Page 24 - Energize January 2022

NEWS

Specialised induction bending solutions benefit industries

teinmüller Africa, a specialist in 48.3 OD and 850 OD with a wall thickness up to 100 mm. It can create bends up to 180
the engineering and fabrication of degrees,” adds Chapman.
Shigh-pressure components, offers Induction bending is ideal “when standard size bends are not available and custom or
exclusive induction bending solutions to large radius bends are required,” states Chapman. Since it can create complex (multiple)
the South African market. Its Cojafex PB bends without the need for welding, induction bending guarantees pipe system integrity and
850 induction bending machine is one of a reduced maintenance requirement, making it especially well-suited to high pressure (HP)
only two induction bending machines on piping, steam piping and industrial piping systems. This also means it delivers a relatively low
the African continent, enabling paper and cost of ownership. In addition, if multiple bends are done at once then there is a cost saving
pulp, power, petrochemical and mining during the erection and ongoing maintenance phases of a plant’s operation.
plants to source custom bends locally, as The benefit of partnering with Steinmüller is that it offers complementary services in
well as large radius, multiple or complex addition to induction bending. “There is no need to move the component between different
bends – all with quick turnaround times. suppliers as we are able to do all the necessary bending, welding and heat treatment in-
Induction bending is the process house,” says Chapman. Using its Schlager gas furnace, Steinmüller conducts post bend heat
whereby a straight pipe is precision-bent treatment (PBHT), which ensures the pipe’s mechanical properties are restored following the
by a specially engineered machine. The bending process. In addition, Steinmüller specialises in various welding processes, enabling
front of the pipe protrudes through an custom welding onto pipes.
induction coil and is clamped into position. A commitment to safety and quality, backed by international expertise, has made
The induction coil is heated to a specified Steinmüller Africa the fabricator of choice for some of South Africa’s largest power, paper and
temperature and then the arm of the petrochemical companies. “Steinmüller has been carrying out induction bending for over ten
machine moves in a predetermined radius, years at its facility in Pretoria and has a number of qualified bending procedures to both EN
pushing the pipe through the coil. “This and ASME standards for safety and quality. Our in-house quality management system ensures
is programmed into the machine upfront that our products meet all the necessary international standards,” adds Chapman.
and is an automated process,” explains Lee Steinmüller Africa is a Bilfinger Power Africa company and is a BBEE Level 1 company. For
Chapman, Divisional Manager – Piping, almost six decades, Steinmüller has provided comprehensive solutions for steam generating
Steinmüller Africa. The automation and plants, from design through to commissioning and after-service maintenance.
machine control renders a precise and top-
quality pipe bend. “Our Cojafex machine is Contact Lee Chapman, Steinmüller Africa, Phone 011 806-3947,
capable of bending pipes between lee.chapman@bilfinger.com, www.steinmuller.bilfinger.com/

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