TPT September 2007

Technology Update

Smart Interrupter for pipeline corrosion technicians

Radiodetection Ltd, UK, researches, designs and develops pipeline inspection and cable location equipment. These products are used in industries involving digging activities, from major utilities to drainage, inspection, horizontal drilling and site contractors. The company has launched the SI220 Smart Interrupter for monitoring the effectiveness of cathodic protection (CP) systems. Developed in cooperation with leading CP systems experts, the SI220 is a solid state interrupter for corrosion technicians that incorporates improved over-voltage and thermal protection. CP systems are used to protect buried metal pipes and other structures against corrosion. The Radiodetection SI220 enables the interruption of the CP current, allowing the integrity of the pipeline coating to be evaluated without disturbing the pipeline, as part of the routine maintenance of cathodically protected pipes.

The SI220 consists of a base unit controller, which drives a separate booster unit and allows current switching of up to 100 amps at 220V peak (155V rms). Technicians can synchronise up to eight units using the Radiodetection patented GPS time stamping system (supplied as standard) to monitor the effect of multiple CP sources. This time stamping also allows 24 hour operation, enabling interruption during survey hours and leaving the pipeline protected at all times. The SI220 delivers high voltage operation with reverse polarity indication and can be used as a conventional interrupter, switching currents up to 100A as well as generating unique signatures for the Radiodetection Stray Current Mapper system. Housed in a robust engineered casing with fire retardant material, it has a 300 hour Reika, Germany, has received orders for its hi-tech straightening machines from three customers. The machines are custom made according to a special design for hot rolled tubes and cold drawn precision tubes. The design of the company’s six-roll straightening machine with sloping machine bed allows the automatic removal of scale from hot rolled tubes out of the machine area. The ten-roll machine with integrated twin tub allows straightening with a full flow water cooling system, for improved tube surface quality.

€ The SI220

Smart Interrupter from Radiodetection Ltd

battery life from 2D cells, or can run for an extended time from the CP supply. Radiodetection Ltd – UK Fax : +44 117 976 7775 Email : sales.uk@radiodetection.spx.com Website : www.radiodetection.com

Tube straightening and finishing combined

› Reika has received several orders for its straightening machines

The machines will be delivered in combination with Reika’s finishing line equipment. The company’s range includes facing and chamfering lines, NDT testing lines and different conveyor systems for high speed transport of tubes. Reika GmbH & Co KG – Germany Fax : +49 2331 969036 Email : info@reika.de Website : www.reika.de

› The company also produces finishing lines, including NDT testing lines

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S eptember /O ctober 2007