TPT September 2007

Technology Update

Automatic welding equipment specified for major pipeline project

CRC-Evans Automatic Welding, USA, a subsidiary of CRC-Evans Pipeline International, designs and builds automatic welding systems for land and offshore pipeline construction. In addition to renting or selling its systems to contractors, the division provides specialised services including engineering, on-site technicians, and training. The company has been chosen to supply equipment for a major pipeline project under construction in the Welsh and English countryside. The pipeline will follow a 122 mile (196km) route, from a new compression station to a new pressure reduction installation, where it connects with the existing gas pipeline network. National Grid is the owning company.

Because a sixteen-mile section of the pipeline must pass through the scenic Brecon Beacons National Park in Wales, careful routing and environmental impact assessment took place from October 2004 to summer 2006, while consent and land › The early stages of another X80 project in the UK: the start of 48" X80 mainline welding for Murphy in South Wales

Providing the tubing products to power the world According to the US Government, the world’s demand for electricity is predicted to more than double in twenty years. With the production of new power plants and the

maintenance and upgrading of existing power plants, the need for high quality tubing and pipe for heat exchangers, steam condensers, and feedwater heaters will also escalate. RathGibson, a leader in the manufacture of precision- welded straight lengths and coil, seamless, and welded and drawn tubing and pipes, is geared to meet the special requirements of the power generation industry. “As the power generation market grows, RathGibson will be there to supply the products that help to supply the world’s electricity,” says Mr Harley Kaplan, president and CEO of RathGibson. “From raw material selection through to production and delivery, RathGibson is dedicated to meeting and exceeding customer expectations. We have positioned offices throughout the world in order to respond quickly and effectively to our clients wherever they may be. Our efforts are part of our on-going commitment to the success of our customers in the power generation industry.”

› RathGibson’s tubing is available in a range of grades to meet the specifications of the power generation industry

RathGibson offers a range of grades that were specifically engineered to meet the specifications of the power generation industry. These include 304L/316L, duplex 2205 stainless steel, titanium – grade 2, and a variety of nickel alloys. These products are currently being used in installations throughout China, Asia, India, Europe, North America, and South America. RathGibson is a worldwide supplier of highly engineered stainless steel, nickel, and titanium tubing for diverse markets such as chemical, petrochemical, general commercial, food, beverage, pharmaceutical, medical, energy and oil and gas.

RathGibson – USA Fax : +1 608 754 0889 • Website : www.RathGibson.com

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S eptember /O ctober 2007