TPT July 2016

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32 July 2016
T E CHNOLOG Y
Monitoring steel tube temperature
during annealing
A NEW video explaining how the
temperature profile of a steel tube is
monitored during the annealing heat
treatment process has been produced
by PhoenixTM.
Annealing modifies the physical
properties of the tube material to
increase ductility, relieve internal stress
and create a homogeneous structure.
It involves heating the tube to above
its upper critical temperature, soaking
at this temperature and cooling at a
controlled rate.
When the tube is annealed in a
continuous operation such as a walking
beam furnace, it is difficult to get a true
assessment of the temperature profile
of the product, but accurate temperature
data can be gathered by using a
PhoenixTM Hot Box profiling system.
This system operates by attaching
thermocouples to critical points along
the tube, and connecting these to a data
logger that is protected by a thermal
barrier. In this way the profiling system
can travel through the furnace together
with the product.
A test product is prepared outside
the furnace, where thermocouples
are inserted into the tube wall and fed
back through the tube to the profiling
system, which is also fitted inside the
test product.
Temperature data is then stored on
the data logger, and at the same time
transmitted in real time to a PC outside
the furnace, where analysis of the
process can be made.
These Hot Box systems can be
engineered to fit inside large diameter
pipes that are annealed in walking beam
furnaces, or can be connected directly
to small diameter tubes, which may
be annealed in a roller hearth furnace.
Where solid drawn tube is produced, the
billet reheat temperature in the rotary
hearth furnace can also be accurately
measured. The video can be viewed
online at
PhoenixTM Ltd – UK
Fax: +44 1353 968684
Email:
Website:
PhoenixTM Hot Box system in walking beam furnace (annealing), roller hearth furnace (annealing), and rotary hearth furnace (billet reheat)
Fusion machine with Tier 4 engine
MCELROY has launched a newmachine
in its flagship TracStar® series that offers
advanced emissions reduction and
automation technologies, allowing users
to meet tough regulations in air quality
and data logging.
The new TracStar 900 Series 2
Automatic features a Cummins US
EPA Tier 4/EU Stage IIIB engine that
burns ultra-low sulphur diesel, making
it cleaner burning, quieter running and
more efficient.
Fusion functions are controlled
automatically with The Coach® pendant,
which also has the ability to upload joint
reports to the McElroy DataLogger®
VaultTM for safe storage, analysis and
validation of pipeline integrity.
“We have equipped the Auto machine
with an advanced diesel engine from an
outstanding global supplier so that our
customers will be ready for emissions
regulations in all markets, including
strict requirements in Europe, and
have ready access to top-tier engine
service and support,” said McElroy
director of product development Jason
A Lawrence, PE.
“It’s also increasingly important to
have the ability to upload joint data to
show that pipelines were fused properly,
which offers greater accountability
as well as a competitive edge. This
machine does that.”
Engineers made it easy to access the
engine for maintenance on the TracStar
900 Series 2 Automatic by redesigning
the cowling and rearranging the
components. The machine fuses
340 to 900mm (12" IPS to 36" OD)
thermoplastic pipe in accordance
with many of the international fusion
standards, and includes all of the
ongoing features of the TracStar
machines.
The all-terrain vehicle features rugged
rubber crawler tracks and is self-
propelled via wireless remote control. It
is also self-contained, with an on-board
generator for powering the heater.
Hydraulic power assists the operator
with all fusion functions, including the
operation of the jaws, pipe lifts, heater
and facer. Low-, medium- and high-
force machines are available.
McElroy – USA
Fax: +1 918 831 9285
Email:
Website: