TPT September 2014

Furnaces & heat treatment

Using induction for drill pipe heat treatment

weld zone. A temperature control system was implemented with a controller and an optical pyrometer. Two Ekoheat systems were also installed in the austenitisation station, where a 25mm (1") wide band is through-heated to 982°C (1,800°F) for austenitising prior to quenching. Quenching brings the temperature down to 400°C (752°F) and the cycle time for the station is 150 seconds. A temperature controller and eVIEW induction heating software were implemented to measure time, energy and temperature. Finally, a through- tempering station was installed. A 50mm (2") band around the joint area is heated to 675°C (1,247°F) to produce the optimal drill pipe toughness. Four induction heating systems (systems at each end of the pipe), a controller and eVIEW induction heating software were leveraged at this station, and the station cycle time was again 150 seconds. The heat treating system’s imple- mentation was successful. The client is benefitting from induction’s fast, consistent, repeatable heating, while the eVIEW induction heating software is helping them to track data and ensure they are meeting specifications. Ambrell provided training and visited the client for installation to ensure startup went smoothly. Application testing occurred prior to the purchase so the client had peace of mind and knew the system would meet their requirements.

INDUCTION heating can be used for upsetting or forging for wall thickening, tool post post-welding heat treating and heat treating the ends of thin-walled mineral drill pipe. Companies that manufacture oil and mineral drill pipe must meet drill pipe specifications such as API 5DP and GOST R 50278, and Ambrell induction heating systems can be used to help meet such specifications. The upsetting process for wall thickening involves heating the pipe end to 1,100°C (2,012°F) prior to forging. Multiple pipes can be heated or they can be heated sequentially depending on coil design. Tool post post-welding heat treating is a three-step process that involves stress relief, austenitisation and through tempering. Austenitising requires a consistent temperature through the pipe wall prior to quenching, which induction delivers. Heat treating the end of thin-walled mineral drill pipe involves heat treating the internal and external threaded ends to minimise wear during repeated connecting and disconnecting during drilling. Ambrell recently installed an induction heat treatment system with three stations for a drill pipe finishing line. The client purchased eight Ambrell Ekoheat 200 kW induction heating systems. They chose induction because it delivers fast, consistent, repeatable heating. In addition, Ambrell’s eVIEW induction heating software enables easy data logging, which is a key quality control benefit that helps ensure they are meeting standards. An added benefit of

Ambrell’s Ekoheat induction heating system

induction is that it is safe and efficient; heat is only applied where it is needed and there is no open flame. The stress relieving station incorporated two Ekoheat systems. At the station, a 51mm (2") wide band of drill pipe is heated to 700°C (1,292°F) within 150 seconds to stress relieve the friction

Ambrell – USA Website: www.ambrell.com Furnace and mobile heat treatment

All of its main products are custom made in order to achieve maximum effectiveness for its customers, and ElectroHeat Sweden AB makes products with a reputation for outstanding quality. Fast delivery is guaranteed since all construction and production is made in-house in its workshop in Gothenburg, Sweden.

ELECTROHEAT Sweden AB is an innovative company based in Gothenburg that has been operating since 1975. It manufactures and develops customised industrial furnaces and mobile heat treatment equipment to industrial companies all over the world. Its products are mainly used in the oil industry but also in the automotive industry, plastics industry and other manufacturing industries worldwide.

ElectroHeat Sweden AB Website: www.electroheat.com

ElectroHeat is based in Gothenburg, Sweden

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S eptember 2014