TPT November 2008

32 / 132

November 2008 30
Technology Update
›
Aqueous cleaning machine for large workpieces
 The AS-150 aqueous washing machine from
Turbex
Automated mill setup system
T & H Lemont, USA, is set to introduce a new mill setup automation system, available
for retrofitting of any existing mill. The system will use patented absolute encoder
technology to achieve repeatable, highly accurate setups.
A colour touch screen interface is used to select the mill setup from a menu of product
specifications, based on previously stored setups. The operator enters an ID specific
to the pipe or tube size. The screen shows nominal rim gaps in addition to actual rim
gaps as entered from previous production data for that tubing size. The stands will
automatically adjust to those locations at the touch of the screen, with each stand being
represented on the touch-screen.
The operator can make minor adjustments, if required, from the touch-screen in 0.001"
increments. Once the best setup is achieved, the data can be stored as the new product
specification. The system is capable of storing 100+ unique mill setups.
The absolute encoders retain position information with ‘power off’, and never require a
‘zero-out’ procedure. For example, if an adjustment is made manually while the system
is shut down, at power on, the system will recognise the new position. In place of
expensive servo motor drives, the system features standard AC vector drives to replace
manual adjustment of the driven stands.
The system includes as standard an ethernet interface and web server for optional data
acquisition. Benefits of the system include faster set-up, and reduced material waste
due to setup errors during start-up. A complete mill adjustment can be accomplished
automatically without the use of hand tools. Once one section of the mill has been
retrofitted, the scalable system can be expanded at low incremental costs.
T&H Lemont – USA
Fax: +1 708 482 1801 • Email: • Website:
Also available is a smaller machine in
the same series, designated AS-100, for
cleaning components up to 950mm across
by 700mm high and weighing a maximum
of half a tonne.
Turbex Limited – UK
Fax: +44 1420 542264
Email:
Website:
Two new heat treatment
furnaces for Tenaris
Tenova LOI Italimpianti, Italy, has success-
fully started up two new furnaces for pipe
treatment, one at TenarisTamsa, Mexico
and the other at TenarisSiderca, Argentina.
At Tamsa, Tenova supplied one hardening
and one tempering furnace to treat 70t/h
of pipes in the diameter range 114.3mm
to 406.4mm. At Siderca, the company
supplied one hardening and one tempering
furnace for 42mm to 180mm diameter pipes
at a production of 55t/h.
Both contracts, covering engineering work,
supply of the advanced technology plant
components, technical assistance to the
erection and start-up, were awarded to
Tenova LOI Italimpianti (formerly Techint
Technologies Furnace Business Unit),
which had already revamped other Tenaris
Tamsa and Siderca furnaces, increasing
their productivity to 70 per cent.
Tenova designs and supplies advanced
technologies, products and services for
the metal and mining industries. The
company operates through a network of 30
companies based in 16 countries.
Tenova LOI Italimpianti – Italy
Fax: +39 02 4693026
Email:
Website:
In normal operation, the door at the front
is lowered with the assistance of two gas
springs, one or more components are
placed in the work chamber, the door
is closed, cycle time and temperature
parameters are set on the control and the
automatic cycle is started.
An optional lance with its own multi impeller
pump delivering 10 bar can be connected
directly to the 900-litre tank. This allows
the operator, with the machine door open,
to manually spray-wash obstinate areas of
soil on a component, either before or after
the automatic process. Alternatively, the
machine can be used as a manual spray
booth, without any automatic cleaning.
Apart from the galvanized steel worktable,
the machine is constructed almost entirely
from stainless steel, even the integral
500-micron filter. The installed weight of this
high quality machine is nearly one tonne,
giving an idea of its robustness. Acoustic
as well as thermal insulation ensure a
good working environment for the operator.
Optional accessories include a steam
extraction fan, automatic refill, oil skimmer
or separator, and a detergent dosing unit.
Turbex, UK, has introduced an aqueous
washing machine for degreasing and
cleaning large components. The machine
is ideal for use in repair and maintenance
shops serving transport depots, railyards
and marine workshops.
Branded the AS-150, it can take a load of
800kg and will accommodate components
measuring 900mm high by 1.4m across the
diagonal or diameter.
According to the company, a single-
stage, spray wash machine offers a
large processing volume for the capital
investment. In addition to applications in
refurbishment and overhaul, the AS-150
is suited to inter-process cleaning in
production environments, such as batch
degreasing of machined components and
preparing fabrications for welding.
A major advantage is that the cleaning
medium is detergent dissolved in water
heated to 50-75°C, delivered at 400 litres/
min and 4 bar pressure through rotating
spray pipes. Problems associated with
using and disposing of hazardous solvents
is therefore avoided.