Page 37 - Energize October 2022

NEWS

Specialised induction bending solutions

teinmüller Africa, a specialist in system integrity and a reduced maintenance requirement, making it especially well-
the engineering and fabrication suited to high pressure piping, steam piping and industrial piping systems. This also
Sof high-pressure components, means it delivers a relatively low cost of ownership. In addition, if multiple bends are
offers exclusive induction bending done at once then there is a cost saving during the erection and ongoing maintenance
solutions to the South African phases of a plant’s operation.
market. The company’s Cojafex PB The benefit of partnering with Steinmüller is that it offers complementary services
850 induction bending machine is in addition to induction bending. “There is no need to move the component between
one of only two induction bending different suppliers as we are able to do all the necessary bending, welding and heat
machines on the African continent, treatment in-house,” says Chapman. Using its Schlager gas furnace, Steinmüller
enabling paper and pulp, power, conducts post-bend heat treatment, which ensures the pipe’s mechanical properties
petrochemical and mining plants to are restored following the bending process. In addition, Steinmüller specialises in
source custom bends locally, as well various welding processes, enabling custom welding onto pipes.
as large radius, multiple or complex A commitment to safety and quality, backed by international expertise, has made
bends – all with quick turnaround Steinmüller Africa the fabricator of choice for some of South Africa’s largest power,
times. paper and petrochemical companies. “Steinmüller has been carrying out induction
Induction bending is the process bending for over ten years at its facility in Pretoria and has a number of qualified
whereby a straight pipe is precision- bending procedures to both EN and ASME standards for safety and quality. Our in-
bent by a specially-engineered house quality management system ensures that our products meet all the necessary
machine. The front of the pipe international standards,” adds Chapman.
protrudes through an induction coil
and is clamped into position. The About Steinmüller Africa
induction coil is heated to a specified Steinmüller Africa is a Bilfinger Power Africa company, and is a BBEE Level 1 company.
temperature and then the arm of the For almost six decades, Steinmüller has provided comprehensive solutions for
machine moves in a predetermined steam generating plants, from design through to commissioning and after-service
radius, pushing the pipe through the maintenance.
coil. “This is programmed into the
machine upfront and is an automated Contact Lee Chapman, Steinmüller Africa, Phone 011 806-3947,
process,” explains Lee Chapman, lee.chapman@bilfinger.com, https://www.steinmuller.bilfinger.com/
Divisional Manager – Piping,
Steinmüller Africa.
The automation and machine
control renders a precise and top-
quality pipe bend.
“Our Cojafex machine is capable
of bending pipes with outside
dimensions of between 48,3 and 850
mm with a wall thickness up to 100
mm. It can create bends up to 180
degrees,” adds Chapman.
Induction bending is ideal “when
standard size bends are not available
and custom or large radius bends
are required,” states Chapman. Since
it can create complex (multiple)
bends without the need for welding,
induction bending guarantees pipe Steinmüller Africa’s induction bending machine at work, bending thick-walled piping.

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