TPi March 2016

50 / 94

46 Tube Products International March 2016
products & developments
Materials for increase in durability
and reduction in energy use
Atlantic Heat Treating Ltd contacted
Sandvik with concerns about the
relatively short lifetime of existing SER
radiant tubes in its gas-fired Sunbeam
furnace, which were failing after around
18 months of service.
Sandvik provided replacement tubes
manufactured using Kanthal APM
extruded material that were sized to
work with the existing burner design
and to be a direct replacement for the
previous stainless alloy tubes.
“The burners that are using the Kanthal
APM tubes are the best I have ever
seen,” said Jon Matthews, owner of
Atlantic Heat Treating Ltd. “The tubes
for my SER burners in the Sunbeam
furnace were ordered in January 2010
and installed in April of 2010, so we
are looking at over five years’ steady
operation, vs something like 18 months
with the previous stainless steel tubes. I
bought another furnace that is the same
as the one we are running now. When
we get it installed I will be looking to use
the Kanthal APM tubes.”
The main benefits from the replacement
with Kanthal APM tubes at Atlantic
Heat Treating are durability and reduced
maintenance. The tubes have been
operating for more than five years
with no issues with respect to surface
corrosion or deformation of the tube
wall. Physical appearance of the tubes
indicates a potential for additional
years of service. Due to the extended
lifetime, maintenance costs and furnace
downtime have been significantly
reduced. Additional benefit is realised
through an increased throughput of the
furnace.
Kanthal APM is an iron-chromium-
aluminium (FeCrAl) powder metallurgical
dispersion strengthened alloy used in a
wide range of resistance and high-
temperature applications. Kanthal APMT
is an advanced powder metallurgical
dispersion strengthened, ferritic iron-
chromium-aluminium alloy (FeCrAlMo
alloy). Both alloys are recommended for
continuous use up to 1,250°C (2,280°F)
in oxidising and reducing environments.
Kanthal APMT is a further development
of Kanthal APM, designed for especially
demanding applications.
The alloys form a protective and non-
scaling Al2O3 surface oxide when
exposed to high temperature, which
gives good protection in most furnace
and combustion environments, ie
oxidising, sulphidising and carburising,
as well as against attacks from deposits
of coke and ash.
Sandvik Materials Technology –
Sweden
A photo taken by the
customer shows the
orientation and condition
of the APM tubes that
have been in operation in
the furnace for more than
five years with no signs
of material degradation
Carbon steel products stocked
for quick delivery
While 2015 was a challenging time for
companies in the steel industry and in
particular within the oil and gas sector,
Tube Developments was involved in a
number of major projects.
The company successfully supplied the
high yield tubulars for the tie-in spools
on the Solan Project in the North Sea.
The completion of the subsea storage
tanks, topsides and jacket in 2014
was followed with the facilities being
installed in August and September of
the same year. Once the project is up
and running the initial production rate
is expected to be 24,000 barrels of oil
per day.
Tube Developments states that its
reputation for quality, reliability and
value has allowed it to establish itself in
international markets covering Europe,
Australia, USA, Africa, India, the Middle
East and Asia. Thousands of tonnes of
carbon steel pipe and tubulars are held
in covered warehouses at premises near
Glasgow, UK. This allows the company
to service the needs of customers
quickly and efficiently, to dispatch
pipes immediately to anywhere in the
world without the lead times normally
associated with steel mill deliveries.
Tube Developments Ltd – UK