TPi April 2012

business & market news

Luvata wins sustainability award Luvata has been awarded the prestigious Sustainability Award as part of the Suppliers’ Partnership Conference organised by Frigoglass (www. frigoglass.com). Giovanni Simeoni, executive VP, deputy general manager with Luvata, accepted the award. The award recognises Luvata for “focus on new technologies that reduce energy consumption and improve efficiency, including its environmentally friendly HC and CO 2 solutions, and for its global support with innovations in all key regions (Europe, Asia and America)”. “Frigoglass is a particularly demanding partner that makes the sustainability of its products and services a pillar of its competitiveness, together with the giants of beverage that deem ecology a ‘must’,” said Mr Simeoni. “This is actual confirmation of the results we have achieved together and Luvata is grateful and encouraged in receiving this award.” Luvata is committed to the research and development of eco-friendly solutions that combine improved performance with a unit’s reduced sound level and power and fluids consumption. This commitment delivers customised designs, created in collaboration with its customers, and has led to the adoption of technologically advanced solutions that have met with favourable reception from HVAC&R operators, both in terms of quality and environmental sustainability. Luvata’s solutions are used in industries such as renewable energy, power generation, automotive, medicine, air- conditioning, industrial refrigeration and consumer products. The company’s heat transfer solutions division is a global manufacturer of finned pack heat exchangers, playing a prominent role in the design and production of air units for the refrigeration and air conditioning sectors as well as AC refilling and maintenance equipment for the automotive industry.

Acquisition of Western Pneumatic Tube completed Leggett & Platt, a diversified manufacturer that conceives, designs and produces a variety of engineered components and products, has completed its purchase of Western Pneumatic Tube Holding, LLC. Western is a leading provider to the aerospace industry of integral components for critical aircraft systems. The company specialises in fabricating thin-walled, large diameter welded tubing and formed products from titanium, nickel-based alloys, stainless steels and other high strength metals for leading aerospace suppliers and OEMs. The company is headquartered in Kirkland, Washington, employs approximately 140 people, and had 2011 sales of $57mn.

Leggett & Platt – USA international@leggett.com . www.leggett.com

Hydrostatic pressure testing programme

– revealed weaknesses that were immediately repaired and retested.

With more than 160 miles of gas transmission pipelines tested, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) announced the completion of its 2011 hydrostatic pressure testing programme. The company set an aggressive testing and inspection schedule to verify the safety and reliability of its natural gas transmission system. The final test of the 2011 programme was performed in December, and many more will follow over the next several years. “This testing programme was really an unprecedented effort for the gas industry, and this year was just the beginning,” said Nick Stavropoulos, executive vice president of gas operations for PG&E. “Every day we are accomplishing more to ensure that our natural gas system is operating safely and reliably throughout our service area, and we will continue to take aggressive action to make our gas system safer and stronger for our customers.” In April 2011 PG&E began conducting hydrostatic pressure tests throughout its service area to validate safe operating pressures and to identify any weaknesses on gas transmission pipelines. Of the 97 tests that were completed, three test segments – in Bakersfield, Palo Alto and Woodside

The company will continue to use hydrostatic pressure tests to verify safe operating pressures for its transmission lines: it plans to test approximately 185 miles in 2012; 204 miles in 2013; and 158 miles in 2014. Hydrostatic pressure testing involves filling a section of pipe with water, pres- surising it to a much higher level than the pipe will ever operate with natural gas, then monitoring the pipe for at least eight hours. Any pipe sections that do not pass are repaired and retested. Following a completed test, the section of pipe is emptied of water, dried thoroughly and placed back in service. Hydrostatic pressure testing is just one of several measures PG&E is taking to improve the safety and strength of its gas system. Through to 2014, the utility plans to replace nearly 190 miles of gas transmission pipeline, automate more than 220 valves, and conduct in-line inspections on more than 230 miles of line with state-of-the-art technology. Pacific Gas and Electric Company – USA www.pge-corp.com

Luvata – UK www.luvata.com

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April 2012 Tube Products International