TPT November 2012

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Technology News
November 2012 43
Butt fusion welding machine
RITMO machines have been used
on pipe in a building site located in
southern Sweden, in Halmstad. The
duct will use PE 100 SDR 17, OD 160-
135mm. In order to be completed, this
work will require approximately one full
year, during which extreme changes
in climate will occur (from -20°C in the
winter, to +30°C in the summer).
The proximity to the sea will also affect
the conditions of the wind and humidity,
which can change abruptly. Moreover,
the building site crosses the centre of the
city and intersections with lots of traffic.
The technician of GPA Flowsystems
AG (Ritmo’s local distributor) suggests
the contractor (MTA Bygg & Anlaggning)
to work with Ritmo’s butt fusion welding
machine Delta 355 all terrain, and
Elektra 400 electrofusion machine.
The Delta 355 all terrain allows a
high level of mobility and versatility: the
generator on board makes the welding
machine totally independent, and the
wheels assure a fast positioning. These
features were highly appreciated both
for the short execution time given,
and because they created a minimum
discomfort to the citizens. Furthermore,
the Delta 355 All Terrain provides
certified weldings, thanks to its welding
control system – Easy Life.
Wherever a butt welding was not
possible, the contractor used the Elektra
400 equipped with a scanner for bar
code reading and automatic detection of
the welding parameters.
Kenny Constanzo, a technician from
GPA said: “We have a strong sense
of environment protection in Sweden,
and this project has brought several
environmental challenges on an every
day basis. At its completion, the building
site will have crossed the entire city
through urban obstacles such as narrow
streets, big intersections… and through
“secular” obstacles such as trees… Just
to give you an example, we decided to
make a detour and leave a wonderful
example of Walnut Caucasus intact,
rather than bring it down. It is thrilling to
admire that plant. I know for a fact that
when a challenge comes up Ritmo is
always there. The welding machines are
proving themselves to be trustworthy
both under the sun as under Sweden’s
snow. The project that is taking place
is at the forefront and Ritmo is indeed
opening our road.”
Ritmo SpA – Italy
Fax: +39 049 9901993
Email:
Website:
MAC expands range
“THREE Technologies, one company”
has been MAC’s company statement
for decades. The company has now
expanded this to four technologies, by
adding laser inspection equipment for
detecting welding imperfections in tube
and pipe.
This technology, produced by MAC’s
partner Xiris, detects weld undercut,
sunk welds, pinholes, weld height and
weld register (mismatch).
A high-speed video camera combined
with fast data capture and analysis rates
provides detection of defects down
to 0.015mm in size on a typical laser
welding tube mill. Weld types such as
ERW, TIG and SAW, among others,
are also inspected. Direct integration
with the tube mill’s marking system
allows for weld defects to be marked
instantaneously without halting the mill.
The WI2000p laser can collect up to
250 profile images per second, providing
the mill with real-time trend reporting,
simplifying mill set-up, and minimising
downtime and material scrap.
For customers that need 100 per cent
inspection coverage of their material
for defects such as cracks, slivers,
inclusions and other discontinuities,
MAC also offers eddy current and
ultrasonic equipment that can enhance
the inspection line capabilities.
Magnetic Analysis Corporation – USA
Fax: +1 914 703 3790
Email:
Website:
The site in Halmstad, Sweden
Welded tube being inspected
for weld zone quality issues
by the WI2000p laser