TPi March 2013

large diameter pipe Forecast for US demand

Steel and high density polyethylene (HDPE) were the two leading large diameter pipe materials in 2011, each accounting for 31 per cent of total demand. Opportunities in the oil and gas industry will spur growth for steel, as it is the preferred material in both line pipe and OCTG applications. HDPE will post above average gains as it continues to replace other materials in many applications. For example, corrugated HDPE will continue to replace concrete pipe in many drainage applications, benefiting from its ease of installation and light weight. Concrete will post the most rapid growth, as the material continues to benefit from its established position in most water markets and its performance advantages in the largest diameter uses. The latest addition to PIPE Ltd’s split frame cold cutting and bevelling machine range is the Hypercutter. This rugged, heavy-duty steel split frame machine is designed for the cold cutting and bevelling of pipes of up to 108" diameter. Producing square cuts and weld-ready machine finish bevels with ease, the Hypercutter is hydraulically powered, giving it the strength to machine even the toughest of materials, in the most arduous of working environments. Each Hypercutter covers a 12" diameter range. PIPE Ltd has also extended its range of hot cutting systems. The E-Z Cut range allows the cutting and bevelling of pipes of almost any diameter, wall thickness and material, and is suitable for use with oxy-acetylene, propane or plasma cutting systems, depending on the application. Using guide bands for sizes above 18" ensures 100 per cent square cuts and bevels. The E-Z Cut range is available as a manual hand crank model, and 110v or 230v motorised versions.

leading market for large diameter pipe up to 2016, accounting for one half of total demand. Gains in large diameter storm sewer pipe will come in large part from the US population migrating toward the south and west regions of the country. Additionally, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) mandates will provide opportunities for growth, as regulations regarding combined sewer overflows have become more stringent. As a result, many locales will be required to replace combined storm/sanitary sewer systems. The drainage market will experience the most robust growth in large diameter pipe demand through the forecast period, benefiting significantly from a rebound in building construction. By 2016, oil and gas will be the only major market for large diameter pipe that will have a significantly higher level of demand than 2006 levels. Clamshell. These machines are designed for the cold cutting and bevelling of pipes up to 60" outside diameter, where the use of a hot cutting method is prohibited or a machined bevel is required. The split frame design enables the operator to mount the machine anywhere along a pipeline to cut and bevel the pipe simultaneously. Suitable for on-site work or in areas where there is restricted access to the pipe, due to their low profile design, once clamped on the pipe the cut and bevel is produced by an inner rotating ring, housing cutting tools mounted in spring loaded toolboxes which follow the

US demand for large diameter pipe is projected to rise 6.2 per cent annually to 2016, to 197 million feet. Growth will benefit from the repair and replacement of wastewater infrastructure, as many pipe projects, which were put on hold during the 2006-2011 period due to state and municipal budget concerns, move forward. The need to expand oil and gas transmission lines, especially near shale plays and other unconventional wells, will also spur growth. Improvement in manufacturing activity will boost pipe demand in processing applications. These and other trends are presented in Large Diameter Pipe, a new study from industry market research firm The Freedonia Group, Inc.

Sewers, which include both storm and sanitary sewers, will continue to be the The Freedonia Group, Inc – USA info@freedoniagroup.com www.freedoniagroup.com Large diameter pipe cutting and bevelling

PIPELtd,establishedin1989,isasupplier of specialist pipework fabrication tools and handling equipment for on-site or workshop requirements. The company manufactures and supplies a range of hot and cold cutting and bevelling solutions for pipes of almost any material, wall thickness and diameter, and is able to cater for any cutting and bevelling requirements, whether cold or hot cutting, for workshop or on-site environments. Two of the most popular machines in the company’s range are the split frame cutting and bevelling machines: the heavy duty steel frame Supercutter and the lightweight alloy body MCA

contour of the pipe to produce an accurate weld preparation.

PIPE Ltd’s Hypercutter

Cutting tools are available to machine mild steel, stainless steel and exotic materials such as Duplex and Super Duplex. Machines can be supplied with electric, pneumatic or hydraulic motors, and models are available to cut from 1" to 60" pipe, with all types of weld preparation achievable on wall thicknesses up to 60mm.

PIPE Ltd – UK sales@pipe-ltd.com www.pipe-ltd.com

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Tube Products International March 2013

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