TPi January 2016

Steel tubes and pipe

Setting a standard in hydraulic and instrumentation tubing

content for higher corrosion resistance, compared to the minimum ASTM standard of 2 per cent Mo. Sandvik looks beyond the minimum standard for H&I tubing, achieving higher pitting corrosion resistance, or PRE numbers. “When customers invest in their assets, they don’t want unscheduled maintenance and ultimately production stops, the cost of which can run into millions,” added Mr Doughty. “Our aim is provide producers with the lightest, strongest, most reliable H&I tubing possible. It is our consistent material quality and tight dimensional controls from batch to batch that ensure leak tight seals and operational longevity with reduced operational and lifecycle costs – something we can clearly demonstrate.” The company stresses the importance for customers to source their H&I tubing from a recognised Sandvik distributor, to ensure they receive the expected product quality. Sandvik Materials Technology – Sweden www.smt.sandvik.com was produced in such a way that it was able to meet the manufactured requirements of DN OS-F101, should a reel installation be considered.” Tata Steel recently invested in welding control technologies within its 42" UOE mill, including weld condition monitoring and digital front-end control of the SAWL welding process. Investment was also made to ensure the ovality of the pipe is as perfect as possible to the expander, with the business reviewing the full forming process including tooling design and a fully validated FE model.

support if you need it. It’s what we call ‘The Sandvik Peace of Mind Standard’.”

As a producer of steels for over 150 years, Sandvik maintains its position at the forefront of research and new product development. “Whether you’re operating an oil rig or a petrochemical plant, the need to boost output without sacrificing safety is ever-present,” explained James Doughty, Sandvik sales manager, MENA region, for tube, core and standard products. “In the big scheme of things, your choice of hydraulic and instrumentation (H&I) tubing might not seem critical, but it does make a difference in eliminating risks. No unscheduled downtime, no leaks, no accidents, and immediate

International standards such as ASTM and EN certifications help guide distributors and their buyers. The challenge is that many of these standards only provide recommendations for minimum or maximum levels. “It really is important to ask yourself whether your supplier is providing the optimum quality for your particular application, even if the quality supplied is technically within the standard,” commented Mr Doughty.

As an example, Sandvik 3R60 H&I tubing has a minimum 2.5 per cent Mo

Sandvik hydraulic and instrumentation tubing

Tata Steel’s new welded product range Tata Steel has expanded on its new range of welded line pipe. Last summer, the company successfully delivered diameter submerged arc welded longitudinal (DSAWL) pipe through reeling method in the North Sea. The size range extension has expanded the range further, with the company producing a range of new X65 sizes, with a wall thickness of up to 38.1mm and a diameter up to 559mm. water projects in the Gulf of Mexico. Martin Connelly, technical manager, Tata Steel, said, “This development marks another huge success for Tata Steel and for our customers. Our team has worked extremely hard to develop this new generation of welded pipe which will contribute to a lower cost of operation and ownership of assets for our customers.

“We have invested heavily in research, development and innovation and with the aid of our state-of-the-art finite element (FE) modelling and tooling programme this project has come to fruition. A recent installation of 140km of 457mm OD x 28.6mm wall thickness within deep water off the Gulf of Mexico

In doing so, the company can now offer traditionally seamless pipe sizes in a welded form, the benefits of which include a decreased lead time in customer orders and improved fit up and weldability. The new products have already been deployed in the North Sea and in deep

Tata Steel Europe Ltd – UK feedback@tatasteel.com www.tatasteeleurope.com

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Tube Products International January 2016

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