IPWL has released the Firefly welding bug, a new semi-automatic pipeline welding machine particularly suited to conditions requiring a high level of weld repeatability.

Constructed with rugged machined aluminium and military-grade switches, the Firefly includes self-adjusting legs, intended to keep adjustment between pipe sizes to a minimum, and a lightweight ergonomic design for ease of handling.

The touch screen HMI is password protected, and the high-torque motor offers both hardwire and flux-core welding capability, while the compact size allows the Firefly to work in confined areas. In addition, the root pass capability prevents the need for copper or ceramic backing shoes.

The Firefly is primarily designed to weld oil, gas and water transmission pipelines with a minimum 10 inch diameter, but it can also be used in the construction of chemical or petroleum storage tanks, other tubular structures, and some internal welds.

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Mathey Dearman provides pipe clampdown

Mathey Dearman has launched the Mega Rim Clamp, a heavy-duty clamp intended to align and re-form alloy pipes such as X65, X70 and X80. The clamps’ jackscrews exert pressure on the pipe high points to reform the pipe to the mating pipe, fitting or valve. The Mega Rim Clamp is capable of handling out-of-round conditions up to 51 mm.

Key design features include moveable jack bars that can be rotated away from the pipe to facilitate grinding; heavy-duty oval-shaped side walls; jackscrews with independent pivoting contact to handle uneven surfaces; and, a heavy-duty latching mechanism. The clamp is also designed with stainless steel surfaces to avoid the risk of pipe contamination.

TrenchTech updates trenchers

TrenchTech has updated its 2000 Trencher Series, introducing six new models to replace the previous series.

The new models are the TT-2350, TT-2450, TT-2550, TT-2650, TT-2850 and TT-2950, which range in horsepower from 350–950 hp.

All models are powered by CAT engines, while operating weights range from 75,000–320,000 pounds. In addition, maximum cutting widths have been increased to 78 inches, and the maximum depth is now 7–9 m.

The trenchers also feature oversized boom lift cylinders and connections, with 3 inch 4140 alloy cylinder pins, and 4140 heat-treated steel bolt-on wear plates.

Dow Europe offers enhanced pipe protection

Dow Europe has developed two new steel pipe coating products: the DOW HDPE 12110G, a black high density polyethylene top-coat material; and, the AMPLIFY GR 320 Functional Polymer, a grafted adhesive resin.

Used in combination with a fusion bonded epoxy (FBE), these products create a three-layer steel pipe coating system that can help contribute to the long-term corrosion protection of gas and oil pipelines.

The DOW HDPE 12110G is designed to offer a high level environmental stress crack resistance, while the AMPLIFY GR 320 is highly adhesive to both the FBE and top-coat layers, and offers mechanical strength at high and low temperatures, good temperature resistance and low water absorption.