TPT November 2012

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Technology News
November 2012 65
New tube ferrite
ERNST Blissenbach GmbH has
introduced a new ferrite into its line of
inside tube scarfing systems: a true
impeder giant. The custom-made ferrite
MRSH 180 x 200 x 80mm – which
additionally includes a MRSH 73 x 200
x 36mm ferrite – guarantees the largest
ferrite volume possible for inside tube
diameters ranging from 240 to 320mm. It
is connected to the hydraulic inside tube
scarfer H 179 320 – 10.000 (inside tube
diameters ranging from 179 to 320mm).
Compared to traditional impeder designs
for this diameter range the solution also
has the added benefit of easy installation.
Another advantage is the use of this
massive round, fluted ferrite as opposed
to small ferrite rods significantly reducing
the risk of fracture and guaranteeing
consistent performance. The design
also makes allowances for optimum
cooling of the super ferrite by providing
a sufficient number of fluted cooling fins.
Comparisons between the BLISSart
impeder and designs that are industry
standard reveal that in its solution the
ferrite is not only found in the upper
part of the impeder but the impeder
is also filled with ferrite all around.
This contributes to a huge increase in
impeder efficiency, even in large tube
diameters.
Just like all the other impeders in the
BLISSart product family, the IHZ 240
320 – 82.000 features an impeder guard
tube coated with SAFE-COAT, which
significantly increases tool life due to
its resistance to heat. In addition, water
jets are positioned on top of the impeder
to immediately flush away any spatter
accumulation.
Ernst Blissenbach GmbH – Germany
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Cut to length
THE growing demand for rolled products
has increased the demand for speed
and precision in cutting: working speed
of thickness up to 3mm is 80m/min with
an accuracy of ±0.25mm on the length
(cut with rotary shear). For thicknesses
up to 8mm working speed is 40m/min
cutting accuracy ±0.25mm on the length
(cut with rotary shear).
For thickness from 4 to 20mm, the
speed is 40/20m/min with a length
tolerance ±0.5mm (cut with flying
shear). But in recent years there has
been also the spread of high strength
steels whose superior mechanical
properties require – for cutting and
levelling – forces and higher powers
involving the critical review of the entire
mechanics of machines that make up
these lines.
The importance of the levelling (not
to be confused with the straightening
that only serves to remove the residual
curvature of the winding coil) is generally
underestimated. The operation is,
however, of fundamental importance
for the quality of the sheet. If levelling is
not perfect, the plate may seem flat but
retain residual stresses in it.
Euroslitter – Italy
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Third generation of self-
propelled fusion machine
FIFTEEN years ago, McElroy introduced
the first self-contained, self-propelled,
all-terrain fusion machine – the TracStar
500. The company is now releasing the
third generation of the machine.
The new McElroy TracStar 500 Series
3 features major additions over previous
models, including an indexer-mounted
heater and facer, economy engine
throttle setting and hydraulic clamping.
With the heater now included as an
attached part of the machine, users
no longer have to manually place the
heater in the carriage during the fusion
process. The economy engine setting
saves fuel by throttling down when
idle. The addition of hydraulic clamping
helps reduce operator fatigue and saves
time by clamping pipe into jaws of the
carriage with the push of a lever.
“TracStars revolutionised how people
thought of the fusion process,” said
Chip McElroy, president of McElroy.
“TracStars continues to evolve with
customer-provided suggestions having
a key role in how designs are evolving.
Many of the advancements on the new
machine are customer-driven.”
The TracStar 500 Series 3 is capable
of fusing thermoplastic pipes from 6"
IPS to 20" outer diameter in size (180
to 500mm). The fusion carriage can
be removed and lowered into a ditch
for fusions in tight spaces. Power for
the heater is supplied by an on-board
generator, while a hydraulic-pump
system driven by the engine provides
the power for the facer, dual-speed track
system and more. Dual hydraulic pipe
lifts help to load and unload the pipe into
the carriage.
Two versions of the TracStar 500
series 3 will be available – a standard
model and an Automatic TracStar 500
Series 3. The Automatic version offers
control and monitoring over the heat,
soak, fuse and cool cycles. The system
guides the operator through a step-by-
step procedure for fusing pipe. Both the
Automated and standard versions have
the ability to record fusion parameters
with McElroy’s DataLogger®.
McElroy’s complete line of TracStar
fusion machines can traverse mud,
loose soil, snow and grades up to 30
per cent. The TracStar has the ability to
manoeuvre into position under the pipe.
All TracStar machines allow for butt
fusion of most fittings without special
holders and have mitred inserts for
fabricating ells in the shop or field.
McElroy – USA
Fax: +1 918 831 9256
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