PipeLine Machinery International (PLM) and ek pass have partnered for the provision of global training and consulting services for the pipeline industry.

ek pass specialises in the development and delivery of heavy equipment and safety training, addressing a variety of areas ranging from clearing to clean-up.

Training begins with classroom instruction where fundamentals including safety, basic maintenance, operating techniques and advanced skills are covered. The bulk of the training comprises hands-on learning, which is conducted by an ek pass expert and usually provided on an actual job site.

“By teaming with ek pass we connect our customers with world class, custom training delivered in classrooms, at job sites, through e-learning – in whatever format the contractors or owning companies require,” PLM Senior Vice President Tony Fernandez said.

For more information, visit the PLM website at www.plmcat.com or the ek pass website at www.ekpass.com

Galaxy pencil brushes on trial in Gulf of Suez

Trials of Galaxy pencil brushes have been completed in several oil pipelines in the Gulf of Suez.

The brushes were attached to the rear of standard bi-directional pigs and were used to remove mineral scales and wax, helping to control internal corrosion, reduce flow restrictions and prepare the lines for intelligent pigging.

Galaxy pencil end brushes are used on magnetic flux leakage pipeline inspection applications.

The brush size, bristle density, trim length and mounting plate geometry are customised to specific needs and tool characteristics. Virtually any brush pattern and brush angle could be achieved depending on the application.

For more information visit www.galaxybrushes.com

Emerson launches Shafer SH Series gas-over-oil pipeline actuator

Emerson Process Management has launched the Shafer™ SH Series of gas-over-oil valve actuators.

These actuators have been designed to automate valves used for gas transmission pipelines as well as at compressor stations, gathering plants, storage facilities and meter runs. Designed for 50 years of operation, the actuator has a 15-year seal life and a 10 year warranty.

The SH series actuator is operated by hydraulic oil, pressurised by the pipeline gas. Powering the actuator with oil is intended to prevent the internal corrosion associated with other actuator designs. The actuator is designed so that the gas is contained within two tanks, half filled with hydraulic oil. This is so the contaminants and moisture in the gas will settle to the bottom of the tank where they can be easily drained.

The actuators can be used for standard on/off service or as part of an emergency shutdown system. Three sizes of SH are available to suit 2–8 inch valves with a torque range between 254 Newton metres and 2,032.37 Newton metres.

For more information visit www.emersonprocess.com

Maats and Liebherr develop environmentally-friendly equipment

Liebherr and Maats Pipeline Equipment have taken the next step in developing environmentally-friendly pipeline equipment. The new Generation4 Liebherr pipelayers are now compatible with environmentally-friendly fluids.

Both models, the RL44, with 45.9 t load capacity, and the RL64, with 90.8 t load capacity, are now completely suitable for use with biodegradable fluids. This is significant because it means that approximately 126 litres of mineral oil on the RL44 or 215 litres for the RL64 can be conserved and replaced by an environmentally-friendly filling. Both machines can also be operated with biodiesel instead of standard diesel.

Any variety of biodiesel fuel, which complies with either the DIN-EN 14214 or the ASTM D6751 specifications. Biodiesel is not only more environmentally friendly, but it is also much safer than standard diesel. With a flash point of approximately 130 degrees Celsius, biodiesel fuel is safer to store, handle and transport.

For more information visit www.maats.com