TPi April 2012

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The World of Tube & Pipe Products, Materials & Ancillaries

July 2011 April 2

SKH-Anzeige-07-2010-RZ:SKH-Flyer ExStock-03/05-RZ1 22.02.11 10:20 Seite 1

❚ Stainless ❚ Alloy ❚ Carbon ❚ Stainless ❚ Alloy ❚ Carbon ❚ Stainless

Your Master Distributor for ❚ Seamless Stainless Steel Tubes - Stock grades: TP304/L, 316/L, 316Ti, 904L, Duplex and Super Duplex; for high-temperature services grade TP304/H, 321/H, 347/H; for heat resistant grade TP310/S ❚ Seamless Unalloy/Alloy Steel Tubes - Stock grades: Grade B+C, X42, P11, P22, P5 and P91; P235GH TC1/TC2, 16Mo3, 13CrMo4-5, 10CrMo9-10, X10CrMoVNb9-1 (boiler tubes for pressure application) ❚ Seamless Carbon Steel Tubes - Stock grades: Seamless Heavy Wall Steel Tubes, grade E355 (mechanicals); Hollow Sections, grade S355J2H (structurals); Seamless Cold-Drawn Precision and Hydraulic Steel Tubes, grade E235 and E355 (automotive, instrumentation and construction)

Stahlkontor Hahn Division of ThyssenKrupp MetalServ GmbH Borsigstraße 2 · 40880 Ratingen · Germany

Phone +49-2102-402.201 · Fax +49-2102-402.263 email: info@s-k-h.com · internet: www.s-k-h.com

Editorial Office: Editor

Mr Rory McBride Email: rory@intras.co.uk

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Design & Production

Ms Lisa Benjamin Email: lisa@intras.co.uk

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Ms Caroline Sullens

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Mr John C Hogg

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Ms Liz Hughes

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Tube Products INTERNATIONAL is published by Intras Ltd, UK

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Copies are also available to members of the International Tube Association

US copies only: Tube Products INTERNATIONAL (ISSN No: 1755-7216) is published quarterly by INTRAS Ltd and distributed in the US by DSW, 75 Aberdeen Road, Emigsville, PA 17318-0437. Periodicals postage paid at Emigsville, PA. USPS No. 024-676.

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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

www.tubeproductsinternational.com

Contents April 2012

8 Business & Market News 26 Products & Developments 46 Feature: Inspection Equipment 52 Tube Russia 2012

54 Feature: Plastic Pipes 63 Feature: Construction 68 Air in Pipelines 71 Editorial Index 72 Advertisers Index

28-31 May 2012

Val-Matic Valve & Manufacturing Corp – USA

Whenyouhave finishedwith thismagazineplease recycle it

The World of Tube & Pipe Products, Materials & Ancillaries

The April issue

events calendar

Welcome to the latest Tube Products International. In this issue we have features on plastic pipes, construction, building & structural tubes and pipe inspection equipment, as well as an in-depth article that examines the phenomenon of air in pipelines. We also have all of the latest industry news and the usual updates on new developments in every conceivable area of the tube and pipe products industry. I think most people would agree that the ongoing world- wide economic problems have made business difficult enough over the past few years – although many experts are now thankfully suggesting that there are some very positive signs of recovery. Let’s hope so. However, the last thing anyone needs is for their entire factory to be decimated by the forces of nature. Well, that’s sadly what happened to friends of the magazine at Independence Tube. It operates out of three locations in the USA and its Decatur, Alabama plant was pretty much flattened by a 200 mile per hour tornado. Devastating for all concerned. 27 April 2011 is not a date anyone who works there is going to be forgetting in a hurry. However, the real reason why I mention this story is that, out of adversity, a lot of very inspiring things resulted, which just go to show some people will never be beaten down, no matter what the world throws at them. That’s something worth thinking about if you feel like you are having a bad day today… Within days, if not hours, the company was actually starting the rebuilding process. It even took the opportunity to add in a few improvements and upgrades so it can handle even bigger pipe production capabilities. Talk about making the best of a situation. From what Independence say its colleagues in the north (Chicago and Marseilles, Illinois) and its customers and suppliers have really pulled out all the stops to get the plant back on its feet with a minimum of disruption too. Hats off to them. Next issue we will be focusing our features on the oil and gas industry, extruded tube, and materials & tube handling as well as looking at the ever growing Tube China show.

2012 7-11 May

IFAT Ensorga (Germany) International Exhibition www.ifat.de

28-31 May

Tube Russia International Exhibition www.metallurgy-tube-russia.com Tube China International Exhibition www.mdna.com EuroBlech (Germany) International Exhibition www.euroblech.com Tube India International Exhibition www.mdna.com Fabtech (Las Vegas, USA) International Exhibition www.fabtechexpo.com Valve World Expo (Germany) International Exhibition www.valveworldexpo.com

25-28 September

23-27 October

30 October – 1 November

12-14 November

27-29 November

2013 7-10 January

Tube Arabia International Exhibition www.mdna.com Indometal (Indonesia) International Exhibition www.indometal.net Boru 2013 (Turkey) International Exhibition www.borufuari.com

20-23 February

28-30 March

May

Tube Russia International Exhibition www.metallurgy-tube-russia.com

If your company is involved in any of these sectors then we invite you to send in your information for inclusion. For more information about submitting editorial please see our website www.read-tpi.com or do not hesitate to get in touch if we can offer further assistance.

Rory McBride Editor

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news business & market

Liège, Belgium

Fushi Copperweld establishes European hub Fushi Copperweld Inc, a manufacturer of tubing, has received approval from the Commercial Court of Liège in Belgium for its previously announced agreement with the receivers of Leaf Business Holdings Belgium regarding the lease with an option to purchase a 45,000m 2 copper tubing manufacturing and distribution centre that establishes an operational hub for the company in continental Europe. Fushi Copperweld will have an option to acquire all of the assets for €5.75mn during the lease period.

Fushi Copperweld is to boost the facility’s tubing operations, slowly ramping up the production to an annual run rate of approximately 5,000 to 6,000 metric tons per year. The company will also consider outfitting the facility with copper-clad production lines and ancillary finishing equipment. Philippe Suinen, head of the Wallonia Investment & Export Agency (AWEX), said: “We look forward to partnering with Fushi Copperweld and wish them many years of success in Belgium.”

New appointments Giancarlo Spotti, for many years the general manager of Marcegaglia’s stainless steel division, has been appointed CEO of Marcegaglia Buildtech, a group of companies operating in the building and construction sector with a wide range of products including construction equipment, road safety barriers, insulated panels, automated storage systems and photovoltaic systems. The stainless steel division will be now managed by Egidio Bini, who will operate with his staff in domestic and international markets for stainless steel welded tubes, cold drawn bars and flat products.

Marcegaglia – Italy info@marcegaglia.com www.marcegaglia.com

Fushi copperweld Inc – USA www.fushicopperweld.com

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business & market news

Coupled Products awarded damages Coupled Products, a Michigan, USA- based automotive supplier of tube and hose assemblies, has won a significant award in a jury verdict in an Oakland County Circuit Court, in a breach of contract lawsuit it filed against Navistar International Corporation. The jury granted Coupled Products a substantial award for damages, agreeing that Navistar breached a 2010 supply agreement. Northbrook, Illinois-based company, acquired Coupled Products from Dana Corporation in 2007. In early 2010, Navistar and Coupled Products signed a short-term supply agreement for parts made in Coupled Products’ plants in Indiana and Ohio. Prior to its natural expiration, Navistar cancelled theagreement, leavingCoupled Products with numerous unshipped parts and significant unrecovered costs. Unable to resolve the dispute, Coupled Products filed a lawsuit in July 2010.

Ginsberg, one of the principals of SG Industries. “We would have preferred to have settled the dispute outside of the courtroom, but we had to protect our employees and our assets, even if it meant utilising our legal system as a last resort.” “Navistar is a strong and well-respected US-based company,” said Mr Ginsberg. “They make excellent trucks and military vehicles and we certainly enjoyed and appreciated the opportunity to play a role in that process.”

Prior to the filing, the two companies enjoyed a decades-long commercial relationship, with Navistar buying brake and air-conditioning lines from Coupled Products. SG Industries, a

Coupled Products, LLC – USA www.coupledproducts.com

“Navistar was an important partner of ours at the time,” commented Brad

Pickle expansion project increases capacity MST Seamless Tube & Pipe will break ground this year on a construction project that will expand the manufacturer’s pickling capabilities, improve its billet inspection process and add four new full-time employees. expansion project will vastly improve flow in the mill and greatly improve lead times for our customers.”

house the pickle lines, extended billet inspection area, a new crane and acid tubs. Dubbed the Pickle Expansion Project internally, MST expects the improvement to provide an additional 450 tons per month of finishing capacity and improve overall material flow through the existing steel mill. “Pickle capacity has always been an issue at MST,” commented Ted Fairley, vice-president of sales and marketing. “But this pickle

The expanded pickle capabilities help to better utilise the available draw bench capacity, which means more bench turns of operation.

The Michigan, USA-based seamless tube and pipe manufacturer has invested $6mn in this capital expenditure and will construct a new 9,600ft 2 building to

MST – USA www.mstube.com

IPP Mardale – one year later Chris Daly, the recently promoted managing director of IPP Mardale, is excited about the future. “It’s been a fantastic year for us, since Mardale was acquired by the IPP Group in December 2010. We have gone from strength to strength, experiencing terrific support from our customers and suppliers.” strengthen and maintain our position in the marketplace. With this kind of support, our highly skilled workforce and commitment to quality, IPP Mardale is fast becoming the industry leader.”

This will further develop our growth and enhance our industry recognition.”

Rob Leacy has been appointed sales manager – white metals, as of 1 February 2012. Jared Ayres, group CEO, said, “The appointment of Rob underpins the key principles and objectives of our business plan, putting quality personnel in key positions. Rob’s experience in the white metal markets, particularly duplex and super duplex, is second to none and his appointment will greatly benefit our UK and international sales teams.”

IPP Group has also made a number of new appointments. Richard Bratt- Wyton joins IPP Europe as quality engineer. With over 20 years’ experience in butt weld fittings in a manufacturing capacity, he was previously quality manager and works manager of another well-known UK fittings manufacturer. Gavin Maxwell, group technical director, commented, “We believe Richard will be a great addition to our existing team, bringing substantial experience to the group.

The IPP Group has serious commitment to the subsea market and Mr Daly has some aggressive plans for the future. “The acquisition of Mardale by the IPP Group has allowed us to access substantial stocks, and the Norsok approval of the manufacturing division of IPP Scomark has helped to

International Piping Products (Europe) Ltd – UK sales@ippgrp.com www.ippgrp.com

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April 2012 Tube Products International

business & market news

MRC to acquire Onesteel Piping Systems McJunkin Red Man Holding Corporation (MRC) hassignedanagreement toacquire the operations and assets of OneSteel Piping Systems (OPS). This latest acquisition continues MRC’s international expansion in targeted key markets and supports the company’s vision to be the premier distributor of pipe, valve and fitting (PVF) products. OPS will operate as MRC Piping Systems Australia. The Sydney-based acquisition follows the acquisition of Melbourne-based MRC Transmark Australia in October 2009, and Perth-based MRC SPF in June 2011. When the strengths of MRC Piping Systems Australia are combined with these previous acquisitions, MRC will have Australia’s largest full-line product offering including carbon steel, stainless steel and alloy pipe, valves, fittings and flanges to serve both the maintenance, repair and operations (MRO) and project McJunkin Red Man Corp – USA info@mrcpvf.com www.mrcpvf.com Dearborn forms new tube hollows company needs of its key customers throughout Australia in oil and gas, mining and mineral processing. The acquisition price is AUD $67mn and the transaction was expected to close in the first quarter of 2012.

presence in the precision, uniform wall seamless tubing marketplace.” In addition to Mr Morse and Mr McKinney, the Tube Hollows International management team includes sales manager Dave Smith, quality manager Jim Pittman, and CFO and business manager Todd Humphrey. Tube Hollows International is located across the street from Dearborn’s existing facility in Fryeburg, Maine, USA. Tube Hollows International – USA info@tubehollows.com www.tubehollows.com

service. Developing a new company allows us to focus solely on those industries in which our deep hole drilling expertise is best utilised. “We consider it a wise and progressive business decision leading to even better fulfilment of our customers’ tube hollows and tubular components needs.” Scott McKinney, THI’s marketing manager, said, “With leaner operations, focused administration and lower costs, we will offer the very best product possible with excellent customer service. As THI, we are committed to being an international

Designed to offer new and existing customers better order fulfilment and to concentrate solely on drilling tube hollows, tubular devices and components, the former Dearborn Precision Tubular Products, Inc has formed a new company, Tube Hollows International (THI). THI’s general manager, Dave Morse, who was previously the facilities and deep hole production manager at Dearborn, commented, “As with any company that experiences the rate of growth we have over the past several years, adjustments need to be made to meet the needs of our customer base and the markets we wish to

Surgil Gas and Petrochemical Complex project Mott MacDonald has completed an international environmental and social impact assessment (ESIA) and environmental and social management plan for the largest gas and petrochemical project being developed by Uz-Kor Gas Chemical in the Commonwealth of Independent States (former Soviet Union). will include new 115km pipelines for gas and condensate. process of securing funding for the project. It represents the culmination of an extensive amount of work by Mott MacDonald and Uz-Kor to assess the environmental and social impacts. Most importantly it develops ways to reduce these potential impacts and build in environmental and social enhancements that will bring real benefits to the host region.”

Mott MacDonald has been instrumental in supporting Uz-Kor with meeting international environmental and social requirements as it seeks to obtain financing for the $4.1bn project from the Asia Development Bank (ADB) and a group of commercial lenders being led by ING. An important part of the ADB project evaluation process is publication of the ESIA package of documents once disclosure has been reached. Mott MacDonald project director David Boyland said, “Achieving disclosure for the Surgil project is a very important milestone in the

The Surgil Gas and Petrochemical Complex project in Karakalpakstan will include the development of the Surgil gas field and a state-of-the- art gas chemical complex that will produce natural gas and petrochemical products such as high density polyethylene (HDPE) and high density polypropylene (HDPP). The facilities

The Surgil Project will provideUzbekistan with new progressive technologies, which will produce valuable export- oriented products.

Mott MacDonald – UK lee.lodge@mottmac.com www.mottmac.com

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business & market news

Deep Down announces multiple awards Deep Down, Inc, an oilfield services company specialising in complex deepwater and ultra-deepwater oil production distribution system support services, has been awarded multiple contracts for subsea hardware and deployment equipment orders worth in excess of $2.6mn. Two orders were placed by a major controls OEM, and the third order placed by an international installation contractor. Moray ® and flying lead deployment frames. The majority of the work was scheduled to be completed in the first quarter 2012, with the remainder completed in the beginning of the second quarter. The products and equipment will be used on three international projects in the Far East and Mediterranean and one project in the Gulf of Mexico.

easy make up of the heads by the ROV on the ocean floor. Ron Smith, chief executive officer, stated, “These awards continue to build upon Deep Down’s expansion into the international oil and gas market. Deep Down continues to gain recognition outside of the Gulf of Mexico as a solution provider. By working with our customers, we are able to provide them with innovative cost effective solutions for their offshore projects.”

The company will manufacture umbilical termination assemblies (UTA), flying leads, umbilical termination heads (UTH), rapid deployment cartridges,

The patent-pending Moray termination system contains a light-weight and compact termination head and very flexible steel tube bundle allowing for

deep down, Inc – USA sales@deepdowninc.com www.deepdowninc.com

Young professionals to speak alongside sector experts

these changes and give their views on how they will ensure the industry can meet the challenges of today, whilst leaving a sustainable legacy for future generations. Young speakers have become an integral part of the Institute of Water Annual Conference in recent years, giving young professionals the opportunity to showcase themselves in front of key personnel from within the UK water industry. Speaking about the initiative, Institute of Water president Nick Ellins commented, “The Institute of Water is providing the best possible business environment for water professionals to develop and apply their skills, helping them to learn directly from the top performers in the sector. We offer people who join the Institute of

Two young water professionals have been selected to speak at the Institute of Water National Conference alongside a line up of industry speakers. As part of the Institute of Water’s on-going work to nurture rising talent in the water sector, Anna Gocher from South West Water and Ursula Trolan from Northumbrian Water will take centre stage at the two-day conference, ‘2012 – Changing the Industry for a Sustainable Legacy’, which will be held at The Royal Society in London, 17-18 May. By the time the event commences, most elements of the water industry will have been reviewed, re-structured or be subject to change. The conference will bring together key people in the sector to discuss the implications of

Ursula Trolan will speak at the Institute of Water National Conference

Water unique career opportunities in a motivating and enjoyable setting.”

Heidi Mottram, chief executive of Northumbrian Water, will be providing a keynote address at the event on ‘Changing the Industry for a Sustainable Legacy’.

Institute of Wate r – UK www.instituteofwater.org.uk

Kazakhstan president visits Flowserve Flowserve, a provider of flow control products and services for the global infrastructure markets, has announced a recent visit by Kazakhstan’s president, Nursultan Nazarbayev, to the Flowserve Quick Response Center (QRC) located in the city of Atyrau, Kazakhstan. Turaliev, Flowserve service centre director. During his visit President Nazarbayev recognised Flowserve as the first Western original equipment manufacturer to invest in his country’s drive to establish a world-class industrial support infrastructure.

content goals of the country’s industrial development programme. While touring the facility Mr Nazarbayev saw the success of the newly established customs union between Kazakhstan and Russia when the Flowserve Atyrau QRC was repairing worn pumping systems from a Russian refinery.

The presence of Flowserve, Mr Nazarbayev noted, is an important step in meeting local ownership and

Mr Nazarbayev was accompanied by Umirzak Shukeev, first vice prime minister of Kazakhstan, and Gazizbek

Flowserve corp – USA www.flowserve.com

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From simple to complex MAC has it all. Whether you’re looking for a simple eddy current test for surface defects in 1mm diameter welded tube, a sensitive test for .127mm diameter medical tube, or a complex multitest system for API specs in 400mm diameter OCTG tube, MAC can meet your needs. Take advantage of MAC’s 80+ years providing high quality NDT systems, using our own

ultrasonic, eddy current and flux leakage technologies.

MAC Provides Systems for… • Hot and cold formed carbon steel

• OCTG for oil, gas and water transmission lines • Duplex tube for off shore umbilical applications • Heat exchanger tube for boilers, air conditioners and conduits • ERW and laser welded tubes • Bi metallic tubes for bearings and parts

For ferrous or non-ferrous square, rectangular, round or hex tubular products, MAC provides the best equipment for the only test system that matters — YOURS!

To Learn More About MAC Visit Our Website at: www.mac-ndt.com

Nondestructive testing since 1928

Magnetic Analysis Corp. 103 Fairview Park Drive, Elmsford, New York 10523 Tel: +1-914-530-2000 • Fax: +1-914-703-3790

business & market news

Problem pipeline removed from environmentally sensitive site

A traditional approach, with invasive excavation machinery on barges, would have required more restrictive permitting requirements, making the extraction virtually impossible. James Cross, Sr, president of Cross Marine Projects, commented, “This is a first. I have been doing underwater engineering for close to forty years, and I have never heard of anyone extracting pipelines in this way.” The crewcut the pipe into sections and removed the potentially hazardous portion. A diver then descended to the bottom of the river to ensure that all navigational hazards had been removed.

Cross Marine began with a sonar scan of the riverbed to determine the pipeline’s location and collect data on the depth of silt covering it. The company also sent a diver into the river to perform a physical inspection to determine the best method to remove the pipe without using environmentally damaging excavation equipment. After analysing the sonar data and the diver’s report, Cross Marine prepared an extraction plan. The company arrived on the site with boats, commercial diving gear, a crane and a specialised device to free the pipeline from tons of mud holding it to the bottom of the river. This innovative approach allowed the company to complete the project under the requirements of an Army Corps of Engineers Nationwide Permit 22.

Cross Marine Projects has removed a potentially hazardous length of pipe from the Colorado River south of Moab, Utah, USA, at the request of Intrepid Potash, Inc. The pipe, which had been in the river for several decades, used to transport natural gas to the Intrepid Potash facility nearby. It was in a location popular with boaters, minutes away from world-famous tourist sites. Shifting sand in the riverbed had formed places where fallen trees and other debris could catch on the pipe and present hazards to boaters, and there were potential future problems from corrosion and breakage. Since there is no established protocol for extracting pipes from riverbeds, Cross Marine had to devise an effective and environmentally non- destructive method.

cross Marine Projects – USA projects@crossmpc.com www.crossmpc.com

Major export contract for St Lucia hospital Pipe Center has won a contract to supply the full range of pipe, fittings, valves, sheet metal and ancillaries required for a new state-of-the-art National Hospital being built to serve the island of St Lucia. When completed the 122-bed establishment at Coubaril will be the most modern public healthcare facility in the Caribbean. heat recovery, fire fighting and sanitary waste, ventilation, rain water and HVAC systems. The overall value of the supply contract to the company is expected to exceed £500,000.

It will include an accident and emergency department, acute general wards, high- tech operating theatres and intensive care unit. The financing package for the hospital is believed to be one of the largest grant allocations in the Caribbean made by the European Union for a single project. The new hospital will become the main healthcare facility on the island, replacing the 127-year-old Victoria Hospital, which has been struggling to meet the country’s growing health care needs. Pipe Center will contribute all components, pipe work and materials for the hospital’s domestic hot and cold water system, solar collection,

Mark Palmer, product development manager, commented, “It is obviously a major supply contract and involves a number of our business sectors and suppliers contributing in close partnership. It has highlighted our ability as a business to work across the full spectrum of the market, not only bringing teams together within Wolseley, but harnessing the excellent relationships we have with manufacturers and suppliers. As a result, we are now even better placed to deliver complete solutions for major and complex projects – whether at home in the UK or abroad.” Wolseley – UK customerservices@wolseley.co.uk www.wolseley.co.uk

Mark Palmer, Pipe Center product development manager

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For perfect finished tubes, start with the world leader in seamless precision:

TUBE HOLLOWS INTERNATIONAL

To achieve perfection in your finished drawn tubes, you need to start with precision tube hollows. And that means starting and ending at Tube Hollows International (the former tubing division of Dearborn Precision). No one else matches our ability to provide high quality, uniform wall thickness hollows…to meet your specs exactly. • Wall thickness tolerances to ±1% • All commercial and medical alloys • Tube conditioning — improves surface finishes and wall thickness variation • Deep hole drilling, trepanning, honing, grinding and turning • We serve a range of industries: medical, aerospace, oil & gas, nuclear and automotive

See us on the web at TubeHollows.com or contact Dave Smith to discuss your needs or to get a free quote, today: 207.935.8822 • dsmith@tubehollows.com

395 Portland Street, PO Box 160, Fryeburg, ME 04037 USA T 1.207.935.8823 • F 1.207.935.8824 • info@TubeHollows.com

business & market news

BSS appoints commercial director Heating and pipeline distributor BSS Industrial has promoted Andy Raine to commercial director following a senior management restructure by Travis Perkins Group, which recently acquired the BSS Group. buying director for the Travis Perkins plumbing and heating division.

“In my new role as commercial director, I will be focusing on defining and agreeing new product and supplier strategies in conjunction with our branches and sales teams,” commented Mr Raine. “This is a great challenge for me and will put to use the skill set that I have developed in my 21 years with BSS Industrial. Whilst concentrating on the introduction of new and innovative products that will benefit our customers, I will also work closely with the wider Travis Perkins plumbing and heating

Mr Raine, who has worked for BSS for more than 20 years, has dedicated much of his career to the commercial division, succeeding in a number of roles including his most recent position as the category director of piping systems. His promotion follows the promotion of his predecessor, Sue Greatorex, who has taken a new role as divisional

Andy Raine is now commercial director at BSS Industrial

division to implement specific areas of sourcing and brand positioning.”

bss Industrial – UK enquiries@bssgroup.com www.bssindustrial.co.uk

Deepwater downline contract for Liwan Project in South China Sea

The downlines are highly fatigue resistant, ensuring product reliability through numerous deployments and retrievals. Michael C Kearney, DeepFlex president and CEO, said, “Saipem has utilised a DeepFlex downline for several pipeline commissioning projects. The first downline provided by DeepFlex faced extreme and unanticipated sea conditions, performing flawlessly while withstanding these harsh conditions. We are extremely pleased Saipem returned to DeepFlex for this second downline and we believe our track record was one of the key factors in being awarded this order.” Headquartered in Houston, with marketing offices in the United States and Brazil, DeepFlex designs and manufactures premium composite flexible pipe for use in the subsea oil and gas production environment. The patented DeepFlex products are designed to be lighter, less costly to install, and fatigue resistant, and do not suffer the corrosive effects of harsh environment service.

The 4" ID, 5,000 psi DeepFlex downline is designed for use offshore in up to 1,700m of water, to transport water for hydrotesting and then air and nitrogen for dewatering from a construction support vessel to the 22" ID x 79km long gas export lines connecting the subsea wells to a fixed platform.

DeepFlex has been awarded a contract by Saipem Portugal, a subsidiary of Saipem SpA, for the supply of a deepwater downline to be used for pre- commissioning of the Husky Oil China Ltd Liwan 3-1-1 gas pipelines, located in the South China Sea in 1,400m of water.

The extremely light weight feature of the downline creates value for these commissioning activities by increasing the length of downline per unit weight, which reduces construction support vessel deck space and payload and top tension requirements, as well as allowing efficient subsea manipulation by an ROV. DeepFlex downlines are designed, constructed and tested to industry standards for unbonded flexible pipe including API Specification 17J and RP 17B as well as DNV standard OS-C501 governing the use of composite materials in offshore applications.

deepFlex, Inc – USA info@deepflex.com www.deepflex.com

The South China Sea

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business & market news

Coating plant receives Alabama excellence award

The plant recently achieved an important milestone by reaching one million man- hours without a Lost Time Accident. The Birmingham team had previously been recognised with the 2010 Alabama Quality Award Level One Commitment to Excellence. The 2011 award was presented to LB Foster at the Alabama Productivity Center 2011 Annual Conference in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. LB Foster Tubular Products – USA tchiasson@lbfoster.com www.lbfoster.com

The steel pipe coating plant is ISO 9001:2008 registered and employs a staff of up to 60 workers. The Birmingham facility applies fusion bond epoxy corrosion protection on 10.75" to 24" diameter steel line pipe manufactured by American Steel Pipe.

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania-based LB Foster Company has announced that its steel pipe coating facility in Birmingham, Alabama has received the prestigious 2011 Alabama Excellence Award for performance innovations in manufacturing. The Level Three award is the highest recognition presented by the Alabama Productivity Center to organisations that have demonstrated sustained performance excellence through their practices and achievements. The Alabama Quality Awards programme is modelled on the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, and has been administered since 1986. “This award is the direct result of the continuing commitment to excellence that is advanced each day by the entire Birmingham team,” commented Merry Brumbaugh, LB Foster vice president, tubular products. Stan Hasselbusch, company president and CEO, said, “Merry and her crew have worked hard to set the performance bar at an extraordinary level. All of us at LB Foster applaud her team for this well- earned recognition.”

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Trenching of pipe contract TBSS International, Inc, a service company with existing service contracts assisting companies involved in gold mining and oil drilling, won a contract towards the end of last year for trenching and installation of pipe valued at $400,000. The contract was for the installation of approximately 7,500ft of HDPE pipe for the connection of an oil separation unit, with completion expected by 15 December 2011.

30 years of supplying piping products from stock. When you need it fast, you can rely on us to deliver the right product on time. 4,000 tons of stock available for delivery 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to wherever in the world you need it! Products : Pipes, Fittings & Flanges to ASTM/ASME standards. Carbon, Low temp, Alloy & Stainless steel grades.

PROJECT & EXPORT SALES Unit 3, 7A Waterloo Ind Est Bidford on Avon, Warwickshire, B50 4JH, UK Tel: +44 (0)1789 772111 Fax: +44 (0)1789 772444 E-mail: sales@dkjones.com

UK SALES West Street (off Snowdon Road) Middlesbrough, TS2 1LZ, UK

Tel: +44 (0)1642 222400 Fax: +44 (0)1642 220556 E-mail: uksales@dkjones.com www.dkjones.com

TBSS International, Inc – USA www.tbssinternational.com

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Pipe coating contract for Barzan Project ShawCor Ltd’s pipecoating division, Bredero Shaw, has received a contract with a value in excess of US$45mn from Hyundai Heavy Industries, to provide corrosion protection and concrete weight coating for the Barzan pipeline project in the Qatari sector of the Arabian Gulf. The contract will be executed at Bredero Shaw’s facility in Ras al Khaimah in the United Arab Emirates and will involve the coating of 292km of up to 24" pipe with a fusion bonded epoxy anticorrosion coating and HeviCote ® concrete weight coating.

ShawCor Ltd is an energy services company specialising in products and services for the pipeline and pipe services and the petrochemical and industrial segments of the oil and gas industry. The company operates through seven divisions with over seventy manufacturing and service facilities located around the world. Bredero Shaw, ShawCor’s largest division, provides specialised coating systems and related services for corrosion protection, insulation and weight coating applications on land and marine pipelines, including highly engineered corrosion and insulation systems for deepwater applications.

The facility is a technology leader in the anticorrosion, concrete weight and internal coating markets and provides leading-edge pipe coating solutions to clients throughout the Middle East. Work on the project was scheduled to commence late in the first quarter of 2012.

Doha, Qatar

ShawCor Ltd – Canada www.shawcor.com

Wellspring acquires ThermaSys Corp

Indowater 2012 trade show Indowater 2012 – the 8 th International Water, Wastewater & Recycling Technology Expo & Forum – will take place at Grand City Convex in Surabaya, Indonesia, from 11 to 13 July 2012. The event is held every year, alternately in Jakarta and Surabaya. The trade show is organised by PT Napindo Media Ashatama in association with Merebo Messe Marketing based in Hamburg, Germany. Merebo is in charge of the ‘Europe, American & Australia Pavilion’. The last Indowater Surabaya in 2010 attracted 287 exhibitors from 17 countries, and 5,100 trade visitors. Merebo Messe Marketing – Germany contact@merebo.com www.indowater.merebo.com

exchanger industry. This established platform has a proven track record of performance and is recognised by customers for its exceptional product and service offerings.” Paul Schmitz, president and CEO of ThermaSys, said, “Our team has accomplished a great deal in recent years and we look forward to continuing to grow and provide our customers with new products and services under Wellspring’s ownership.” Wellspring has significant experience investing in industrial businesses. In 2008 the firm acquired Cleaver- Brooks, Inc, a manufacturer of fully integrated boiler and burner systems, which as a heat technology-related business serves end markets similar to ThermaSys.

Wellspring Capital Management LLC has acquired ThermaSys Corporation, a manufacturer of a wide range of heat exchangers and heat exchange equipment, from an affiliate of Sun Capital Partners, Inc. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Founded in 1971 in Montgomery, Alabama, USA as Thermal Components, Inc, ThermaSys supplies a diverse range of highly engineered, custom-designed heat exchangers and heat exchanger components, including aluminium and brass seam-welded tubing. The company is positioned to supply highly engineered heat exchanger products for a wide variety of applications, either as single components or combined in complex systems incorporating multiple heat exchanger products. ThermaSys has expanded its operations through both acquisitions and organic growth initiatives. William F Dawson, Jr, a managing partner of Wellspring, commented, “We are delighted to invest in ThermaSys, which has a long tradition as a market leader in the low volume, highly engineered segment of the heat

Wellspring Capital Management – USA

info@wellspringcapital.com www.wellspringcapital.com

ThermaSys Corporation – USA info@thermasys.com www.thermasys.com

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Industrial service provider opens up Dubai trading office

into the scrap and steel products arena. His presence will expand our global network of professionals across the five continents with extensive knowledge of and deep experience in raw material and steel products.” Mr Zeederberg was previously executive director at trading company Balli Middle East. He has also worked as director, Liberty Commodities, Dubai; director of long products and raw materials for Macsteel International, Middle East; and was global head of Stemcor Long Products for seven years. He is a founder and current member of LME Steel Futures Committee and a member of the International Rebar Producers Association Traders Committee.

throughout Latin America, Europe and the Asia-Pacific, will provide the company with a worldwide platform to serve customers in these regions in addition to our significant historic presence in North America.” Heading up the newly opened office is Anthony Rupert ‘Butch’ Zeederberg, as manager of scrap/raw materials in the Middle East/North Africa region. “Butch is a seasoned steel trading veteran with a wealth of knowledge in the international marketplace,” said Mr Aronson. “He has more than 30 years of experience in management, steel trading and logistics. His charisma, leadership and existing relationships with leading worldwide steel producers will help facilitate the company’s expansion into the growing Middle East/North Africa Region.

TMS International Corp, the parent company of Tube City IMS Corporation, a provider of outsourced industrial services to steel mills, has opened a trading office in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The opening of the office follows the company’s recently announced seven- year contract for a variety of outsourced services with a leading regional steel company in Abu Dhabi. J David Aronson, president and chief operating officer of the company’s raw material and optimisation group, said the Middle East/North Africa region is an increasingly important market. “We believe the steel industry will continue to grow in the Middle East/ North Africa countries during the coming years. The opening of this office, linked with our trading offices

TMS International Corp – USA www.tmsinternationalcorp.com

“With Butch on board, we will continue to pursue further commodity diversification

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business & market news

Swagelining appoints Middle East consultant Pipeline rehabilitation specialist Swagelining Limited has appointed David Piper as business development consultant for the Middle East. enhancing to provide wider options and cost savings for clients.”

that open up new markets in both the offshore and onshore sectors and we are now investing in new local staff to help service requests in a timely manner. Being based in Bahrain, and with a great network of contacts throughout the Middle East from previous employment, David will play a pivotal role in raising the profile of our 25 year old proven technology, which we are continually

Swagelining Limited delivers all aspects of the polymer lining service, including project management, design, engineering and procurement, through to site installation and testing, allowing clients a single point of contact throughout the process. Commenting on his appointment, Mr Piper said, “The team at Swagelining Limited are truly innovative, constantly pushing the boundaries of their technology and driving polymer lining developments to extend its scope of application. With my insight into the Middle East territory, I look forward to playing a key role in the on-going growth of this pioneering company by encouraging the oil and gas sector in this region to adopt this highly beneficial cutting-edge technology for both the established water injection market and also as an alternative to CRA materials for hot sour hydrocarbon service.”

Based in Bahrain, Mr Piper is responsible for promoting Swagelining technology to the Middle East oil and gas sector. He will be responsible for building relationships with pipeline operators, contractors, consultants and project managers. David Whittle, Swagelining’s business development director, commented, “Our company is now expanding our service delivery options into the Gulf Cooperation Council countries. As sole owners of the technology, Swagelining Limited provides the only route to market for all Swagelining consultation and operational delivery requirements. With the buoyant oil and gas sector in the Middle East, which is experiencing continued significant investment in new pipelines, this region is a key sector in Swagelining’s on-going growth strategy. “Our continued research and development is producing new and innovative materials and products

swagelining limited – UK enquiries@swagelining.com www.swagelining.com

David Piper, Swagelining’s business development consultant for the Middle East

AM Castle acquires Tube Supply AM Castle & Co, a global distributor of metal and plastic products, value-added services and supply chain solutions, has completed the acquisition of Tube Supply, Inc, a distributor of tubular and bar products for the oil and gas industry. & Gas Commercial Unit. Tube Supply operates service centres in Houston, Texas and Edmonton, Alberta, and has recently completed construction of a new, 250,000ft 2 facility located at its Houston headquarters. Its products include highly engineered prime carbon and alloy mechanical tubing, bars and blocks, which are designed to operate in severe conditions in the oilfield.

within our existing oil and gas strategy and is a great long-term fit that will allow us to capitalise on the growing demand and opportunities in this sector.” Within its core metals business AM Castle specialises in the distribution of alloy and stainless steels, nickel alloys, aluminium and carbon. Through subsidiary Total Plastics, Inc the company also distributes a broad range of value-added industrial plastics.

Tube Supply has provided products and services primarily to the North American oilfield equipment manufacturing industry for the past 25 years. The purchase price was $165 million. Tube Supply was founded in 1986 by Paul Sorensen and Jerry Willeford who, with the rest of the management team, will remain in place. Both Tube Supply and Castle Metals Oil & Gas businesses will be led by Nick Jones, current president of Castle Metals Oil

The company also provides value- added services including heat- treating, boring, honing, saw cutting, and machine work. Michael Goldberg, president and CEO of AM Castle & Co, commented, “We are very pleased to welcome the Tube Supply team to the AM Castle family. This transaction fits squarely

AM castle & co – USA info@amcastle.com www.amcastle.com Tube supply, Inc – USA sales@tubesupply.com www.tubesupply.com

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Tubular products distributor opens Tulsa facility

Marmon/Keystone’s new facility in Tulsa

Eisenbrandt, who is district manager of Marmon/Keystone’s Denver and Kansas City branches and is also overseeing the Tulsa operation, commented, “Our presence in central Oklahoma allows us to best serve our existing customer base, while affording us growth opportunities in our target markets.” Late last year the company’s Chicago sales and administrative staff relocated to a new office building in a state-of- the-art facility just four miles from their previous location. The transition of approximately 50 employees was completed over one weekend without any disruption in customer service. Chicago district manager Ed Day said, “Our new offices provide a modern setting enhanced by amenities for our

Marmon/Keystone has opened a new 38,000ft 2 warehousing facility in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The new location, which opened for business on 1 February 2012, is conveniently situated near the Tulsa International Airport and Interstate 44, and will service customers throughout Oklahoma, Southeast Kansas, Southwest Missouri and West Central Arkansas. A full range of carbon, stainless steel and aluminium tubular products are being offered along with stainless bar. The Tulsa service centre is staffed by five employees conducting warehousing functions along with two contract drivers. Equipment includes four cranes, two saws with 12" and 22" cutting capabilities, two tractor trailers and a variety of handling equipment.

employees to enjoy. They have readily embraced moving to this location.” As a wholesale distributor of tubular products for over 100 years, Marmon/Keystone inventories more than 15,000 sizes and grades of carbon, alloy, stainless and aluminium tubular and bar products. Service centres and sales offices are located throughout North America, with corporate headquarters in Butler, Pennsylvania.

Marmon/Keystone LLC – USA sales@marmonkeystone.com www.marmonkeystone.com

The Tulsa location serves as a satellite of the Denver service centre. Gary

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