TPi July 2009

Connectors Fi t t ings , Flanges & Advanced pipe couplings

Dhatec has been working on an R&D programme for the past five years, focussing on how to keep line pipes in optimal condition during and after manufacturing. During each segment of the logistic trail, there is a risk of damaging both the pipe and its coating layer. As a result of the R&D programme, present problems are isolated and professional solutions are found. In many cases these new solutions do not only safeguard the quality of the pipe and coating, but also improve the process itself in terms of efficiency and safety. One of the new developments is the Premium Pipe Coupling. A coupling lines up pipes and protects the bevelled pipe- end during external coating. This allows coating plants to achieve the optimal end quality of the coating application and enhances stability and efficiency of the coating process. During research on the issues that pipe coating companies worldwide are dealing with, it became clear that there was a need for a professional coupling. Line pipes are seldom straight or exactly round. Many coating plants deal with

Dhatec’s Task Environment, the logistic process of a line pipe S S

to the high temperature. Each time the pipe weld, spirally or longitudinally, of the rotating pipe hits the first support roll, the coating can dent or damage. By increasing the distance, the coating is allowed to cool down more before hitting the first support roll, avoiding loss in quality.

stability problems during the process or air seals underneath the coating layer as a result of radial pipe movement. Even severe variations in FBE coating thickness occur because the distance from the pipe to the spraying nozzle in the coating cabin varies due to pipe movements. Each coating process is different and experience and fine-tuning are needed to achieve the best results. However, in many cases results canbe improved if the right coupling is applied. By connecting pipes with a coupling, the distance between the coating cabin and the first pipe supporting roll afterwards can be increased. Directly after the cabin, the freshly applied coating is still weak due

The Standard Coupling during coating S S

Stainless steel fittings and flanges from Malaysia and China

Secondly, by using a coupling, radial movement of pipes when the weld hits the support roll, is reduced. An equally spread coating application free of air voids is ensured. Normally this is achieved by lowering the line speed, but a coupling also solves the problem and production can run at full capacity. Dhatec has developed three main models: Standard Coupling, Advanced Coupling and Premium Coupling. The basic demands for the design were: reducing radial pipe movements to almost zero; strong, shock-resistant construction; adjustable for a wide wall thickness range; bridge thermal expansion of the pipe in an induction oven (220°C); small contact surface with the pipe, to minimise heat loss; room for cooling water to flow through the pipe; and fast and easy application or removal.

Steel-Tech Industry Co is a manufacturer and exporter of a wide range of stainless steel products for fittings, valves, flanges, tubes and pipes for a variety of industry applications. The products are used in industries such as petroleum, chemical, machinery, electric power, pharmacy, papermaking, palm oil, automobile, oil and gas, and food processing.

Fittings from Steel-Tech Industry Co S S

The company has two manufacturing plants, located in Malaysia and China, and has been certified by DQS ISO9001:2008. The company’s continuous product development and production quality control is exercised by its technical control department, which strictly controls raw material selection, production and inspection.

Steel-Tech Industry Co, Ltd – Malaysia stind@pd.jaring.my • www.stindustry.com

An important feature is that the coupling is placed in only one pipe-end. This

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Tube Products International July 2009

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