TPT March 2011

48 / 259

46 March 2011 ›
Technology Update
A STRATEGIC alliance between the
companies Gräbener Maschinentechnik
(Germany), Weldec (Germany) and
Fontijne Grotnes (Netherlands) offers
turnkey solutions for LSAW pipe mills from
one source.
The alliance accumulates the knowledge
of each company’s expertise. Gräbener
is a manufacturer of machines for the
fabrication of large pipes; welding specialist
Weldec is a subsidiary of the EEW Group;
and Fontijne Grotnes has been active in
designing and manufacturing mechanical
full length pipe expanders for more than
40 years.
Particularly with regard to optimal
LSAW pipes, it is essential to ensure
a consistent manufacturing process
between each machine. For example, it is
important to modulate the forming process
between a three-roll bending machine, a
bending press, a post-bending press and a
continuous root tacking machine precisely
to get a perfect result for the following
procedure.
To ensure the cleanest possible welding
process to join the individual tubes,
as end bevelling machines complete the
Gräbener machine portfolio.
For welding in SAW long and circ
welding facilities, Weldec provides CNC-
controlled inside and outside welding
facilities with 1 to 5 wire technique up
to 8,000mm outside diameter, 120m
component length and 1,000t unit weight.
Weldec supplies systems for the non-
destructive testing of oil and gas pipes,
especially ultrasonic, X-ray digital and
hydrostatic testing devices.
This means not only experience
in building steel pipes for oil and gas
transport but also for on- and offshore
wind tower constructions.
To meet the standards for longitudinally
welded large diameter pipes in the oil and
gas industry, eg according to API, the
full length pipe expander from Fontijne
Grotnes ensures a constant, uniform and
reproducible process.
Gräbener Maschinentechnik GmbH
& Co KG – Germany
Website:
Weldec GmbH – Germany
Fax: +49 2753 5070 330
Email:
Website:
Fontijne Grotnes BV – The Netherlands
Fax: +31 10 435 26 55
Email:
Website:
Pipe machinery from one source
Gräbener banks on a plate edge milling
machine before bending the plate. Circ
and long seam milling machines as well
Weldec welding facility
Gräbener pipe forming press