TPT March 2012

I ndustry N ews

Hydrostatic pipe tester installed BEG Steel Pipe Corporation, USA, has placed an order with SMS Meer, Germany, for the supply, installation and commission- ing of a new hydrostatic pipe tester for longitudinally welded large diameter pipes. The new tester is to replace an existing tester in the works in Panama City, Florida. BSPC mainly produces line pipes there. With the new tester, the company will be meeting the growing requirements relating to new pipe materials, dimensional ranges and, above all, the stipulations of the international certification authorities. Thanks to the use of completely prefabricated assemblies, installation will take place without any noticeable standstill times.

The hydrostatic pipe tester

The new hydrostatic pipe tester is designed for 12.4m long large diameter pipes with diameters of 24 to 62" (609.6 to 1,574.8mm) and wall thicknesses of ¼ to 1½" (6.35 to 38.1mm). The maximum test pressure is 35MPa, and the clamping force attains 40MN. The test pressure lies well above the

later operating pressure of the pipes. Project manager Matthias Büchter of SMS Meer said: “We have designed the tester in such a way that we can almost fully use the existing foundations at the customer’s works. BSPC thus saves considerable costs.” The new plant is designed for a higher throughput

than the existing machine. BSPC is thus equipped to face future capacity expansions in the works.

SMS Meer GmbH – Germany Email: info@sms-meer.com Website: www.sms-meer.com

Tube bending machine for China DESIGNER, manufacturer and supplier of tube bending and endforming technologies, AddisonMckee of Lancashire, UK has manufactured a new eB 80 ES RB model machine for supply to Dinex in China. The new machine represents a significant alternative to the existing DB 75 machine: in everything, that is, but cost. A key to reducing the cost of the new machine lay in removing the ball screw

providing the boost and allowing the gearbox and motor instead to provide the force required for boosting. Hence the new machine enables freeform bending for the full length of the bed. Given the cost of floorspace at any facility, the new machine’s modular design also has significant benefits if bed length flexibility is important. The standard machine itself is two metres long but offers the capability to increase in length by bolting two sections together to extend the bed when required, converting the machine easily and cheaply to a three/four metre model. AddisonMckee has always prided itself on its innovative approach, especially when it comes to developing most technologically advanced control systems. Back in 1984/5 the company introduced its Mark 1 control system incorporating the very first touch screen. The new Mark 7 system takes con- venience and flexibility one step further by enabling a single control system to operate with both hydraulic and electric machines.

New sales rep is hired in Brazil

BURR Oak Tool Inc has appointed a local sales representative in Brazil. Forming Tubing Do Brazil, located in São Jose do Campos near São Paulo, Brazil, and Burr Oak Tool Inc, located in Sturgis, Michigan, USA, will work together during 2012 to facilitate sales of machines, tools and spare parts of its product line in Brazil. Forming Tubing has more than 20 years of experience working with manufacturers in Brazil, and brings both market knowledge and an expansive business base to the partnership. The addition of these experienced professionals in Brazil will enhance customer service and help provide local solutions. For more than 65 years Burr Oak Tool Inc has designed and customised production machinery for the heat transfer and tube processing industries. Oak machines are installed and successfully operating in more than 70 countries. It provides quality machines, service and parts to customers worldwide.

Burr Oak Tool Inc – USA Website: www.burroak.com

AddisonMckee – UK Website: www.addisonmckee.com

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M arch 2012