TPT November 2009

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Technology Update
54 November 2009 ›
HYDRATIGHT says it has designed a high-
tech, cost-effective design to a refacing
tool for hard to reach pipe flanges whose
integrity must be maintained.
The ultra-light, ultra-portable QuickFace
is a new Hand-Powered refacing tool that
retains the accuracy and performance of
the bigger air and electrically powered
cousins in Hydratight’s range.
The portable QuickFace turns a two-
man operation with heavy equipment,
compressors or portable generators into
a one-man job that can be undertaken
anywhere a technician can physically
reach – whether at the top of a refinery
installation or miles from the nearest
power supply.
The QuickFace tool weighs only 6.8kg
(15lb) – and in its storage case with
interchangeable collets and lead screws
is a mere 15kg (33lb), despite which it
can reface flange surfaces on pipes from
1 - 4in with ease, using standard half-inch
cutting tools.
“Many flanges have to be refaced in-situ
without readily available power, because
the flange is difficult or inaccessible.
Sometimes such a repair simply isn’t cost-
effective – and that means taking a gamble
on future integrity,” said Hydratight global
support engineer Alan Jones.
“About 90% of all flanged joint leaks are
on pipes in the 1"–4" range – exactly what
KENT Corporation’s new Bewo high-speed
cold saw, model SCF-90, cuts one to six
tubes simultaneously, providing cut rates
of up to 11,000 per hour.
The saw head cuts upward, which
leaves most chips below and requires less
cutting force.
The fully hydraulic helical saw head is
robust with minimal backlash.
The tubes are fed via servo feed to
ensure accuracy and enable up to ten
different lengths to be cut from a single
stock length of tube.
The main control panel automatically
selects the most efficient settings based
on the entered job. All settings are
automatically controlled at the panel.
The Bewo Quatro can be expanded with
100% compatible machines and systems
for de-burring, measuring, washing and
stacking.
The high speed saw is capable of
processing tubes from 0.315" to 3.5"
QuickFace is designed for. Many leaks are
caused by poor joint-surface finish. Correcting
this usually involves finding a resurfacing
machine and competent technicians – and
having the time to complete the job.
“QuickFace is small enough
to be a permanent
addition to any
t e c h n i c a l
equipment
store.
The alternative may be
transporting teams and equipment by
helicopter and running generators or
compressors – all at much greater
expense, where they are available
at all.”
Hydratight engineers have pared
weight but not features: the system
has interchangeable lead screws that
(8 to 90mm) outside diameter. Kent offers
full sales, service and parts support for
new and used Bewo machines in North
America.
Kent Corporation has also developed
a new Burrmaster de-burring machine to
automatically de-burr the ends of mitre cut
tubes, bent tubes, or straight tubes.
The Rotoburr de-burr uses a 12"
diameter x 6" wide spinning brush, and
the head also rotates. This double action
enables an operator to quickly and
consistently de-burr the end of the part
without having to spin it.
A quick adjust work rest makes
changeover quick, and automatically puts
the part on centreline of the brush.
The machine has an optional powered
table and clamping device that is suitable
for processing mitre cut or bent tubes.
The machine can be used for cell
type applications and can be loaded via
optional robot. It also is available with a
Hydratight harnesses elbow power
High-speed saw and automatic deburring machine
variable speed brush for processing either
ferrous or non-ferrous material.
It is capable of processing tubes, bars,
or extrusions up to 6" (152.4mm) cross-
section.
Kent Corporation
– USA
Fax: +1 440 237 5368
Email:
Website:
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make it suitable for resurfacing damaged
raised-face and lens-ring joint flanges to
the varying standards of finish demanded of
standard and compact flange designs.
“Having QuickFace on site removes the
need to gamble on the quality of a joint’s
surface finish,” said Mr Jones. “A tradesman
on site can do the job in the same time as a
team using traditional tools – and produce a
finish well within specification. It’s a perfect
solution to a genuine problem.”
Hydratight – UK
Fax: +44 12150 50800
Email:
Website: