TPT July 2007

Technology Update

Heating solutions for corrosive liquids

Meeting precise requirements for DOM mechanical tubing Due to the increased requirements of manufacturing on higher-value precision engineered components, tube and pipe specialist distributor Van Leeuwen Wheeler is predicting a resurgence in the usage of DOM mechanical precision tubing. DOM mechanical is made from high quality flat rolled steel which is formed, electric welded and fully normalised with the inside and outside welding flash removed during the process. The inherent precision is achieved when the tube is cold drawn over a mandrel (hence DOM) which converts the as-welded tube into a uniform precision product with substantially improved tolerances, surface finish, tensile strength, increased hardness and good machinability. › Mr Trevor Desmond of Van Leeuwen Wheeler predicts the resurgence of DOMMechanical to meet the needs of precision engineered components Van Leeuwen Wheeler’s mechanical tube specialist Mr Trevor Desmond says: “With much of the traditional UK high volume manufacturing moving to countries with lower manufacturing cost bases, our own manufacturing industry is much more focused on added-value precision engineered products. These place far higher demands on the dimensional accuracy of the feedstock and this is where DOMmechanical really scores. In comparison to conventional seamless tube, DOM mechanical offers accuracy in terms of concentricity and straightness. We are definitely starting to see a migration of business from cold drawn to DOM mechanical.” Van Leeuwen Wheeler offers a full range of DOM mechanical in both imperial and metric sizes from 6mm to 200mm in various grades and thicknesses, including heat treated materials for bending applications. Random off-the-shelf sizes can be supplied, while the company also offers a specialist cut-to-length service. Van Leeuwen Wheeler Ltd – UK Fax : +44 1384 487619

Braude, UK, is a specialist manufacturer of non-corrodable heating and cooling equipment for the highly corrosive liquids found typically in pickling, plating, anodising and other chemical processing operations. The company’s expertise is in heating aggressive and corrosive solutions that conventional equipment cannot withstand. All products are manufactured from high integrity chemically inert fluoropolymers (ie Teflon™), and have been designed to ensure long life in aggressive solutions. They are all manufactured to the highest quality standards: Braude is an ISO 9001 registered company Braude manufactures the Nautilus range of tank heaters and Jet Stream external heating and cooling systems. These systems are particularly suitable for larger scale pickling and processing operations. The Nautilus tank heater consists of a fluoropolymer element mounted on a strong polymer frame for good chemical resistance. The heater is immersed at a suitable location within the process tank and easily connected to the heating source by means of sturdy flexible connections. The Jet Stream is a complete system comprising a non-corrodable fluoropolymer heating/cooling element, external tank,

recirculation pumps and controllers for temperature and system operation. It is ideal for arduous heavy industrial pickling and process applications where the heat exchanger requires protection from damage by the workload. This is often the case in the steel, tube, wire and galvanising industries. Both systems are suitable for use with steam, hot water, and in some cases thermal fluid. The element can also be used with chilled water for cooling applications. Each heat exchanger is made to suit the tank in which it will be installed and the company calculate the size of each unit based on information supplied by the end user. Other Braude products include the Polaris non-corrodable electric immersion tank heaters, and the Thermaster, Levelmaster and Tankmaster range of temperature and liquid level controllers sealed to IP65. Braude also produces a range of self- priming chemical service pumps, suitable for use with highly corrosive solutions such as hydrochloric, hydrofluoric and sulphuric acids – with flow rates up to 35m 3 /hr.

E Braude Ltd – UK Fax : +44 1252 875281

Email : sales@braude.co.uk Website : www.braude.co.uk

Latest digital flaw detector for good signal to noise testing Sonatest has launched the Powerscan 450P digital flaw detector, the next in the family of new generation digital flaw detectors from Sonatest Ltd. Powerscan 450P is designed to meet the needs of high penetration and good signal to noise testing requirements.

It has already received approval from Serco Assurance in the UK for rail axle testing and has been accepted by a world leading forging company for critical inspection. Evolving from the very successful Powerscan 400, this model has been enhanced with a new 450 volt square wave pulser, improved low frequency filter bands for 0.25MHz transducers and standard AVG & DAC software.

› The new Powerscan 450P digital flaw detector

Additional benefits are the new user interface, full screen expand mode and a lower PRF setting. The ‘single shot’ acquisition processing enhances screen update speed on low PRF, resulting in improved hand scanning response. The unit is housed in a high strength lightweight plastic enclosure and uses lightweight batteries to significantly reduce weight over the Powerscan 400. Sonatest Ltd – UK Fax : +44 1908 321323 Email : marketing@sonatest.com • Website : www.sonatest.com

Email : sales@vanleeuwen.co.uk Website : www.vanleeuwen.com

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J uly /A ugust 2007