TPT November 2013

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Technology News
40 November 2013
Expanded applications of
induction heating
ADVANCES by Ajax Tocco
Magnethermic have expanded the
capabilities of induction heating
equipment, and the physical size and
cooling requirements of the equipment
have been reduced.
Higher temperature and current
capable semiconductors, fast response
digital signal processors (DSP), power
switching and controls technology
allow process engineers to develop
welding processes that were previously
considered impractical. The portable
induction heating power supply systems
require little or no water cooling. Ajax
Tocco 1.5kW to 35kW systems perform
along side 100kW, 500kW and MW
rated systems.
Coated pipe manufacturers can install
fusion bonded epoxy patch repairs over
abrasions and pinholes with as little as
1.5kW.
Areas as small as one square inch
can be heated to 400°F in less than
one minute with the 100 per cent air-
cooled Autotron.
Friction stir welding (FSW): Compact,
low power induction heating improves
steel tooling life and feed rates.
Induction is practical for economically
joining steel in critical process
applications.
The 10kW TOCCOtron AC traverses
just ahead of FSW spinner. Steel
along the joint line is preheated to
approximately 2,000°F.
The FSWspinner ‘twists’ the malleable
steel together, creating a weld of 100
per cent base metal.
Submerged arc welding (SAW): Like
FSW, induction heating is applied in line
with the welding equipment. Power as
low as 5kW preheats pipe and vessels.
Weld rates of 24" per minute on ½" steel
plate can be achieved.
Post-weld treatment: Annealing of
ERW, induction welds and continuous
coil steel tubing bias welds typically
requires over 500kW. The 35kW
TOCCOtron AC air-cooled induction
system utilises little floor space and
is reliable in harsh metal finishing
environments.
Induction heating increases the cure
rate of fibreglass reinforced polyester. A
steel mandrel acts as a succeptor to an
induction heating coil on the OD of the
composite pipe.
The electromagnetic field is invisible
to the composite, while the mandrel
heats to approximately 300°F. A strong,
lightweight pipe with a smooth bore is
created.
Ajax Tocco Magnethermic Corp –
USA
Fax: +1 330 372 8608
Email:
Website: