TPT July 2007

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Plastic & C omposite Tube: Products & Manufacture
104 July /August 2007
For this technology, mechanical scanners
are no longer required. The picture of the
product is directly projected onto a high-
resolution line sensor, and measuring
values are continuously available within
fractions of a second. With the X-ray
measuring system, users can achieve a
continuous measurement and control of the
extrusion line under consideration of the
minimum values.
The system is easy to integrate into every
extrusion line for tube and hose. The
measuring axes are arranged under 0º and
90°, which also permits the measurement
of eccentricity and wall thickness.
The equipment is built as a stand-alone
gauge head as this is well-established
technology from the gauges of Sikora’s
Inline 2000 series. This concept permits the
connection of the system directly to a line
computer or PLC via all type of interfaces.
The system also includes the function of a
diagnostic interface and is compatible to the
Ecocontrol 2000 processor/display system.
With the measuring values available
immediately at the start-up of the line and
with continuous measurement, this X-ray
based measuring system becomes an
invaluable tool. It is essential for tube and
hose extrusion lines, where economical
aspects and quality control are important,
in addition to tight tolerances.
Sikora AG – Germany
Fax: +49 421 489 0090
Email:
Website:
Patented bi-stable reel
composite tube for
pipeline applications
RolaTube Technology, UK, has introduced
a globally patented bi-stable reel composite
(BRC) that can be repeatedly rolled and
unrolled from flat spool to rigid tube. In
principle, bi-stable composite reel products
are fully capable of replacing and/or
reinforcing all retractable and fixed tubular
structures such as masts, poles and pipes,
resulting in unlimited potential applications.
The company has also identified the
commercial potential of thermoplastic
elastomers (TPEs), high tech plastics that
contain rubber-like properties. RolaTube
was provided with invaluable research
support from the London Manufacturing
Advisory Service (MAS), a DTI initiative
supported by the London Development
Agency.
RolaTube can be used for pipelines and
pipeline rehabilitation. The company has
manufactured and successfully tested
prototype designs of flat-reeled composite
pressure pipes and linings for the oil and
gas industry. The commercial product,
when shipped as a reel, and deployed,
fi RolaTube is a newly developed bi-stable reel
composite (BRC) that can be repeatedly rolled
and unrolled from flat spool to rigid tube
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