TPi November 2013

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The trade magazine for tube and pipe products

November 2013

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Making tubes and pipes means more than a simple production line. There are lubricants, process fluids and coatings to consider, and that’s just the beginning. You’ve got to constantly monitor and maintain your machinery, processes and workforce. So you need a partner with the products and expertise to get things running and keep them running at their best – front to back, with you at each step. That’s why you need Quaker. No challenge is too big for relentless innovation, hard work and a sincere desire to help you maximize your productivity and improve your bottom line. It’s our obsession and inside everything we do. Because at the heart of the tube and pipe industry, you’ll find us. It’s what’s inside that counts. ™

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Editorial Office: Editor

Mr Rory McBride Email: rory@intras.co.uk

Editorial Assistant

Mr Christian Bradley Email: christian@intras.co.uk

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Mr John C Hogg

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Tube Products INTERNATIONAL is published by Intras Ltd, UK

Europe: 46 Holly Walk, Leamington Spa Warwickshire CV32 4HY, UK

Tel: +44 1926 334137 Fax: +44 1926 314755 Email: tpi@intras.co.uk Website: www.intras.co.uk Intras USA Danbury Corporate Center 107 Mill Plain Road Danbury, CT 06811, USA Tel: +1 203 794 0444 Email: doug@intras.co.uk

USA:

US copies only: Tube Products International (ISSN No: 1755-7216, USPS No: 024-676) is published bi-monthly by Intras Ltd and distributed in the USA by SPP, 17B S Middlesex Ave, Monroe NJ 08831. Periodicals postage paid at New Brunswick, NJ. POSTMASTER: send address changes to Tube Products INTERNATIONAL, 17B S Middlesex Ave, Monroe, NJ 08831 This publication and its full contents of layout, text, images, and graphics is copyright protected. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying, recording or any other storage or retrieval system without the publisher’s written permission. The publisher, owners, agents, printers, editors and contributors cannot be held responsible for and hereby exclude all liability whatsoever for errors, omissions or the accuracy and claims printed or inferred in the editorial or advertisements published in this, previous or subsequent editions or for any damages, costs or losses caused thereby. Tube Products International reserves the right to edit, reword and subedit all editorial submissions in accordance with editorial policy. Tube Products International expressed graphically or by text is a registered name and style trademark of Intras Ltd, UK. All matters relating to this disclaimer are governed by the laws of England.

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© 2013 Intras Ltd, UK ISSN 1755-7216

Tube Products INTERNATIONAL Magazine 46 Holly Walk, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire CV32 4HY, UK Tel: +44 1926 334137 • Fax: +44 1926 314755 • Email: tpi@intras.co.uk

www.tubeproductsinternational.com

8 Business & Market News 30 Products & Developments 50 Small diameter, high precision tubes 54 Fabtech 2013 56 An interview with Angelo Martines Sales manager at Sandvik Brazil 58 Stainless Steel World Expo 2013 60 Stainless steel tubes 65 Installing piping systems in tunnels by Dave Hudson, senior product engineer, Victaulic 69 Editorial Index 70 Catalogue 72 Advertisers Index Contents November 2013 12-14 November 2013

18-21 November 2013

Whenyouhave finishedwith thismagazineplease recycle it

The trade magazine for tube and pipe products

events calendar

www.read-tpi.com

November 2013

The trademagazine for tube and pipe products

The November issue

2013

12-14 November Stainless Steel World Expo (Netherlands) International Exhibition www.stainless-steel-world.net

Welcome to the latest issue of Tube Products International. This month we have features on upcoming trade shows Stainless Steel World Expo in The Netherlands and FABTECH in Chicago and we take an in-depth look at the latest developments and products in the world of stainless steel tubes and small diameter, precision tubes. Wearealso luckyenough tohaveavery interesting interview with Sandvik Brazil veteran Angelo Martines, which should prove an interesting read for anyone interested in becoming more involved in Brazil and South America in general. Last but not least we have an extended feature about the specific difficulties of installing pipe systems in tunnels from leading expert Dave Hudson who is senior product engineer at Victaulic. During the next couple of months I will be chalking up the air miles with flights to São Paulo in Brazil and Chicago, USA. I cannot wait to visit both TuboTech and FABTECH and I am sure I will see plenty of the usual familiar faces. It is always good to meet readers face to face. Next issue we are taking our first look at Tube Düsseldorf 2014 with a preview of the show as well as features focusing on tubes used in the aerospace and car industries and those used specifically for refrigeration and HVAC. If you have any stories related to these subjects or tube, pipe or valve products in general please drop me a line at rory@intras. co.uk. Enjoy the magazine.

18-21 November Fabtech (Chicago, USA) International Exhibition www.fabtechexpo.com 19-22 November TOLexpo (France) International Exhibition www.tolexpo.com

2014

11-15 March METAV (Düsseldorf, Germany) International Exhibition www.metav.com 7-11 April Tube Düsseldorf (Germany) International Exhibition www.tube.de

14-17 May Lamiera (Bologna, Italy) International Exhibition www.lamiera.net

3-6 June Tube Russia (Moscow, Russia) International Exhibition www.metallurgy-tube-russia.com 24-27 September Tube China 2014 (Shanghai, China) International Exhibition www.tubechina.net 21-25 October EuroBlech (Hanover, Germany) International Exhibition www.euroblech.com 28-30 October Tube India 2014 (Mumbai, India) International Exhibition www.tubeindia.com

Rory McBride Editor

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TUBE PRODUCTS INTERNATIONAL November 2013

news business & market

GPS has supplied 2,300m of pipe for the Black Lane scheme

New pipe for resilience scheme GPS PE Pipe Systems is helping to ensure continuity of water supply to the Blandford area of Dorset, UK, with the supply of a pipeline that will link Snowsdon Reservoir to Black Lane water treatment works, then on to the Blandford supply main. projects so far, including the 2,300m of pipe supplied for the Black Lane scheme.

for the road crossings, installing two 355mm water mains under the A354 at Blandford and a 180mm SDR11 telemetry duct along a 120m stretch of pipeline at 3m centres. Martin Wood, Wessex Water’s design coordinator on the Water Supply Grid project, commented, “By working with GPS as the pipe supplier we were able to tailor the size of pipe to the required flow rate at different sections of the route. The result is a scheme that will minimise the risk of low pressures within Blandford.”

Delivered by Trant Construction, the Black Lane scheme aims to address any risk of future supply shortfalls that result from increased demand and potential low pressure due to the size of the existing main. GPS has provided a mix of pipe sizes ranging from 180 to 450mm diameter in blue PE100 SDR17 pipe, along with special high performance profiled gaskets for critical road crossings.

The scheme forms part of Wessex Water’s Water Supply Grid initiative, the company’s largest ever resilience project and one that will see Wessex Water carry out 50 individual schemes across Somerset, Wiltshire and Dorset during an eight-year rolling programme. As Wessex Water’s framework PE pipe supplier, GPS has supplied more than 26km of pipe for Water Supply Grid

GPs Pe Pipe systems – UK www.gpsuk.com

Specialist contractor Yates Trenchless Solutions carried out directional drilling

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business & market news

Contract for pipelay support vessels A joint venture formed by Technip and DOF has been awarded by Petróleo Brasileiro SA (Petrobras) eight contracts, covering the construction of four new pipelay support vessels (PLSVs) and operation in Brazilian waters to install flexible pipes. The combined value for Technip is approximately €1.35bn. Under the joint venture agreement, Technip will manage flexible pipelay, and DOF will be responsible for marine operations. Delivery of the PLSVs is scheduled for 2016-2017. Contracts will last eight years from start of operations, and could be renewed for another eight- year period.

that our cooperation with Technip on the Skandi Vitória and Skandi Niterói has been successful, and reinforces our position as a leading provider of offshore vessels to the Brazilian O&G industry. It comes as a result of our long-term focus on the Brazilian market and is an acknowledgment of the expertise of our people.” Roy Reite, Vard’s chief executive officer and executive director, commented, “I look forward to working with Technip and DOF on these milestone projects. Vard yards both in Europe and Brazil being chosen to build these vessels illustrates the value of having a global presence when working with international clients, and bringing leading edge technology to new markets.”

Frédéric Delormel, Technip’s executive vice president and chief operating officer subsea, commented, “This strategic contract reinforces our subsea leadership in Brazil and our long- term relationship with Petrobras. We are confident that these new state-of- the-art PLSVs, including two with the most important flexible pipelay tension capacity in the world – 650 tons – will be key assets for our client to successfully achieve its projects offshore Brazil.”

Two of the PLSVs will have a 300- ton laying tension capacity and will be fabricated in Brazil with a high national content. The other two vessels will be designed to achieve a 650-ton laying tension capacity, enabling the installation of large diameter flexible pipes in ultra-deepwater environments, such as the Brazilian pre-salt. Vard Holdings Limited, one of the major global designers and shipbuilders of offshore and specialised vessels, will be in charge of the design and construction of the four PLSVs.

Technip – France www.technip.com

Mons S Aase, DOF’s chief executive officer, added, “The contracts confirm

Prisma wins ‘red dot’ award for product design

These integral design features, combined with advanced software and multiple inspection modes, enable the Prisma to step up to all testing applications in a variety of challenging environments, from oil pipelines to aerospace components. With integral data recording and automatic PDF report generation, the Prisma has wireless and Ethernet connectivity, allowing the unit to be easily upgraded or diagnosed remotely. Prof Dr Peter Zec, initiator and CEO of red dot, has pointed out that strong design competence and economic success go hand-in-hand: “The winners of the ‘red dot award: product design 2013’ are the protagonists of a highly developed design culture and design industry. These days it is becoming more and more difficult to distinguish between well-designed products. It is often only in the details that the special qualities become apparent. However, those product creations that pass the test before the critical eyes of the

The skills and expertise of Sonatest Ltd, in partnership with LA Design, impressed the 37-strong jury of industry experts who judged the ‘red dot award: product design awards in 2013’ with the new Prisma. Those who succeed in winning their class group are able to associate themselves with the red dot branding and positioning within an internationally recognised field of product design appreciation and expertise. This year the red dot competition received 4,662 entries in 19 different categories. Designed for non-invasive material testing in extreme environments, the Prisma incorporates advanced real-time imaging and 3D scanning, making flaw interpretation easier, and reducing technician time on-site. Design features include advanced heat dissipation, shock-absorbing over- moulding, anti-vibration mounts, high- end waterproofing, user ergonomics and a highly engineered skeleton for enhanced robustness.

Sonatest’s Prisma is a 2013 red dot award winner

international red dot jury will not fade into the crowd and will be able to fend off global competition.” Winners of the red dot recognition also benefit from their products being displayed in the red dot design museum. With around 2,000 products spread over an area of more than 4,000m 2 , the museum houses the largest exhibition of contemporary design worldwide.

Sonatest Ltd – UK sales@sonatest.com www.sonatest.com

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November 2013 Tube Products International

business & market news

Merfish acquires assets of BBL Merfish Pipe & Supply, Co has announced that a wholly owned affiliate has purchased the assets of BBL Company. Supply is a wholly owned subsidiary of Merfish Pipe Holdings, LLC, which is majority owned by One Equity Partners, the private equity arm of JPMorgan Chase & Co.

of the assets of BBL, a south-eastern Pennsylvania-based distributor of steel pipe and tubing, marks a new and exciting chapter for Merfish as we bring our industry leading master distribution of steel pipe, fittings and flanges to the north-eastern USA.” Bob Rau of BBL, Inc remarked, “My team and I are thrilled to now be working with a company with such a wonderful reputation as Merfish. We look forward to helping Merfish establish itself in the north-eastern USA steel pipe market.” Merfish’s primary end markets include commercial construction, industrial construction, residential construction and steel/structural fabrication.

BBL Company, founded in 1971, is a distributor of steel pipe and tubing, serving the greater Pennsylvania and New Jersey area. It is an authorised distributor of US Steel and Wheatland Tube. Products distributed by BBL include carbon, alloy, stainless steel, nickel and aluminium pipe/tube in sizes 1 / 8 " to 24". Merfish is a 93-year-old distributor of carbon steel pipe, fittings and flanges, serving distributors in the USA. Its products include carbon steel welded and seamless standard pipe, carbon steel seamless pipe fittings and carbon steel forged flanges. Merfish Pipe &

Merfish Pipe Holdings is also the owner of Pipe Exchange, a distributor of carbon steel API line pipe primarily to end users across the energy exploration end markets in and east of the Rocky Mountains. Pipe Exchange’s products include carbon steel ERW API line pipe, carbon steel seamless API line pipe, and carbon steel API line pipe coated for underground installation. Its primary end markets include energy exploration and gathering for oil, dry natural gas and natural gas liquids.

Merfish Pipe & supply – USA www.merfish.com

Gerald Merfish, CEO of Merfish Holdings, commented, “Our acquisition

IPP appoints technical directors and project manager

these promotions bode well for the future.”

IPPGroup (International PipingProducts) has appointed Andrew Rigby and Paul Tolen as joint technical directors. The appointments cover the full technical and quality aspects of IPP manufacturing operations in the UK. Mr Rigby joined the company as technical sales manager for IPP Mardale in March 2012, combining the role with that of group metallurgy and technical product development, utilising his industry-recognised qualifications in engineering and metallurgy and eight years’ technical experience in the oil and gas industry. Mr Tolen was appointed IPP Mardale QA manager and IPP group QA manager in April 2012, having spent three years at IPP Mardale developing his knowledge of quality systems, and was instrumental in ensuring full compliance with stringent customer specifications. industry-recognised qualifications in mechanical engineering and quality systems. He has

The IPP Group’s recruitment drive continues with the appointment of Charlie Snow as project manager. Mr Snow has 18 years’ industry experience in production planning, customer service systems and responsibility for ISO 9001:2008 quality systems. He also has a strong background in health and safety and holds an accredited leadership qualification (ILM). Based at IPP Group’s headquarters, his role will be project manager for IPP Europe’s key accounts in the oil and gas industry, both topside and subsea. He will also work alongside the expanding commercial department to develop new strategies in emerging markets. The IPP Group is a worldwide supplier of pipes, tubes, fittings, flanges and specialist forgings for the gas, petro- chemical, oil and nuclear industries.

IPP project manager Charlie Snow

IPP Group CEO Jared Ayres commented, “Andrew and Paul have fantastic technical knowledge and their application to their roles over the past twelve months has been admirable. Their combined skills will give the IPP Group a leading edge in this most important field. We always aim to be one step ahead of our competition and

IPP Group – UK sales@ippgrp.com www.ippgrp.com

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Tube ProducTs INTerNaTIoNal November 2013

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business & market news

Contract for Metropolitan Police refurbishment project

As the only drainage system tested to a Kitemark approved to BS EN 877, it combines the proven material properties of cast iron – fire resistance, acoustic qualities, strength, longevity and ensuring minimal maintenance is required once installed. Nick Moore of Saint-Gobain PAM UK commented, “The Ensign cast iron system offers significant performance benefits over other materials and is widely regarded as the most versatile cast iron system on the market. It provides the complete drainage solution to the project’s needs. “Our new, cost-effective grip collars were also used with the Ensign ductile iron couplings as an alternative solution to using more expensive, high-pressure couplings, which deliver increased rigidity in suspended installations while maintaining five bar pressure capability unrestrained.” Ensign has also been specified for two other refurbishment projects, at the Kingston and Wood Green police stations. The main contractor for the project was Wates Construction, with SFI as the sub-contractor.

Ensign drainage systems were most notably used in the Brixton Police Station, which underwent a multi- million pound, 27-cell extension and below-ground car park refurbishment. The project was highly focused on fire safety, security and strength, leading to design engineer Anderson Green specifying Ensign for the job.

In an attempt to save more than £500mn over the next three years, the UK’s Metropolitan Police Authority has implemented a station refurbishment project to cut costs. Saint-Gobain’s Ensign above-ground drainage systems are being specified for much of the upgrade.

Saint-Gobain PAM UK sales.uk.pam@saint-gobain.com www.saint-gobain-pam.co.uk

An Ensign joint from the Saint-Gobain range

Shell and Interpipe in cooperation In 2012 Shell and Interpipe signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that outlined the steps required to bring Interpipe’s pipe products in line with Shell’s global standards. Since then the companies have successfully progressed through the crucial steps of the Memorandum, and as a result, Shell has approved Interpipe mills and certain product lines. Denis Morozov, Interpipe director of products and resources, said, “The cooperation with Shell gives us a challenge to meet the highest quality standards in the industry, and I’m delighted that Interpipe has successfully passed Shell qualification audit. At the moment we have approved certain product lines with Shell and are working on development of new pipe products with premium connections to meet the company’s requirements to operate in tough geological conditions.”

system comply with international standards.

Qualification orders of casing and tubing have been transported to the USA for inspection and verification of meeting Shell standards, and initial results are under review. Interpipe NMPP mill has been approved by Shell for manufacturing of line pipe for a limited product range. Shell has approved Interpipe to thread API specification connections, and is working with the company on new premium connections required for high pressure fracturing of gas wells to ensure well integrity and safe operations.

Robin Naughton, well engineering team lead at Shell, commented, “Shell has approved and is satisfied with certain Interpipe products and continues to work with Interpipe on other aspects so that a significant and relevant product range is approved for Shell both in Ukraine and internationally. Once relevant product lines are approved Interpipe will be able to bid for supply tenders for Shell.”

Shell has approved the steel manufacturing plant of Interpipe Steel for production of steel billets for use in rolling of casing and tubing. Shell has also audited Interpipe NTRP and Interpipe Nikotube pipe rolling mills and confirmed that plants’ technological processes and quality management

Interpipe – Ukraine sales.eu@interpipe.biz www.interpipe.biz

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business & market news

NORSOK compliance for PEEK stock shapes Quadrant Engineering Plastic Products has achieved NORSOK M-710 compliance for its Ketron ® 1000 PEEK (natural) injection moulded and extruded stock shapes. The engineering plastics manufacturer is the first in its industry to receive the certification under the most severe sour multiphase fluid aging test environment with the highest H 2 S levels. The accomplishment highlights Ketron 1000 PEEK’s suitability as a high strength alternative to fluoropolymers. It will also support improvements to environmental and workplace safety in the oil and gas industries through material parts that maintain high-level performance and restrict the potential for accidents by enabling safer application. The NORSOK standards were developed by the Norwegian petroleum industry to ensure safety, add value and to improve cost effectiveness of the industry’s developments and operations. Standard M-710 defines requirements for critical non-metallic sealing, seat and back-up materials for permanent use subsea. The standard also applies to topside valves in critical gas systems. During the qualification process, Quadrant subjected its Ketron 1000 PEEK stock shapes to the toughest testing procedure – sour multiphase fluid aging, high H 2 S levels – to simulate environments found in oil and gas production. This method for predicting the progressive degradation of thermo- plastic materials exposed to sour fluid at elevated temperature and pressure is three times more severe than the valid standard sour aging test for plastics. The standard test results in a 0.6% H 2 S environment, whereas the test followed by Quadrant results in a 2% H 2 S environment. The new higher measures

Quadrant’s NORSOK M-710 compliant Ketron 1000 PEEK stock shapes

of branch offices, technical support centres and authorised dealers.

raising the industry’s test threshold are not yet compulsory.

Quadrant ePP – Switzerland contact@qplas.com www.quadrantplastics.com

The Ketron PEEK material line’s advanced properties of chemical and abrasion resistance combined with high temperature rating and strength make it a suitable choice where performance and reliability are required in extreme and hostile environments. It is already valued by design engineers for use in applications from aircraft to oil field drilling, in the form of structural parts, bushings, bearings, seals and back-up rings. Within oil and gas production, Ketron 1000 PEEK natural stock shapes are designed for extrusion and injection moulded tubes, plates and rods for applications including well completion, Christmas trees, control systems and valves. According to Frank Olmos, global market segment manager for the chemical processing industry at Quadrant EPP, “Ketron 1000 PEEK sets the new industry standard for performance in extreme environments, and achieving NORSOK compliance allows us to better serve our customers’ needs in the oil and gas industries. Our PEEK product inno- vations reinforce Quadrant’s commit- ment toward continued technological advancement and improved cost effectiveness in the petroleum industry for research, development and operations.” Quadrant’s products and services are available through a worldwide network

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business & market news

Energex in agreement with Metal One Energex Tube, a division of JMC Steel Group, has agreed to a deal with Metal One Corporation, offering semi- premium connections for use in North American oil and gas drilling.

to 4.5" OD, with better clearance and improved work string capability.

“The Metal One connections enhance the value of our products and provide tubing and casing connection solutions for our North American E&P customers,” added Mr Boswell. “We are certainly excited about the opportunity to team up with a global company like Metal One and work together to better serve customers.”

and well-established technical service network, I envision this as the beginning of a long and prosperous partnership.” Metal One’s proprietary connections to be offered in North America by Energex Tube include Geoconn semi-premium casing connections in sizes 4.5" to 20" OD, for use in drilling with casing applications and SAGD (steam-assisted gravity drainage), as well as geothermal wells; and Supermax tubing and casing non-upset connections in sizes 1.9"

“This agreement brings together two companies that are both focused on better servicing the OCTG market,” said Randy Boswell, president of Energex Tube. “With Energex Tube’s diversified tubular portfolio combined with Metal One’s strong family of connections

Energex Tube – USA info@energextube.com www.energextube.com

Metal One Corporation – Japan www.mtlo.co.jp/us

BSS Industrial promotes home-grown talent Heating and pipeline solutions supplier BSS Industrial has appointed Lee Burgin as key account director for a number of its national heating and ventilating accounts.

Industrial, I am delighted to be returning to the company. The H&V market is a great one to be involved in – it’s always moving and much of my time will be spent ensuring our key accounts are fully aware of the new and innovative product solutions BSS Industrial has to offer. I look forward to building on my previous experience and working closely with our teams and our customers.” BSS Industrial, part of the plumbing and heating division of Travis Perkins plc, is a pipeline and heating distributor with over 60 national branches. The company has a number of specialist brands that provide customers with a single-source solution.

Mr Burgin joins the company from Plumbing Trade Supplies (PTS), where he was a branch manager for two years in Sheffield, UK. However, he is not new to BSS Industrial, having previously worked from 1997 to 2011 in various roles, from internal sales and external account management to branch manager at BSS Stoke. Mr Burgin will be responsible for a number of BSS Industrial’s major H&V accounts, including SES and NG Bailey. The key account director role provides a single point of contact for national customers, ensuring the best possible

Lee Burgin, BSS Industrial’s new key account director

BSS Industrial – UK enquiries@bssgroup.com www.bssindustrial.co.uk

product solution and service is provided. Mr Burgin commented, “Having spent a large part of my career with BSS

Norma Group acquires Guyco Engineered joining technology firm Norma Group has signed an agreement to acquire 100 per cent of the shares in the Australian business Guyco Pty Ltd. The parties agreed to maintain confidentiality on the transaction details. of fittings and valves for freshwater distribution, irrigation, agricultural, plumbing and industrial market sectors. Guyco supplies over 700 customers in Australia and New Zealand through its warehouses in South Australia, Western Australia and Queensland. It generated sales of around €7mn in 2012.

range of Guyco ideally complements our recent acquisitions of Chien Jin Plastic, a Malaysian manufacturer of pipe compression fittings and components for the irrigation, agriculture and water distribution markets, and Davydick, an Australian distributor of rural irrigation fittings, valves and pumps for the agricultural, hardware and plumbing markets.”

Guyco, headquartered in Adelaide, Australia, commenced business in 1994 as a distributor to the agricultural market. Today the company specialises in the design, manufacture and distribution

“We are pleased with the acquisition of Guyco,” commented Werner Deggim, CEO of Norma Group. “The service

Norma Group – Germany www.normagroup.com

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business & market news

Molecor represents Spain in European Business Awards

the organisation’s website (www. businessawardseurope.com). Once the voting period concludes, the ‘European public champion’ will be announced, next April. The European Business Awards promote success, innovation and ethics in the European business community, rewarding organisations that meet these core principles. Molecor technology is already present in Spain, Australia, Ecuador, Colombia and Italy, and is involved in technology transfer projects in Canada, USA, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and Russia, among others, as well as numerous water infrastructure projects in countries in Europe and Africa.

country will participate in the second phase of the process, where they will compete with other European companies spread across various categories. According to Adrian Tripp, CEO of the European Business Awards, “Over the last seven years we have achieved a very high level. However, very few companies have the opportunity to represent their country and compete across Europe to be recognised as one of the Europe’s finest. It really is an exceptional compliment. We look forward to beginning the next phase.” To qualify for the award, companies must submit their activity, history and future prospects, in a video to be published online. Assessments will begin in November, and the public will also be able to vote for their national representatives through

The European Business Awards organisation has announced the national finalists to compete for the prestigious awards for 2013/2014. Molecor, which specialises in manufacturing and technology orientated PVC pipe (PVC-O) for pressurised water pipes, has been selected as one of the representatives for Spain. In this first round, the jury analysed European companies that comply with the basic principles of the awards: innovation, excellence and sustainability. Antonio Arena, co-founder and CEO of Molecor, commented, “Molecor is a pioneer in the development of molecular orientation technology applied to pressurised water pipes. Words like innovation, sustainability and excellence have helped to shape our identity over the years.”

Molecor – Spain info@molecor.com www.molecor.com

Representative companies from each

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business & market news

Fine Tubes opens Houston facility Fine Tubes, a manufacturer and global distributor of precision tubes for critical applications, has opened a new facility in Houston, Texas, USA, and appointed Robin Hodgson to head the new operation in the position of oil and gas business development manager. he moved from the UK to Houston in 2002 and where his final position was as sales manager for high-pressure hose assemblies in North and South America.

we’ll be able to deliver an exciting product offering across the spectrum of oil and gas applications.” Brian Mercer, Fine Tubes global sales and marketing director, added, “Whilst we focus on manufacturing high quality products for often ‘mission critical’ applications, an important part of the Fine Tubes offer is the technical support and advice we can provide across a broad range of stainless, nickel and titanium alloys. Robin has the experience and skill to ensure that our customers are fully supported in this way.” The Houston office opened in mid- July and is already offering sales and technical support in the region, complementing the company’s global operations, which cover more than 35 countries from offices in the UK, Germany, France, India, and now the USA.

Mr Hodgson commented, “I am very much looking forward to being part of a global team and contributing to the further success of Fine Tubes in the US. Working together with Superior Tubes

With oil and gas companies undertaking exploration and production activities in increasingly hostile environments, Fine Tubes is in a position to support these opportunities. The company’s experience in manufacturing high pressure, highly corrosion-resistant tubes for North Sea drilling projects is of potential value to operators in areas such as the Gulf of Mexico. With primary responsibility for building on the dual customer interface that Fine Tubes can offer – commercial and technical – and for developing key business relationships across the immediate region and the wider Americas, including Brazil, Mr Hodgson will be working in conjunction with Fine Tubes’ sister company, Superior Tubes in Collegeville, Pennsylvania, USA.

Fine Tubes ltd – UK sales@finetubes.co.uk www.finetubes.com Fine Tubes ltd – USA rhodgson@finetubes.com www.finetubes.com

Mr Hodgson joins Fine Tubes from ContiTech Oil & Marine Corp, with whom

Brian Mercer and Robin Hodgson

Certification for high purity tubing RathGibson, a manufacturer of welded, welded and drawn, and seamless stainless steel, nickel and alloy tubing, has earned the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) BioProcessing Equipment (BPE) certification. RathGibson received ASME BPE certificate #103 on its ASME BPE SF1 and SF4 product lines.

RathGibson, a PCC Energy Group company, is a worldwide manufacturer of precision engineered straight lengths, coil, and U-bend tubing for industries such as power generation, renewable, oil and gas, petrochemical, chemical, food and dairy, beverage, pharmaceutical, and general commercial. manufacturing locations in the USA include Janesville, Wisconsin; North Branch, New Jersey; and Clarksville, Arkansas (Greenville Tube). In addition to sales offices in Janesville and North Branch, RathGibson has strategically placed sales offices in Shanghai, China; São Paulo, Brazil; and Mumbai, India. The company’s

The company’s ASME BPE SF1 tubing is mechanically polished on the ID to 20µ-in Ra (0.5µm) ID max; ASME BPE SF4 tubing is electro-polished on the ID to 15µ-in Ra (0.4µm) max. Both product lines are available in 12.7 to 152.4mm (½" to 6") OD, in stock 6.1m (20ft) lengths. Paul Sedivy, director – high purity products, commented, “Earning this certification is our reward for our dedication to quality. We are proud that pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies turn to us for solutions that add value. Our goal is to continue to exceed the expectations of our customers in order to positively contribute to their bottom lines.”

The certification was awarded in recognition of the company’s commitment to excellence in the manufacture of high and ultra high purity tubing. “After the audit was scheduled, the process moved quickly,” explained Michael Aston, manager – quality assurance. “The ASME auditor concluded that the processes that we already had in place met the requirements of the standard.”

rathGibson – USA www.rathgibson.com

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business & market news

Flexlife double appointment expands management Flexlife, a subsea flexible pipes specialist, has strengthened its management organisation with two senior appointments. that, he worked at Acergy (formerly Stolt Offshore) as project manager both in the UK and the Far East.

both onshore and offshore, will be integral to client satisfaction and the resultant growth of Flexlife.” Jon Hawes also joins the Aberdeen office. He brings more than 30 years’ experience in the offshore oil and gas industry in subsea engineering and project management, structural engineering, naval architecture, operations management, and business development. Mr Hawes previously worked for CSL, Centrica, Total, Talisman and Elf Exploration. In his new role as senior project manager of the company’s on-going Apache contracts, Mr Hawes will be responsible for overseeing the project management team as well as the planning, execution and closing of all Flexlife’s Apache projects, ensuring scope, schedule, cost and quality targets are achieved throughout. Mr O’Donnell continued, “Together Simon and Jon bring significant understanding of the operating issues and technical practicalities faced by our clients in different E&P provinces across the world. Both are highly knowledgeable and people-skilled managers, and as such are essential for the safe and continuing operations of our clients and the development of Flexlife.”

“My involvement over the years in building teams and delivering high quality work to a similar client base as Flexlife will put me in good stead in my new role,” said Mr Hounsome. “Flexlife is going from strength to strength and has a number of demanding projects planned, making this is an excellent time to join the company.” Ciaran O’Donnell, CEO at Flexlife, commented, “Simon’s extensive experience and expertise in technical, operational and managerial positions,

Simon Hounsome joins the company’s Aberdeen, UK, headquarters as integrity and projects director, responsible for the policy, strategy and technical services delivered globally from the Aberdeen, Newcastle and Houston offices. Mr Hounsome has more than 20 years’ oil and gas experience in construction projects and operations management. Most recently he worked at JP Kenny, where he held the position of business manager – operations support. Prior to

Jon Hawes, Ciaran O’Donnell and Simon Hounsome

Flexlife – UK info@flexlife.co.uk www.flexlife.co.uk

Quality achievement award Norma Group has earned Paccar Inc’s quality certification for a second consecutive year.

Norma personnel to deliver the highest quality product solutions, and also our commitment to always meet and exceed customer expectations.” Norma Group has been supplying standard and quick release NormaConnect V profile clamps to Paccar’s DAF trucks since 2006.

warranty claims, the production parts approval process (PPAP), and on-time delivery. Suppliers must maintain a quality system in compliance with QS-9000, ISO/TS 16949 or ISO 9001 for 2008, and pass Paccar’s supplier readiness review. “The Paccar 50 PPM award is a great distinction for Norma Group,” commented Norma CEO Werner Deggim. “It reflects the dedication of all

The 50 PPM award is presented to an elite group of suppliers who achieved a defect rate of 50 parts per million (PPM) or less during 2012. Paccar evaluates its suppliers’ services on a rolling six-month performance basis. Its award criteria also include

Norma Group – Germany www.normagroup.com

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business & market news

Award of Excellence at ASCE conference

1994 he began working with trenchless technology, and led American’s effort to establish ductile iron pipe as the pre- eminent trenchless pipe material. “Not only has Ralph provided leadership through his work with trenchless construction and trenchless iron pipe installation, but he’s also contributed greatly to the steel pipe industry through standard works and organisational leadership,” said Maury Gaston, manager of marketing services for American. “All of us here at American are proud to see a man of Ralph’s calibre honoured by ASCE for his leadership.” Mr Carpenter is a past chair of ASCE’s Pipelines Division Executive Committee, co-chairing the Pipeline 2008 Conference, and serves on numerous other ASCE committees.

Wachs has added four new videos to its YouTube channel. The videos highlight products and tools designed to help project managers, welding contractors and field machinists estimate production times, specify products and generally learn more about pipe cutting, bevelling, and weld prep best practices. Viewers can learn about the Wachs Online Cut Time Calculators via the YouTube website, to calculate estimates when bidding on a pipe maintenance or pipe repair job. Users can better budget labour time with the Pipe Cutting and Weld Prep Calculator. The newest Wachs video is ‘Oil & Gas, Refining Pipe Repair & Pipe Maintenance’. This video demonstrates machines in the field; where you Ralph Carpenter, marketing specialist with American Ductile Iron Pipe and American SpiralWeld Pipe, was awarded the 2013 American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Pipeline Division Award of Excellence, during the annual ASCE Pipelines Conference in Fort Worth, Texas, USA. The Award of Excellence was established in 1988 and is given to a “fellow, member or associate member of ASCE who has given outstanding continuous and conspicuous service to the profession, ASCE and the Pipeline Division.” Mr Carpenter holds an Associate of Applied Science degree in civil engineering and a Bachelor of Science degree in education. He joined American in 1992 and brought with him more than 14 years of pipeline engineering experience. In

american ductile Iron Pipe – USA www.american-usa.com

YouTube video campaign for customer support

would find the equipment; benefits of using cold cutting equipment; and simultaneous cutting and bevelling. The ‘Pipeline Maintenance Equipment’ video exhibits machining methods, applications, weld preps and benefits of using cold cutting (machining) versus torch cutting and grinding for weld preps. The Trav-L-Cutter video illustrates the machine’s uses in the field, industries to find the equipment, preliminary specifications and machine operations. Each of the videos can be viewed on the EH Wachs YouTube channel, at www. youtube.com/user/ehwachs/videos

eH Wachs – USA info@ehwachs.com www.ehwachs.com

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business & market news

Extended piping systems facilities in Belgium

Victaulic fire protection devices have been completely refurbished, along with the prefabrication shop where customers can see the application of grooved pipe-joining systems. Mark Gilbert, Victaulic vice president and general manager for Europe, Middle East, Africa and India, commented, “The changes we have made here in Belgium give us not only a much- improved European headquarters to benefit our global status but also a first- class branch facility to help us better serve our customers, as the demand for our products continues to grow in the region.” This latest global investment follows the opening of a new Victaulic branch in Pune, India, at the end of 2012, along with new locations in Dalian, China; Queretaro, Mexico; and Chihuahua, Mexico. Providing sustainable solutions, Victaulic is a member of BREEAM and the UK Green Building Council, and is also involved with other international initiatives.

demonstrations and installer training. Offices at the site, which Victaulic has occupied since 1998, have also been upgraded to better accommodate the company’s expanding workforce and offer additional meeting facilities. A new ground-floor visitor centre displays the company’s range of pipe-joining products and models to demonstrate the benefits of grooved piping systems over flanging and welding. Demonstration areas for

Victaulic, a manufacturer of mechanical pipe-joining and fire protection systems, has expanded and refurbished its European headquarters as part of a major investment programme. The facility supports customers within Europe, the Middle East, Africa and India. Improvements to the premises, located near Ghent, Belgium, include a 600m 2 extension that provides customer

Victaulic has refurbished customer demonstration areas at its European headquarters

Victaulic – Belgium info@victaulic.be www.victaulic.com

Pipes and services for hydraulic fracturing project

base for enhancing our cooperation with partners in various areas, including unconventional methods of hydrocarbon production.” TMK operates 28 production sites in the USA, Russia, Canada, Romania, Oman, UAE and Kazakhstan, and two R&D centres in Russia and the USA. In 2012 the company’s pipe shipments totalled 4.22mn tonnes.

use of these premium pipes secures gas and oil tightness of the pipe string and ensures efficient and safe hydrocarbon production. “The high quality of our pipes and our multifaceted approach to customer service enable us to participate in complex projects involving state-of-the- art technology and exclusive standards of equipment and services,” said Sergei Bilan, vice president for premium products and services. “Our successful track record including the company’s experience in North America is a solid

TMK, a producer of tubular products for the oil and gas industry, has provided tubing with TMK FMT premium connections and related services for a hydraulic fracturing project at the Davydovskoye oilfield operated by Orenburgneft, a Rosneft subsidiary. The fracturing operations will be managed by Schlumberger. This marks the first time in Russia that TMK’s premium products have been engaged in hydraulic fracturing activities, which require pipes of high strength and structural integrity. The

TMK – Russia tmk@tmk-group.com www.tmk-group.com

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