TPT November 2009

T echnology U pdate

Cure of thermoset filament wound pipe sections with induction heat

Next Generation Orbital Welding Equipment

A SUPER-THERMAL conductive mandrel technology developed by Acrolab Ltd, Canada, permits curing of filament wound pipe and tube sections by heating the mandrel uniformly, while rotating using an Ambrell induction heating power supply. Induction heating provides clean, precise, even heat. This combination of technologies eliminates the need for cure ovens, saving time and energy. Trademarked the ‘Isomandrel’, the new mandrel design consists of a process internal to the mandrel that enhances its thermal conductivity and thermal reactivity. The process permits heat to be applied in a localised concentration that is then rapidly and homogeneously redistributed over the complete mandrel working surface. Isomandrel technology, when coupled with induction heating, permits the mandrel and filament winding to continue rotating while being heated to an optimum controlled temperature to effect cure. This heating occurs while the assembly is still rotating in the winding machine or on a rotating fixture within the manufacturing cell. Acrolab Ltd, working with McClean Anderson Inc, USA, and Ameritherm, an Ambrell company of ScottsvilleNewYork, as a technology team, constructed the curing PHAMITECH Int’l, China, has launched a new solid state HF welder that uses high-power MOSFET IXFN38N100Q2 38A/1000V and fast recovery diode DSEI 2x61-12B 60A/1200V from IXYS Germany to form inverting circuit in series (VFI). The modularised design enables a more compact structure, easier maintenance and high-power realisation. The equipment is safety guaranteed by bridge-divided over-current protection technology. Advanced control technology, such as fixed angle phase-locking control and upper/ lower limit frequency lock-lost protection, makes the equipment more stable and efficient, with more accurate and effective protection to the inductor open circuit and short circuit problems during pipe welding. The solid state HF welder is designed with advanced electronic load matching

cell at McClean Anderson’s laboratory. The induction heated Isomandrel curing station was used to cure a number of 48" long pipe sections wound with glass and carbon fiber epoxy pre-pregs, provided by TCR Composites of Ogden Utah. They were wound on a 3" OD Isomandrel. At the end of the winding cycle, the sections were successfully cured on the Isomandrel using an Ambrell induction heating power supply and coil assembly while the Isomandrel and winding were still mounted and rotating at a reduced 10 RPM on the Super Hornet Winder. By providing high thermal energy uniformly over the entire mandrel surface outward through the filament winding, the cure is completed in a shorter time, with less energy, while providing a significantly more uniform cure and resin rich ID. Ameritherm and McClean Anderson are currently developing a fully software/hardware integrated station to provide the controlled power and recipe requirements to integrate with Acrolab’s Isomandrel technology. Ambrell – USA Fax: +31 65486 59044 technology (PS+PWM control), which can ensure the welder works at the highest efficiency, maximum power factor (>0.9) and optimal load matching status, and to allow simple switchover between induction welding and contact welding mode. An optional speed-power closed-loop control system can improve welding efficiency and reduce the technical adjustment period. A step-up/step-down rectifier trans- former for the HF welder power supply is not required, which has energy-saving benefits compared with electron tube welders or parallel type solid state welders. Phamitech Int’l Company Ltd – China Fax: +86 10684 70948 Email: info@ambrell.com Website: www.ambrell.com

ORBIMAT 165 C A dvanced - Single dial operation - Graphical operator guidance - Auto programming BUP Control sectional control of inside purge pressure Flow Force reduces gas filling time of closed weld heads down to 10 sec Compatible with all ORBIMATIC weld heads: Visit us in Hall I Booth 229

Solid state high frequency welder technology from China

Enclosed weld heads

Open arc weld heads

Tube to tubesheet weld heads

ORBIMATIC Orbitalum Tools GmbH Germany Phone: +49 6408 9026 0 orbimatic@t-online.de ORBIMATIC Ireland & UK Office Phone: +44 1733 555 285 info@orbimatic.co.uk www. o r b i ma t i c . c om

Email: sales@phamitech.com Website: www.phamitech.com

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N ovember 2009

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