TPT November 2013

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Technology News
62 November 2013
Heavy-duty bending machine
THE Proline BM0420HD heavy-duty
bending machine is built to be tough and
has a very efficient hydraulic cooling
system. It keeps the hydraulic fluid from
overheating under extreme job-site
conditions. The operating temperatures
are lowered and the entire system has
lower overall operating pressures. Other
advantages include safety shutdown,
larger than average side plates, and
specially designed filters. The rims and
tyres are oversized (compared to other
manufacturers’ machines) so that it is
easier to move the machine through
sand, snow and swamp.
This particular heavy-duty machine
will bend pipe from 4" to 20" of various
wall thicknesses, and incorporates a
compressor to power the mandrels. The
Proline open-front design allows the
operator to see the pipe coming into the
bender and gives the operator a better
view of the bending procedures, unlike
the old box-shaped bending machines.
Canadian contractors who work
on high production pipelines use this
rugged machine in Canada. Canadian
contractors are well known for their
speed and expertise in laying cross-
country pipelines and the need for
reliable equipment to keep that
production at its maximum. In Canada
high production can be achieved at
40°C as well at minus 40°C. These
“benders” are proven workhorses at
+50°C while working on projects in the
Algerian Sahara.
In 2003, Trans Canada Pipelines used
a Proline pipe bending machine to see
if experimental 36" x100 grade pipe
could be bent and if it could be bent in
cold weather. Proline’s BM3042 bent
the pipe in -45°C conditions along with
a self-powered mandrel. In fact, it bent
that pipe all day. This is the heritage that
the BM0420 HD comes from.
Proline servicemen have travelled
overseas to train customers’ employees
on the use of the equipment at their
location and for start up procedures.
Proline has done this for mandrels, air
clamps and other Proline manufactured
equipment. The company is only a
phone call or email away, and stands
behind everything it produces as it
always has since 1967.
After 38 years in one location, Proline
found that more space was needed
as business grew domestically and
internationally. In January 2005, Proline
moved into its new 25,000ft2. facility
located on five acres of land in South
Edmonton. In 2012, Proline celebrated
45 years of servicing and supplying
customers’ needs and celebrated 25
years under the same management.
While it is a
manufacturer of pipe
bending machines
it also carries lifting
slings, lowering
in belts, bevelling
machines and manual
cutters to name a few.
It is focused on helping
customers reach their
goals in a timely and
cost effective manner.
The picture shows
12" pipe being bent
in Proline’s yard. The stackable plastic
yellow pipe stand replaces skids that
the pipe would normally rest on while
waiting to be bent. They are available in
standard yellow and high temperature
white. Proline will pre-bend pipe in
its yard for customers who have the
specifications and pipe delivered.
Customers around the world have
benefitted from Proline technicians
travelling to their job sites and holding
training sessions for their employees,
showing them the proper way to bend
pipe.
Once the class is completed, the
employees receive certificates of
achievement stating that they have
successfully completed the course. Not
only is the employee trained to work
safely, the company has found that as
an added benefit, the employee morale
has improved and that makes for a
better employee.
Proline bending machines were
designed with pipeline workers in
mind. In fact, a lot of good ideas
were incorporated into the bending
machines from the very workers who
are experienced in cross-country
pipe bending. That is why Proline
incorporated the bending machine’s
shape over 20 years ago. The design
and features have handled the test
of time, however the company keeps
improving.
Special features of a Proline bending
machine include working in minus 45°C
to 50°C with only a change of fluid.
There are no optional “cold weather
packages” or “hot weather packages”.
The machine simply works in these
environments because that is what it
was assigned to do.
Proline Pipe Equipment – Canada
Email:
Website:
Erne at Stainless Steel World
ERNE Fittings will be exhibiting at
Stainless Steel World in Maastricht
in the Netherlands, from 12 to 14
November. On stand S842 the
company will provide information
about its new Duplex and Super
Duplex programme, which consists of
seamless butt-weld fittings up to 6" at
all schedules.
Erne Fittings endeavours to
provide customers with a broad stock
programme, and to keep this available
at all times and in sufficient quantities.
A large range of materials with different
dimensions can be processed thanks
to a large tool park and an extensive
machine park.
Erne Fittings GmbH – Austria
Email:
Website: