable energy, and help make our system more resilient against whatever Mother Nature throws our way.”

Clinton High Frequency Spark Tester

NEW!

Auto calibration with Clinton STCAL system Pinhole and bare wire di erentiation Detachable display can be located 25’ away Flexible front panel password security Optional Ethernet/IP, PROFINET, PROFIBUS Modbus TCP and Analog communications Easy connection to most PLCs Voltage Watchdog

HF-15B Spark Tester

(860) 669-7548 www.clintoninstrument.com

Photo by Jeremy Bishop on Unsplash

Hawaiian solar

Duke Energy-owned REC Solar and Hawaiian Electric Co have broken ground on a 20MW, fixed-tilt solar power facility at the US Navy’s joint base Pearl Harbor- Hickam West Loch annex. Oncecompleted, theWest Loch solar farm will produce the lowest-cost renewable energy in the state at less than 8 cents per kilowatt hour. REC Solar will build the 80,760-panel solar facility, the first grid-scale solar project to be owned and operated by Hawaiian Electric. Over its expected 25-year lifespan, the solar farm will save Hawaiian Electric customers about $109 million, reducing the utility’s use of imported oil by 76,000 barrels annually. The facility will feed

into the island’s power grid and serve all customers on O’ahu. The solar facility is on US Navy-owned land. In exchange for the land, Hawaiian Electricwill provide electrical infrastructure upgrades to Navy facilities. Hawaii’s clean energy mandate calls for 100 percent renewable energy by 2045. Hawaiian Electric is currently seeking qualified proposals for nearly 400MW of grid-scale renewable energy projects for O’ahu, Maui and Hawaii Island, the largest procurement in the state’s history. In the first nine months of 2017, the state generated over 10 percent of its electricity from solar, one of only three states to do so.

wiredInUSA - May 2018

12

US Secretary of Energy, Rick Perry

US solar grants

nation leads the world in energy production and innovation.”

US Secretary of Energy, Rick Perry, has announced grants of up to $105.5 million for the continued development of solar technology. The department’s solar energy technologies office plans to fund 70 projects to advance both solar photovoltaic and concentrating solar thermal power technologies, as well as the means to integrate them into the nation’s electricity grid. “American ingenuity is the engine of our energy economy,” said Secretary Perry. “Investing in all of our abundant energy sources, including solar technologies, will help to drive down costs and ensure that the

The funding program will focus on four areas: advanced solar systems integration technologies that enable the seamless coupling of solar energy into a reliable energy grid; concentrating solar power research and development enabling the solar industry to reach the DOE’s 2030 levelized cost of electricity targets; photovoltaic research and development to increase performance, reduce materials and improve reliability; and workforce initiatives to prepare the solar industry for a digital future, while also increasing the number of veterans and participants in the solar industry.

wiredInUSA - May 2018

16

Flexible payoff

disabled for unused positions. The machine is completely guarded, with doors locked and interlocked during operation. The payoff communicates with the Dynamex cabler and provides a “ready” signal, while the neutralizer can be selected or deselected from the cabler control panel. Neutralizer to cabler communication is optimized with Dynamex cablers. The payoff can operate with other cablers, though not utilizing all the features.

Dynamex Corporation has released a new, high speed, multi-position advanced neutralizer payoff with PLC/HMI control. Wire tension can be set individually in the HMI foreachposition,and ismaintainedthroughout the emptying of each reel. The momentary diameter of each reel is displayed, and a “low wire” warning is displayed individually. Each position can be selected and deselected from the HMI. The payoff senses the absence of any reel and automatically sets it as unused. Individual broken wire sensing is automatically

DeWAL PTFE Films and Tapes New solutions for challenging applications

DeWAL designs and manufactures a broad assortment of skived, unsintered and low density PTFE films and tapes. Our specialty laminates combine PTFE with porous substrates and films to withstand abrasion, harsh chemicals, hostile environments and irregular surfaces. For cost-effective film and tape solutions for masking, insulating, shielding, conducting and coating, call DeWAL today.

15 Ray Trainor Drive Narragansett, RI 02882

www.dewal.com usa1@rogerscorporation.com 800-366-8356 (International: 001-401-789-9736)

For details and specs, go to www.dewal.com.

17

wiredInUSA - May 2018

Image: www.atcllc.com/straitscables/

Cable leak causes concern

Michigan’s environmental agency has advised nearby towns to monitor their drinking water. The leak was discovered after the two cables tripped offline. Pressure on the system was reduced to keep the loss to a minimum while staff traced the source of the leak. The cause was unknown, but both cables had sustained damage, Olson said. The leaked coolant is known to be highly toxic to at least one type of aquatic insect in the Great Lakes, but is considered less of a threat to fish.

Submerged electricity cables between Michigan’s two peninsulas were shut down after leaking around 2,080 liters of coolant fluid into the waterway. Thefluid isamineral-basedsyntheticoil thatcan be harmful if released into the environment, according to Jackie Olson, spokeswoman for the cable operator, American Transmission Co. No warnings were issued for people to avoid the area, where shoreline areas remain blanketed with ice, said Lt Rachel Wellman of the US coast guard. “We’ve confirmed the risk to human health is very low at the greatest,” she said.

wiredInUSA - May 2018

18

REEL OVERACHIEVER. ELIMINATES REWINDING.

We’ve Reinvented In-Line Packaging Of Spools And Reels.

Windak’s new generation of CO packing solutions allows for continuous in-line packaging of customer put-ups or master reels.The robust design accommodates a large range of cable diameters, up to 3” in diameter at line speed to 1,000 fpm.

Advantages: - Robust integrated open design. - Cutter made for larger cables - Designed for in-line sequential printing on the cable - Infinitely variable speed automatic gearbox - Portal Style Pay-Offs & Take-Ups

WINDAK INC. USA 221-B S. McLin Creek Rd Conover NC 28613 USA TEL +1 828 322 2292 FAX +1 828 322 1716 infoamericas@windakgroup.com

See Us at Interwire Booth 1641

The 7 Series microwave/RF assemblies

High flying connectivity

The 7 Series microwave/RF assemblies from W L Gore & Associates have been selected for Wi-Fi Internet access use in commercial aircraft on European short- haul flights. The European Aviation Network (EAN) platform from Inmarsat, a mobile satellite communications provider, offers in-flight broadband for millions of passengers traveling across Europe. EAN is the first solution worldwide to combine high- capacity satellite coverage from Inmarsat with a 4G LTE ground network from Deutsche Telekom to provide high-speed connectivity across all 28 EU states, plus Switzerland and Norway.

For signal transmission, Gore’s vapor- sealed assemblies will connect the antenna located on the underside of the aircraft to the transceivers located on the ground. Gore microwave/RF assemblies, 7 Series, are engineered specifically to prevent the ingress of water vapor, jet fuel and harsh contaminants that naturally flow to the lowest point in the fuselage where the antenna is located. They are designed for reliable shielding against electromagnetic interference and are robustly built to maintain low insertion loss, low return loss, and excellent phase stability over the aircraft’s lifetime.

wiredInUSA - May 2018

20

The tire cord producers Bekaert Corp, Bridgestone Metalpha, Kiswire America and Tokusen USA have requested exemptions to the US’s section 232 steel tariffs for grade 1078 and above high-carbon wire rod. Bekaert, Kiswire and Tokusen, subsidiaries of non-US headquartered companies, said in their submission that finished tire cord is exempted in section 232, creating a scenario where US tire manufacturers will become more dependent on imported tire cord, “seriously undermining” President Trump’s objectives in imposing the tariffs. Domestic suppliers cannot meet the demand of US tire manufacturers for these steel products, said Tracey L Norberg, USTMA senior vice president and general counsel. High-carbon wire rod, which is necessary to make the steel wire used to produce tire cord andbeadwire,must bemade inbasicoxygen furnace steel works for required strength and cleanliness, and is not available from US rod mills that use electric-arc furnaces. Bekaert operates five North American plants, Kiswire operates two, and Tokusen operates one, jointly employing 1,700 workers. Bekaert is a unit of Bekaert NV of Belgium; Kiswire is a subsidiary of Kiswire Ltd of South Korea; and Tokusen USA is a subsidiary of Tokusen Kogyo Ltd of Japan. Both Bekaert and Kiswire have put planned capacity expansions on hold, due to the imposition of the section 232 tariffs.

Tire cord tariff request

21

wiredInUSA - May 2018

RLE Technologies, a provider of web-based monitoring solutions and leak detection systems formission-critical facilities, has added a new product to its leak detection range: low-smoke zero-halogen leak detection sensing cable. The cable is designed for applications with limited ventilation, such as subway tunnels, nuclear power plants, aircraft, tanks, ships and submarines, and subsea or offshore installations. RLE’s cable responds to leaks in just the same way, and as quickly, as the company’s orange leak detection sensing cables, where water is detected and a signal is sent back to the leak detection controller, identifying the leak and notifying responsible parties. In addition, the new LSZH cable is formulated to release significantly less smoke and zero halogen upon combustion. “We’ve been in the leak detection market space for more than 30 years,” said Don Raymond, RLE’s CTO and founder. “We’ve learned to listen to the ever-changing needs of our customers, and have seen our products deployed in areas with specific sets of requirements. The addition of this low-smoke zero-halogen cable lets us meet the needs of these facilities’ specialized requirements while providing the standard of leak detection that RLE is known for.” RLE’s LSZH cable can be used inline with its patented orange leak detection sensing cable, and can be used in new applications or integrated into any existing RLE leak detection monitoring system.

Detecting a safe solution

wiredInUSA - May 2018

22

LiveWire™, a solution for wire rope inspection and change-out services

Rope handling development

Delmar Maritime Developments (MDL) have formed a joint partnership to launch LiveWire™, a solution for wire rope inspection and change- out services. LiveWire is designed to cut time and costs of wire rope handling, maintenance and inspection for any client with a large diameter wire rope. LiveWire will be based at Delmar’s Louisiana facility and will support the Gulf of Mexico’s offshore crane and winch market, including floating production platforms, drilling rigs and construction vessels. The system will be suitable for both onshore and offshore operations. Systems and

Delmar Systems on LiveWire, the second phase of our partnership which already features a flex-lay base in Fourchon. By combining MDL’s 20-plus years of experience of developing back-deck solutions andDelmar’s 50 years of handling and installing mooring systems, we were able to develop LiveWire and re-define the traditional solution for handling large diameter wire ropes.” Matt Smith, Delmar’s VP of operations, commented: “Delmar’s implementation and support service for large diameter long wire rope inspection, installation and service is anatural extensionof ourmooring methodologies and core business.”

Mark Williamson, MDL AMS president, said: “We are excited to be working with

23

wiredInUSA - May 2018

EUROPE NEWS

wiredInUSA - May 2018

24

Ellis cable cleats have been specified and installed by the US Army Corps of Engineers

Cleats recruited

Ellis cable cleats have been specified and installed by the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) at the Fort Randall dam in Pickstown, South Dakota. The Fort Randall Dam pipe cable system replacement project is being overseen by the USACE and involves the removal of 48,000ftof single-conductor oil-impregnated paper-insulated copper cable, eight oil- filled pipe cables and 8,000ft of steel pipe; and the installation of 48,000ft of single- conductor copper cable. Tony Conroy, global sales director of Ellis, said: “The job itself proved extremely challenging, not least because of the tight constraints of the existing support structure.

But by working together, the combined experience of the USACE engineers and our in-house design team meant we were able to arrive at and then deliver the perfect solution for the project.” Ellis’s bespoke solution required USACE modifications to the existing steel angle supporting structures to accommodate both its Centaur cable saddles and Centaur anchors. “The scale of the project needs to be seen to be believed,” added Conroy. “For example, the eight oil-filled pipe cables removed contained 24,000 gallons of insulating oil; and some of the circuits were an astonishing 1,500ft long.”

25

wiredInUSA - May 2018

Wire exports boost

Lubricant veteran steps down

Image: www.alloywire.com

Alloy Wire International (AWI), which supplies over 60 different high performance alloys, has seen overseas sales grow by 10 percent in 2017 and now sends its products to 55 different countries around the world. The export boom means 52 percent of the company’s £8.5m turnover is now outside the UK and this could increase further with the appointment of three new agents in Brazil, Indonesia and South Africa. “We have always been an international business and we wanted to step this up in 2017 by doing everything we can to support our network of 45 agents,” explained Mark Venables, managing director of AWI. “This has included more significant investment in attending overseas exhibitions.” He continued: “Over the last six months, we have also spent a lot of time translating our websites, making sure they are easier to read when international customers are looking for a potential supplier.” Alloy Wire International makes round, flat, shaped and electrical resistance wire in a range of materials. The company has also invested in an additional 4,000ft 2 production space and launched its “Wire Finder” app to help customers find the right wire for their application.

Image: www.metalube.co.uk

Lubricant has announced that the company’s founder, David Lee, will retire from the business in August 2018. Mr Lee created Metalube 30 years ago. The companywas purchasedby theBishopdale Group seven years ago and is now part of the lubricant investment specialist. Although no longer the managing director/ owner, mr Lee has remained a key part of the team, visiting south east Asia and China four times a year. Current managing director Robert Brown said: “David has been incredibly supportive to us since we took over Metalube seven years ago. He has passed on to us 30 years of knowledge, and his input, particularly in the Asia region, has been hugely beneficial. Wewish hima long and healthy retirement.” Headquartered in the UK, Metalube manufactures a range of specialist industrial lubricants. specialist Metalube

wiredInUSA - May 2018

26

Voltage testing facilities boost

Rebar spooler line

Danieli has supplied a spooler line upgrade to Sidenor Group, for the production of heavier spooled bar in coils. The spooled rebar coils, in diameters from 8mm to 20mm and weighing up to 4 tons, are produced at Sovel SA (Sidenor Steel Industry’s subsidiary) in Almyros, Greece. The spooler line is installed following the MI DA Danieli micromill, which has been in operation since 2011 producing spooled bar in coils. With this upgrade the Greek steelmaker will increase its product range, improve customer service, and increase annual production capacity to 1,200,000 tons. Established in 1962, Sidenor Group started cooperation with Danieli 20 years ago. Sidenor and Sovel produce concrete reinforcing grades in bars and spooled coils, wire rod, merchant bars, and other products for construction projects, industrial applications, and for the energy sector. Danieli has supplied a spooler line upgrade to Sidenor Group, for the production of heavier spooled bar in coils

Borealis and Borouge, have announced the inauguration of expanded high voltage electrical testing facilities at the Borealis innovation center in Stenungsund, Sweden. Around €4,000,000 has been invested to expand and equip the facility with the latest in testing equipment. The facility will enable Borealis and Borouge to develop new opportunities in the wire and cable sectors. The wire and cable laboratories in Stenungsund have been important development centers since 1970, with the production of the first cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) cable insulation products. The scope of testing activities has been expanding steadily over thedecades, beginning with testing on electrical cables and cable extrusion lines in 1986. In 2009, a three-layer continuous vulcanization (CV) extrusion line was installed. The completion of this latest two-year investment project in electrical testing now significantly expands the range of testing activities. Borealis and Borouge have announced the inauguration of expanded high voltage electrical testing facilities at the Borealis innovation center

27

wiredInUSA - May 2018

Scottish project progress

Maintaining the links, 20 years on

Image: www.nexans.com

Nexans has installed the first of two 400kV onshore cable links at Scotland’s Beatrice 588MW offshore wind farm. At the same time, the Nexans factory in Norway has completed the manufacture of a 220kV offshore cable and loaded the final section onto the group’s Skagerrak cable laying vessel to travel to the Moray Firth. It will be installed and trenched into the seabed using Nexans’ Capjet system. The Beatrice project, scheduled to be fully operational by 2019, is a joint venture between SSE, Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners and Red Rock Power Ltd — the UK subsidiary of China’s SDIC Power Holding Co. It will be Scotland’s largest wind farm, with 84 turbines. To export the energy from the wind farm to thegrid, the twooffshorecables takea70km route along the seabed to a landfall point to the west of Portgordon on the Moray coast. A transition joint bay then connects them to the onshore cable system, which takes a 20km route to Blackhillock substation. From there, the 400kV onshore cables will transmit the electricity to the grid.

Image: www.abb.com

ABB has secured a contract to upgrade Australia’s Murraylink and Directlink HVDC transmission links. ABB will replace the control and protection systems with its ABB Ability MACH control system. The MACH control and protection system is designed to monitor, control and protect the sophisticated technology in the converter stations in order to ensure power security, reliability and efficiency. The 220MWMurraylink HVDC interconnector connects the Riverland region in South Australia and Sunraysia region in Victoria through converter stations at Red Cliffs in Victoria and Berri in South Australia. ABB said that the underground cables were selected for Murraylink link to minimize visual and environmental impact. The 180MW Directlink underground connects the New South Wales and Queensland electrical grids in Australia. Both transmission links were originally installed by ABB nearly 20 years ago. ABB will undertake the upgrade work for the Australian energy infrastructure company APA Group, which is responsible for managing Directlink and Murraylink facilities owned by Energy Infrastructure Investments.

wiredInUSA - May 2018

28

Latest vessel nears completion

Algerian links

Houda-Imane Faraoun, Algeria’s minister of post, telecommunications, technology and digital, said that Algeria’s existing international submarine cables “will be reinforced, before the end of the year, by two new lines,” linking the country to Spain and the USA. The cables, the Alger-Oran-Valencia (Orval) andAnnaba-USA, have been driven by increased demand from the growing number of subscribers and Internet users in the country. “The Internet almost did not exist here while, today, Algeria has 3,166,000 subscribers, meaning 44 percent of citizens have fixed telephony,” continued Faraoun. “All the wilayas (provinces) in the country are covered, despite the grey areas, and more than 34,639,000mobile lines exist in Algeria.” The growing numbers rely on the country’s 81,000km of optical fiber, “built by Algerian companies since its creation in 2002,” added Faraoun. Ms Faraoun announced plans for the new subsea cable system four months ago, when she also said the new cable would terminate at the Algerian city of Annaba, alongside Sea-Me-We 4, which links Algeria to Marseille. Image: ITU Pictures from Geneva, Switzerland (Wikipedia)

DEME Group’s latest cable lay vessel, Living Stone , has arrived in Vlissingen, the Netherlands, to undergo its final outfitting before completion. The vessel is expected to be completed in June 2018, after which it will head to its first cable laying assignment at Hornsea Project One in the UK. While in Vlissingen, the Living Stone will be equipped with a dual-lane cable installation system with a total capacity of 10,000 tonnes. The system can install one cable while fully preparing a second one on deck, minimising the time needed for cable preparation. The system requires fewer joints when installing cables, so reducing the risk of cable damage, increasing the vessel’s workability and improving production rates. Ordered in 2015 fromthe Spanish shipbuilder La Naval, the Living Stone was initially scheduled to be delivered in the second quarter of 2017. The vessel was eventually moved from the La Naval shipyard in Bilbao to Santurtzi, from where it was transported to Vlissingen. DEME Group’s latest cable lay vessel, Living Stone, has arrived in Vlissingen, Netherlands. Photograph courtesy of DEME

29

wiredInUSA - May 2018

ASIA & AFRICA NEWS

wiredInUSA - May 2018

30

Chinese take away a world record

Theworld’s first 1,100kVUHVDC transmission line has been completed with the last large-span towers put in place over the Yangtze River in East China’s Anhui province. The transmission line starts from the Changji Hui autonomous prefecture, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, and ends in the town of Guquan, Wuhu City in East China’s Anhui, passing through six provinces and an autonomous region. The Changji-Guquan line, the world’s first ±1,100 kV UHVDC link, sets a new world record in terms of voltage level, transmission capacity and distance.

It will be capable of transporting 12,000 megawatts of electricity — the equivalent of 12 large power plants and 50 percent more than the ±800kV UHVDC links currently in operation. The line stretches for 3,304.7km, making it currently the UHVDC power transmission project with the highest voltage, highest transmission capacity, and longest transmission distance in the world. When fully operational the link will be able to feed eight 500kV and two 1,000kV AC lines – delivering power equivalent to twice the average annual power consumption of Switzerland.

31

wiredInUSA - May 2018

Copper rod production

Thermo-solar plant progress

LS Cable & System Asia Ltd, a subsidiary of LS Cable & System, will invest nearly $9.4 million to increase copper rod production in Vietnam to meet growing cable demand. Copper rod output at the LS Vina plant will rise to 100,000 tons per year, from 27,000 tons. Thecompany aims to start commercial production from the new line in the first half of 2019. On the back of strong cable demand with growing foreign investment and active infrastructure construction, the Vietnamese copper rod market is expected to jump from 200,000 tons last year to 300,000 tons by 2021, according to LS C&S Asia. The company expects to sell more copper rod into the Vietnamese market, and will also actively seek buyers for copper rods in other countries.

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) and ACWA Power, in collaboration with Shanghai Electric Generation, are to undertake the next phase of what is believed to be the world’s largest thermo- solar power plant. An engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) agreement for the 700MW concentrated solar power (CSP) project was signed with Shanghai Electric at a ceremony in China. The project is the fourth phase of the Mohammed bin Rashid solar park, benefiting from a financing package that includes a $1.5 billion loan from Industrial and Commercial Bank of China. It is seen as a flagship project for the bank, supporting the three major Chinese power equipment suppliers — Shanghai Electric, Dongfang Electric and Harbin Electric — as they enter the overseas power market. The project will feature a combination of a tower and parabolic troughs, which will collect heat and store it in molten salt to supply electricity on demand during the day and through the night. The CSP tower to be built at the site will be the world’s tallest.

wiredInUSA - May 2018

32

Combination mill for bar and wire

Upping output in optical cable

CEO Myung Roe-hyun pictured, right

Image: www.primetals.com

LS Cable & System has announced plans for a $13 million investment in a new optical cable production line at its plant in Poland. The company already has two optical cable production facilities in Korea and Vietnam. On completion, the South Korean manufacturer will have the facilities to produce around 3,000,000km of optical cables a year, roughly seven percent of the European optical cable market. CEO Myung Roe-hyun, said: “We will actively scale up marketing activities for global telecom operators via our French sales arm and Poland production unit. We also plan to expand into other markets, including eastern Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States.”

Korean steel maker Hyundai Steel has issued the final acceptance certificates for two long rolling mills supplied by Primetals Technologies. Supplied to the Dangjin special steel production facility, a large bar mill encompasses a duo-reversing breakdown stand and a finishing train with rolling/sizing stands. Designed to roll one million tons per year, the mill also provides billets to be further processed in the 800,000 metric ton capacity small bar and wire rod mill. Designed to roll 160 tons per hour, the bar and wire rod line will have the highest production rate for a combination mill, and is particularly designed for low-temperature rolling. Special mechatronics packages and an integrated automation solution are expected to maintain the necessary product quality throughout the plant. Hyundai Steel, situated in Incheon and Seoul, South Korea, belongs to the Hyundai-Kia Automotive group and runs six production facilities in South Korea with a further facility in China. The company has completed a new plant at the Dangjin site to produce special steels for the automotive industry where, in future, bar and wire will be produced as primary material for engine and gearbox parts.

33

wiredInUSA - May 2018

Steelmaker opts for bigger stake

Green development

The Chinese authorities plan to use renewable energy technologies to provide all of the electricity for a new economic zone near Beijing. State Grid Corporation of China has established a new subsidiary to oversee the planning of the grid in the Xiong’an New Area in Hebei province, according to the Xinhua news agency. Electricity will reportedly account for at least 50 percent of the total planned energy consumption in the new sustainable city. State media outlets claim that the Xiong’an New Area is situated on one of the biggest geothermal reserves in northern China, but solar PV will likely play a significant role, with solar poised to surpass wind energy as a source of power in China during 2018. The development of the Xiong’an New Area, first announced in April 2017, has become a major policy priority under Chinese President Xi Jinping. Xiong’an is expected to emerge as a modern city by 2035. It has been designed to establish a new model for urban-rural development, with the total population density to be limited to a maximum of 10,000 people per square kilometer. It is expected to emerge as a new hub for developing technologies, covering sectors such as IT, biotechnology and green agriculture.

Japan’s largest rebar producer, Kyoei Steel, has announced its further investment in the Vietnam Italy Steel joint stock company (VIS) to 65 percent, from 20 percent, and will make VIS a company subsidiary. Osaka-based Kyoei acquired the 20 percent stake from VIS’s largest shareholder, Thai Hung Trading Joint Stock Company, in 2017, and now plans to buy additional shares from Thai Hung. VIS, located in northern Vietnam’s Hung Yen province, has an annual steelmaking capacity of 450,000 tonnes, with 300,000 tonnes of rebar and wire rod rolling capacity. A Kyoei official commented: “Through making VIS our subsidiary we will have three production bases in Vietnam, and we will have more chances to expand our business in the country.”

wiredInUSA - May 2018

34

Joint-free development

World Bank energy funding

Hengtong High Voltage Submarine Cable Company has produced what is believed to be the world’s longest length of 500kV AC XLPE submarine power cable without factory joints. The 18.15km cable successfully passed its complete factory acceptance test in March. In recognition of its achievement in developing the manufacturing process, as well as the acceptance of the cable system for the customer, the management team of the cable manufacturing plant celebrated the milestone with its workers. The 500kV submarine cable will play a key role in a power transmission and transformation project in Zhoushan, Zhejiang province in China. The cable will facilitate the power interconnection between offshore installations at Ningbo (a coastal city in Zhejiang province) and Zhoushan. Li Ziwei, chairman of Hengtong High Voltage, spoke of the company’s pride in the achievement of its design teams in “overcoming important technical challenges.”

Bangladesh has secured $505 million in loans from the World Bank to expand the country’s overall power transmission network and provide renewable energy to rural areas. The first loan of $450 million will be for improvements to the power transmission system in Bangladesh’s eastern region. The related project will boost the reliability of power supply and reduce load shedding. The loan will also help provide new electricity connections to nearly 275,000 households and 16,000 agricultural consumers. The World Bank expects the project to include construction of a 230kV transmission line through greater Cumilla, as well as four short 132kV lines in Cumilla and Noakhali. The further loan of $55 million will be for increasing renewable energy across rural regions of the country, where grid electricity is difficult to reach. About ten million people living in remote villages, islands and shoals are expected to benefit from energy projects.

35

wiredInUSA - May 2018

WAI Operations Summit & Wire Expo 2018 Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center, Nashville, Tennessee Convention: Monday 14 th - Wednesday 16 th May Exhibits: Tuesday 15 th - Wednesday 16 th May

Ace Metal Inc Booth 851

AIM Inc Booth: 208

AIM has launched its new LMS (learning management system), an online virtual platform offering training and content-rich resources at the click of a button. The company packages its expertise in a system that delivers an enhanced user experience through a library of interactive content, with videos, images, quizzes, workbooks and other active learning elements. Customers will also be able to hear about the new double head machines with real independent 3D twin head forming, single head part forming, off-plane bending, 2D and 3D bending and no centre clamp length.

Ace Metal Inc is a manufacturer of fine wire metal spools, used in the ferrous, non-ferrous, tyre cord, fibre optic and aerospace industries, as well as many other applications. Spools range in size from 6″ to 14″ flange diameter.

AIM Inc – USA Website: www.aimmachines.com

AWT Machinery Inc Booth: 509

S S Fine wire metal spools from Ace Metal

Other lines include tubular wire carriers used for shipping large diameter wire and rod, as well as internal wire carriers and payoffs. Ace Metal is a custom stamping house and custom tube bending house for the automotive, furniture, and other industries.

AWT Machinery is a supplier of automated wire processing machinery, representing well-known and established machinery manufacturers. AWT can supply butt welders, wire straightening and cutting machines, reinforcing mesh welders, fencing mesh

Ace Metal Inc – USA Website: www.acemetailinc.com

wiredInUSA - May 2018

38

MAKE BETTER WIRE ACCESS PLANT OPERATIONS STRATEGIES TO

at the

CONFERENCE: MAY 14-16 • EXHIBITS: MAY 15-16 NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE, USA LEARN MORE & REGISTER NOW: www.wireexpo18.com

t h e w i r e a s s oc i a t i on i n t e rn a t i on a l , i n c .

welders, grating welders, CNC jig welders, wire rolling and drawing lines, rebar stirrup benders and various ancillary equipment.

Aztech, and distribution capabilities in the USA, South America and Asia, now offers a new, more environmentally-friendly packaging that is also a cost saving for customers. with manufacturing

Aztech Lubricants LLC – USA Website: www.aztechlubricants.com

Bartell Machinery Systems Booth: 600

For over 78 years, Bartell Machinery Systems has brought the wire industry production solutions such as cantilever take-up and pay-offs, tubular stranders, planetary stranders and the Ceeco advanced roll forming system. To continue the tradition of innovation it has listened to its customers, understood their needs and set out to create a new manufacturing system that not only focuses on providing leading production metrics but also how people interact, engage, and connect with manufacturing systems. Bartell will premier its newest production solution, the ArmourLock ST-4. Speed, product quality, productivity, ease of set- up and reduced maintenance are the foundations of the ArmourLock design.

S S High security fencing welders from AWT

AWT Machinery Inc – USA Website: www.awtmach.com

Aztech Lubricants LLC Booth: 202 Aztech Lubricants is a global provider of wire drawing and lubricant solutions. It provides a full line of calcium, sodium and potassium stearate-based drawing powders, RP oil, drawing oils, vanishing oils and pre-coats. Its key name brands will be showcased at this year’s show, including EZDraw, EZClean, EZCoat and EZFeed. In addition, it offers a complete line of AZWipe spiral brushes, and wire cutting pliers under the new trademark EZPliers.

This advanced system incorporates a redesigned drive system, a 50 per cent

wiredInUSA - May 2018

40

increase in raw material capacity, and off-line tooling setup. Also featured at the stand will be the new Bartell 42″ caterpuller. With its advanced servo drive system and dual cylinders, the caterpuller delivers improved line control and more consistent product quality.

new line of Pro gauging systems, ready for Industry 4.0 and for use in on-line and off- line measurement applications. These gauging systems integrate more easily into production networks, providing the real-time data exchanges and tight processing efficiencies that wire and cable manufacturers need to deliver product quality. The new Beta LaserMike LaserSpeed Pro non-contact length and speed gauge offers high accuracy (better than ±0.03 per cent) and wide measurement depth of field for the full velocity range. LaserSpeed Pro is replacement for contact encoders, and offers a new, processing engine for faster Precision Measurement & Control Solutions The Beta LaserMike brand has been faithfully serving the wire and cable industry for over 50 years and we have thousands of satisfied customers that rely on our measurement systems every day to improve quality, increase productivity and deliver manufacturing savings. We are committed to your success.

Bartell Machinery Systems – USA Website: www.bartellmachinery.com

Beta LaserMike Booth: 500

Visitors to the Beta LaserMike booth will have a close-up look at the company’s

In-Process Gauging Off-Line Inspection Quality Cable Testing

Get more from Beta LaserMike.

See us at Wire Southeast Asia, Booth H35

Making Light Work

www.betalasermike.com

C2G Booth: 706

communications and provides Ethernet connectivity.

There are over 8,000 LaserSpeed gauges installed worldwide.

C2G is a manufacturer of cabling and connectivity solutions. Founded in 1984 as Cables To Go, C2G provides end-to-end connectivity solutions serving a variety of markets, including corporate, digital signage, industrial, healthcare, contract manufacturing and hospitality. In 2014, C2G joined the data communications division of Legrand with products designed to support data centre, building network or audio/ video applications. Now, as a brand of Legrand, C2G brings a complete portfolio of products and solutions including audio/video and PC, data connectivity, physical infrastructure, and power management, all designed for installation in data centres, networks, and work spaces or to connect a broad range of devices. The company is focused on delivering unique connectivity products and solutions to its partners while providing an effortless experience and value-added solutions. Its employeesandtheirdedicationtoproviding customers with cable products, as well as service to support those products, are what sets C2G apart from the competition. With more than 7,000 readily available connectivity solutions, its offering of broadline products, market-specific solutions, and customised connectivity is

The range of off-line diameter and ovality measurement systems has more than 15,000 gauges installed worldwide. The new Beta LaserMike BenchMike Pro features a larger, higher-resolution display and provides faster communications processing.

This accurate and reliable gauge now offers Ethernet and USB connectivity.

Many wire and cable manufacturers rely on BenchMike’s ±0.9 μm accuracy and ±0.25 μm repeatability to help them deliver quality products.

S S The BenchMike Pro from Beta LaserMike

The Beta LaserMike team will also be exhibiting other gauging solutions for on- line and off-line measurement applications.

Beta LaserMike – USA Website: www.betalasermike.com

wiredInUSA - May 2018

42

devices, and a lifetime guarantee against defects in workmanship on all custom products.

ready and quickly deployable to meet customer needs.

C2Gmanufacturescustomisedconnectivity products and solutions (whether domestic short-run or offshore large volume production) It uses premium components and the latest technologies to maximise cable performance and ensure compliance with industry specifications for each cable and its designated application.

C2G – USA Website: www.c2g.com

Clinton Instrument Company Booth: 1002

The Clinton Instrument Company, specialist in spark test technology for the wire and cable industry and inventor of the high frequency sinewave spark tester, is returning to Wire Expo. This year, Clinton will be exhibiting examples of its new B-Series DC spark testers. Following the success of the model HF-15B high frequency sine wave spark tester, Clinton’s rangeofDCspark testers isbeing redesigned to make use of the advancements of the B-series. Among the features of the B-Series are the split-electrode design for easy string up, and digital signal processor (DSP) based voltage regulation and fault detection. The fault detection circuit has been upgraded and test voltage is now monitored directly from the electrode, instead of a transformer winding. The fault circuitry differentiates between four types of fault conditions: simple pinholes, a series of closely spaced pinholes, direct metal contact from the

S S The booth awaiting visitors to C2G at Wire Expo

With C2G operations in North America, Europe, and Asia, along with Legrand sales in over 180 countries, C2G is poised to scale and support global expansion with its partners. C2G manufacturing capabilities, products, and solutions continue to grow, and becomemore diversified, to address market needs and advances in wired and wireless connectivity technology. Solutions come with a lifetime warranty on all cables, a one - to three-year warranty on

wiredInUSA - May 2018

44

Clinton will also exhibit and demonstrate the STCAL automatic spark tester calibration system. The STCAL system will calibrate high frequency AC, mains frequency AC, and DC spark testers to all major specifications. Calibration is automatically performed and documented on all of Clinton’s new B-Series spark testers and selected A-Series models. Manual or assisted calibration can be performed on older Clinton units, as well as equipment manufactured by others. A complete calibration solution to IEC and NEMA standards is provided when paired with Clinton’s model SM sensitivity tester.

centre conductor to the electrode, and gross lengths of bare wire.

The popular RC controller is supplied fixed to the unit, but can be readily detached and mounted remotely up to 60m away from the test module/electrode. It has a large, bright alphanumeric display/ user interface and can be rotated in its bracket to accommodate different viewing angles. The display makes configuration of the equipment easy: all configuration parameters can be changed directly from the front panel menu structure. Once configured, the system can be passcode protected. In cases where a local display is not required, or centralised process control is desired, the equipment can be controlled directly from PLCs or computers using Modbus RTU (RS-485 full duplex). Optional communication protocols include Ethernet/ IP, Profinet, and Profibus, Modbus TCP and analogue communications, making the equipment compatible with previous Clinton equipment with analogue control. Clinton will be exhibiting examples of the new B-Series spark testers, including the new model TSTB, the B-Series 10kV DC wireless spark test system for cable twinners. The control unit remains outside the twinning bow and communicates to the high voltage test module located within the rotating machinery. This equipment will be demonstrated on a model twinner.

Clinton Instrument Company – USA Website: www.cicsparkers.com

Condat Booth: 216

With more than 160 years of expertise, and due to the synergies of the Condat group’s international structure (four production units) and technical know-how, Condat lubricants are recognised globally in wire drawing markets. Condat offers an extensive range covering all industrial lubrication needs in the field of cold drawing and rolling of wires, bars and tubes. Products include non-reactive/ reactive coatings, dry powder lubricants, oils, pastes, greases, rust preventatives, and degreasing products.

wiredInUSA - May 2018

46