TPT May 2009

T echnology U pdate

Professional pipe coupling for external coating

During research on the issues that pipe coating companies worldwide are dealing with, it became clear that there was a need for a professional coupling. Line pipes are seldom straight or exactly round. Many coating plants deal with stability problems during the process or air seals underneath the coating layer as a result of radial pipe movement. Even severe variations in FBE coating thickness occur because the distance from the pipe to the spraying nozzle in the coating cabin varies due to pipe movements. Each coating process is different and experience and fine tuning are needed to achieve the best results. However, in many cases results can be improved if the right coupling is applied. By connecting pipes with a coupling, the distance between the coating cabin and the first pipe supporting roll afterwards can be increased. Directly after the cabin, the freshly applied coating is still weak due to the high temperature. Each time the pipe weld, spirally or longitudinally, of the rotating pipe hits the first support roll, the coating can dent or damage. By increasing the distance,

Dhatec, Netherlands, has been working on an R&D programme for the past five years, focussing on how to keep line pipes in optimal condition during and after manufacturing. During each segment of the logistic trail, there is a risk of damaging both the pipe and its coating layer. As a result of the R&D programme, particular problems can be isolated and professional solutions found. In many cases

these new solutions do not only safeguard the quality of the pipe and coating, but also improve the process itself in terms of efficiency and safety. One of the new developments is the premium pipe coupling. A coupling is used to line up pipes and protect the bevelled pipe-end during external coating. This allows coating plants to achieve the optimal end quality of the coating application and enhances stability and efficiency of the coating process.

 Dhatec’s Task Environment, the logistic process of a line pipe

Ferrite cores

Impeders

Fibreglass tubes

Copper inductors

Tool holder

Carbide inserts

Inside tube scarfing

Cutting rings

Ceramic rolls

USM provides top quality products and services to the Tube and Pipe industries worldwide. We have a wide range of top quality items and devices for tube manufacturers’ requirements. Once our products have been chosen, we can immediately deliver them from our stock.

HSS blades

Guillotine blades

Other....

European official distributor

U.S.M. Mazzucchelli S.r.l. V.le Lombardia,4 - 20052 Monza - MI - Italy Tel. +39/039.387282 - 2301687 Fax +39/039.387633 www.usm.it

impeder cores

36

M ay 2009

www.read-tpt.com

›