South Africa tube and pipe market continues to grow- May 2012
SOUTH African pipe and tube manufacturers have been exporting their products for more than 40 years, and are committed to sustaining and growing this market through the provision of high-quality products, excellent service and timely delivery via established logistics and distribution networks.
In 2011, tube and pipe exports continued to grow, particularly value-added tubular products such as seamless. Value-added tubular exports largely comprise scaffolding tube, conveyor and mine appliance tube, shock absorbers (inner and outer tubes) and, since 2011, tubular steel security doors and all tubing used in automotive products.
From 2009 to 2010, total exports of tube and pipe grew by 16 per cent in volume and 19 per cent in value. Export figures for 2011 (available for the nine-month period of January to September) are showing even more impressive growth and, if calculated on an estimated annualised basis, would represent an increase of more than 30 per cent in value and 33 per cent in volume. The increase in value over this period reflects the trend of increasing exports of value-added products compared to commodity tube.
According to Colin Shaw, executive director of the Association of Steel Tube and Pipe Manufacturers of South Africa (ASTPM), the steel tube and pipe industry has recovered well from the 2008 economic recession and, overall, 2011 was a good year for the industry. Export Council STEASA (Steel Tube Export Association of South Africa) is focusing on helping local steel pipe and tube manufacturers to increase exports, particularly value-added products, which have potential for growth in established markets.
Mr Shaw said a number of its members have invested in specialised laser- and plasma-cutting equipment to add value to tube and pipe, making it cheaper to fabricate and easier to assemble these products.
Association of Steel Tube and Pipe Manufacturers of South Africa, South Africa
Website: www.steasa.com
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Polysoude publishes TIG cladding handbook- May 2012
DURING the Industrie 2012 (Paris) and Tube and wire 2012 (Düsseldorf) trade fairs, Polysoude, an expert in TIG/plasma automated procedures, published the first handbook for 'Mechanised TIG Cladding for Industrial Applications'. The 48-page guide contains information and an in-depth insight into the technology and know-how of this high-potential process. Industrialists will find helpful information and assistance on the subject, as well as practical tips and advice as to the various uses of TIG cladding.
Flexibility, excellent surface quality of TIG welds, and the possibility to weld in all positions are determining factors that have led Polysoude to the automation of this process in response to the growing industrial demand.
The main advantages of the TIG process are that it allows for mastery of the weld pool in all positions, achieved thanks to high flexibility in the adjustment of welding parameters; and the possibility to control and supply the required amount of energy accordingly, enabling the respect of the characteristics of the material and in the particular case of cladding, to reduce the surface dilution level using exclusively one or two successive layers.
Polysoude, with over 50 years' experience in the field of orbital and mechanised welding, has accelerated the development of equipment and welding operating procedures for cladding operations using the TIG process and its variants. One such variant is the buttering of the ends of workpieces, for example in the case of heterogeneous joints.
Cladding operations that use the TIG process are widely used in the repair of high-value added worn parts in service or following manufacturing anomalies during machining; and preventative cladding operations using materials that are resistant to mechanical wear and tear, abrasion and corrosion.
In order to monitor the welding process, the operator can be assisted by a video system, exclusive to Polysoude.
This supplementary quality guarantee consists of cameras mounted close to the torch, or even integrated in the body of the torch for more difficult cases, such as limited access or harsh/extreme environments such as preheating.
Appointment of new executive secretary- May 2012
THE International Tube Association – the world's largest and most influential personal membership association for the tube and pipe industries – has appointed Dipl.-Ing. Peter Byroslawsky as its new Executive Secretary.
Peter has more than 40 years' experience in the tube and pipe industry and subsequently gained many years' experience in sales and marketing departments.
Prior to becoming a consultant in 2009, Mr Byroslawsky enjoyed a long career with Mannesmann Demag AG, latterly employed as General Manager of the worldwide Central Marketing department for SMS Meer GmbH, Germany.
Mr Byroslawsky has experience in planning of national and international fair participation, including stand management, and public relations at a national and international level.
His broad experience has led him to undertake work in near, middle and far East, eastern European countries, Russia and, for example, during his work for several years in a Chinese Joint Venture.
Mr Byroslawsky has been a member of the ITA's European Management Board and the International Executive Management Board since 2004.
Peter will be managing the ITA exhibition stand in Hall 4 at Tube Dusseldorf 2012 (26 – 30 March). He can be contacted via the ITA Secretariat at: byroslawsky@itatube.org.
For further information please contact the ITA on +44 1926 834681 or via email at info@itatube.org.
International Tube Association (ITA), UK
Website: www.itatube.org
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Zhejiang Kingland orders energy-efficient spiral pipe welding line- May 2012
ZHEJIANG Kingland Pipe Industry, province of Zhejiang, China, awarded PWS, an SMS Meer company, both Germany, a contract for the supply of off-line spiral pipe welding equipment.
PWS will supply an integrated system solution, consisting of a spiral pipe forming and tack-welding machine for forming and initial welding of the hot-rolled steel strip, and the three downstream off-line finishwelding stands. The new installation is to be commissioned in the second quarter of 2013.
Zhejiang Kingland will have the option of adding a fourth finishwelding stand at a later stage. This would increase annual capacity from above 180,000 tons to some 240,000 tons. Michael Stark, CEO of PWS, said: "Installation of an additional finish-welding stand was included in our engineering planning from the start, as it would permit a significant increase in production capacity, with no interruption to ongoing operation".
Another highlight is the energy-efficient high-productivity welding technology available from PWS. Energy-savings are more than 30 per cent compared to older welding methods. In the new PWS technology, the welding-current sources operate without transformers, while process control is accomplished by means of a modern power electronics module. The welding machines thus attain an efficiency of over 90 per cent, and welding speed can be significantly raised with no loss of process stability.
Zhejiang Kingland will be able to produce pipes with outer diameters from 508 to 1,626mm (20" to 64") and wall thicknesses ranging from 6.35 to 25.4mm (1/4" to 1") on its new off-line spiral pipe welding machine. Pipe lengths range between 8 and 12.5m.
New electric coil form machine- May 2012
BURR Oak Tool Inc offers an electric coil form machine for producing bends in single row coils or multiple single-row coils joined at one end. This machine handles round and flat-tube coils up to 60" wide and three meters long for large commercial HVAC/R applications. A single, vertically oriented bend arbor produces one, two or three 90° bends, creating L-, U- or box-shaped coils.
This coil form machine is all electric, offering lower energy consumption, greater precision and lower maintenance than hydraulic machines. RFID matches part data to the arbor cover to avoid forming the wrong radius and to prevent scrapping of expensive coils. Options available include slip sheets, coil length measurement, inside coil pusher, bar code scanner and coil staging table.
For over 65 years Burr Oak Tool Inc has designed and customized production machinery for the heat transfer and tube processing industries. OAK machines are installed and successfully operating in over 70 countries. Providing quality machines, service and parts to customers worldwide reinforces Burr Oak's slogan, "Global Experience... Local Solutions."
Compact new sideloader - May 2012
THE noted Bulmor forklift group – manufacturers of the highly regarded Lancer and Baumann brands – has proudly announced under the Bulmor flag the new compact sideloader range Qc 30-40 in distinctive blue corporate livery.
This clever range offers the specialist sideloaders in three and four ton capacities. They provide total versatility where maximum space utilisation and safe material handling are essential. The compact design saves space and financial outlay while incorporating the notable optimal ergonomics standard with the sideloader range including an adjustable joystick and elevated operator seat for unobstructed view and all-round vision.
Twelve inch wheels allow for a smooth ride and long distance performance – and as with all of the Bulmor range the new truck is robust and reliable and is totally equipped with distinctive features and benefits without compromising on quality and incorporates the same masts, axles and hydraulic components. The Qc is equipped with standard road lighting and can easily be allowed to travel on streets.
As standard the Bulmor sideloader is equipped with a half-cabin but optionally available is a full cabin, which then comes with heater and ventilation. Equally, the large pneumatic tyres add to the driver comfort as much as the Pendeling system levels out shocks resulting from uneven ground.
The truck is available with Diesel and LPG models and Bulmor is proud to feature the Perkins engine brand because of its dependability, power and service support.
In a phrase the BULMOR Qc 30-40 is the essential proper and safe choice for specialist industry sectors.
Pickling tanks from India- May 2012
ARVIND Anticor Ltd (AAL) is an India-based, technology-driven manufacturer and exporter of pickling tanks made of polypropylene. Custom designed to size and weight to load the materials to process, such as pipes, tubes, wire coils, bars, rods and structural steel, Anticor pickling tanks are used for processes that include pickling, degreasing, electro-plating, rinsing, fluxing, anodising, passivation, and pre-and-post metal surface treatments, to handle hazardous chemicals like acids, alcohols, alkalis and mineral oils.
Anticor is accredited by RITA (Röchling's Integrated Tank Building Assistant, developed by Röchling and TUV Nord). Designed on tank design software RITA 3.0, Anticor pickling tanks offer many unique design features, and the integral lateral ducting has delivered excellent performance in absorption of fumes and gases.
The company has introduced butt fusion welding techniques in the manufacture of pickling tanks with curved corners, ensuring 100% leak proof performance during whole working life. The tanks are tested according to German Welding Association DVS 2205 standards. Anticor facilities are equipped with butt fusion welding, hot gas extrusion welding technology and hydra-thermo radius forming technology.
Solid design with massive load support structure ensures a high degree of mechanical strength, and tanks with curved-bottom-corners (instead of 90º corners) provide safe loading and added mechanical strength.
The corrosion-resistant pickling tanks are able to cope with various hazardous chemicals. Lightweight and impact resistant Anticor pickling tanks are considered 'zero maintenance'. The tanks can be supplied with accessories such as nozzles, heating/cooling coils, integral suction ducting for fume exhaust, integral slope for drain, lifting arrangement and top lid cover.
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Düsseldorf 2012 - More Exhibitors than ever before! - April 2012
The World's leading Trade Fairs for Wire, Cable and Tubes report excellent Business: More Exhibitors than ever before!
The trade visitors of wire and Tube again assessed the two top events overall as excellent. During the five trade fair days, a total of 73,500 trade visitors from 111 countries came to Düsseldorf.
In comparison with the previous events, the evaluation of the products and services on offer has again improved. German and international trade fair visitors to the two trade fairs gave excellent marks for the offer range of the fairs.
In addition, there were more first-time visitors to wire as well as Tube.
Appointment of new Executive Secretary - ITA - PRESS RELEASE
The International Tube Association – the world's largest and most influential personal membership association for the tube and pipe industries –
has appointed Dipl.-Ing. Peter Byroslawsky as its new Executive Secretary.
Peter has more than 40 years' experience in the tube and pipe industry and subsequently gained many years' experience in sales and marketing departments.
Prior to becoming a consultant in 2009, Mr Byroslawsky enjoyed a long career with Mannesmann Demag AG, latterly employed as General Manager
of the worldwide Central Marketing department for SMS Meer GmbH, Germany.
Mr Byroslawsky has experience in planning of national and international fair participation, including stand management, and public relations at a national and international level.
His broad experience has led him to undertake work in near, middle and far East, eastern European countries, Russia and, for example, during his work
for several years in a Chinese Joint Venture.
Mr Byroslawsky has been a member of the ITA's European Management Board and the International Executive Management Board since 2004.
Peter will be managing the ITA exhibition stand in Hall 4 at Tube Dusseldorf 2012 (26 – 30 March). He can be contacted via the ITA Secretariat at: byroslawsky@itatube.org
OMS manages pipe measurement and fit-up logistics for Subsea 7
SPECIALIST pipe measurement technology company for the oil and gas industry, Optical Metrology Services (OMS) Ltd, has completed a pipe measurement and fit-up project for Subsea 7 on the Exxon Mobil-operated Oso gas/condensate field off the coast of Nigeria.
Using its groundbreaking Smart-FitÔ software, OMS avoided any pipe fit-up problems, providing Subsea 7 with fast, good pipe fit-ups ready for the welding stage. Smart-FitÔ uses pipe measurement data to predict and control fit-up, before the pipes are brought into
the bead stall for welding. This prevents production delays due to poor fit-up and manages the assembly of problem pipes
to maximise welding productivity.
Onshore in Nigeria, two OMS engineers used OMS' PipeCheckerTM laser-based measurement tool to measure the geometry of the internal walls of more than 1,500 pipe ends.
The pipes were then delivered by barge to Subsea 7's pipe laying vessel, Polaris. Onboard, OMS engineers used Smart-FitÔ to sequence the pipes for best fit-up.
Pipe measurement data was made available to a Smart-FitÔ station onboard Polaris. This comprised a laptop located prior
to the firing line. Each pipe in turn was identified and logged into the software, which then analysed the fit-up, enabling OMS
engineers to mark the best rotational (and datum) position on each pipe end. In the bead stall, these marks were aligned to achieve
the best rotational position so that pipe misalignment was minimised. Any problem pipes that would not have fitted at the specified
Hi-Lo were also indicated in advance so that they could be re-sequenced or removed.
Production delays due to mismatched pipes were therefore avoided. Dr Richard Gooch, Director of Technology at OMS commented:
"In order to meet stringent acceptance criteria for the welds on this project, Subsea 7 asked OMS to manage pipe measurement
and fit-up, both onshore and offshore during the pipe laying process. We are very pleased to report that this project was extremely successful. Everything worked perfectly and we managed to avoid any pipe fit-up problems, which resulted in no delays to the pipe welding process or repairs."
This project consolidates OMS' position as the leading provider of solutions for pipe fit-up, including stringent CRA applications.
The Oso oil field is located offshore in the Bight of Biafra and is Nigeria's largest offshore gas/condensate project. Offshore facilities include 8 platforms. A 35-mile seabed pipeline transports the condensate to storage tanks located onshore at the Qua Iboe Terminal. OMS - UK Email: denise@optical-metrology-services.com
Website: www.optical-metrology-services.com
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Industrial Automation Fair Guangzhou To meet industry demand for leaner productivity protocols and advanced measuring methods, SPS – Industrial Automation Fair Guangzhou, to be held 7-9 March 2012 at the China Import and Export Fair Complex, Guangzhou, will include new trend areas for Machine Vision and Measurement and Instrument.
Mr Louis Leung, deputy general manager of Guangzhou Guangya Messe Frankfurt Co Ltd, one of the show's organisers, said,
"The fair will deliver more business and value by offering additional solutions in overall equipment effectiveness and complex measuring processes." Mr Leung expects the 2012 show to be a success. "Interest in the event is high; the number of enquiries received from potential exhibitors and visitors are up compared to the same period last year."
To provide buyers with automation innovations and solutions from sensors and controls to applications, the 2012 show will focus
on the key areas of Industrial Automation; Machine Vision; Measurement and Instrument; Motion and Control; and Robotics.
Figures released by the China Statistics Bureau confirm the country's industrial automation market is quickly evolving, with investment in fixed assets in the electrical machinery and equipment manufacturing industry rising 55% in the first six months of 2011. Over the same period, production of communication, computer and other electronic equipment grew 48% and transportation equipment 35%.
For the third consecutive year the fair is receiving strong support from leading Asian and European trade associations, which will organise pavilions and seminars at the fair. Supporting associations include Robotics Association of Taiwan; Taiwan Electric and Electronic Manufacturers' Association; and AMA Association for Sensor Technology from Germany.
SPS – Industrial Automation Fair Guangzhou is sponsored by the China Foreign Trade Centre and Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH.
It is organised by the China Foreign Trade Guangzhou Exhibition General Corporation, Guangzhou Guangya Messe Frankfurt Co Ltd, Guangzhou Overseas Trade Fairs Ltd and Mesago Messe Frankfurt GmbH. The honorary sponsors are the Guangdong Automation Association and Guangzhou Automation Association. Guangzhou Guangya Messe Frankfurt Co Ltd , China (PR) Email: sps@china.messefrankfurt.com
Website: www.siaf-china.com
