Components , Hoses & Couplings
September / October 2017
Durapipe helps fuel the Highlands
community-led project to construct a new pontoon
A in the Scottish Highlands turned to Durapipe UK to provide a safe and reliable fuel line . The Mull and Iona Community Trust ( MICT ) secured funding for a new pontoon at Ulva Ferry Terminal to boost tourism and local employment . Situated on Mull ’ s Sound of Ulva , the pontoon , manufactured and installed by Gaelforce Engineering , provides the only secure berthing on the West of Mull , offering berths for eight visiting craft . The new pontoon required a refuelling station and , looking for a reliable pipework system to serve the filling station , Gaelforce Engineering turned to Durapipe UK and its specialist fuel conveyance pipe system PLX . PLX dual contained pipe in size 63 # 75mm was installed to transfer marine gasoil ( red diesel ) from an onshore bunded tank , through a service duct along the access gangways and across the pontoon to the fuel cabinet . Ensuring fuel does not leak into the environment is always of paramount importance , but with the pipework in this project running along a floating structure , safe fuel transfer was vital . Any leaks into the atmosphere would not only pollute the seawater below , it could potentially endanger marine life , and so PLX was selected due to its increased permeation resistance , offering the reassurance that fuel would not permeate the pipe wall . The pipe system was required to be installed within confined areas and so PLX offered added installation benefits , as its lightweight nature made it easier to handle in tight spaces . Coupled with quick and simple electrofusion jointing technique , PLX saved Gaelforce Engineering significant installation labour time and cost savings .
Components , Hoses & Couplings
Commenting on the project , Stephen Offord , production director at Gaelforce , said : “ This was a challenging project as we were creating a completely new floating structure , with all the challenges that come with that . Vessels berthed on the pontoon are relying on receiving fuel so it was vital we installed a reliable and safe pipework system for the fuel line . “ PLX provided the ideal solution , offering benefits to us as installers , while reassuring MICT it has a reliable system in place that will continue to serve the needs of the pontoon with minimal maintenance requirements .” PLX is manufactured as a multilayer pipe using the superior mechanical characteristics of polyethylene as a base material , which enables the pipe to be permanently welded through electrofusion technology . Providing exceptional resistance to rapid crack propagation and long term stress cracking , PLX comprises a protective liner , which increases permeation resistance against many types of fuel blends ensuring there is no permeation of fuel through the pipe wall into the environment . www . durapipe . co . uk
BULKDISTRIBUTOR
13
Mesa acquires WG Seals
M
esa Industries has bought WG Seals , Inc , a supplier of customdesigned floating roof tank seals and rim mounted foam dams for all types of floating roofs . This transaction represents a significant opportunity to enhance the growth of Mesa Industries , and the company ’ s strategic focus on growing its domestic and international business division of Mesa Engineered Tank Products ( ETP ). WG Seals will operate as its own company under the umbrella of Mesa , but will complement the existing Mesa ETP division and its current products for a complete turnkey solution . “ This acquisition exemplifies a complementary business that will strengthen both Mesa ETP and WG Seals for products , engineering , and customer service . Our team will collaborate among divisions to fully use the strengths of both companies that will , in turn , help our customers with higher quality products ,” said Brian Karns , COO of Mesa Industries . “ We are excited to include WG Seal Systems into Mesa Industries . Together our companies have decades of service to the aboveground storage tank market . This new partnering will expand our ability to support our customers ’ needs with the highest quality and expertise available ,” added Terry Segerberg , CEO , and chairman of Mesa Industries . www . mesa-intl . com
X for excel
Blackmer has announced that its GNX and GNXH Series sliding vane pumps incorporate numerous design features that help them excel in a wide variety of chemical-transfer applications . The design of GNX and GNXH series eliminates traditional couplings and features a commercial grade , single stage gearbox with aluminium housings , NEMA C-face or IEC D-flange motor connections and a proprietary output shaft that is compatible with the Blackmer keyed pump shaft . Blackmer says the design makes GNX and GNXH the first alignment-free , reduced-speed pumps for use in both portable and stationary applications . An enhancement of the GX Series , GNX and GNXH are aimed at chemical transfer applications because they are more efficient than competitive technologies , while providing high-level performance , high suction lift and line-stripping capabilities with low maintenance and life cycle costs . The pumps ’ robust , commercial-grade gear reducer is capable of producing low ratios , resulting in more precise flow rates . Also , the locked-rotor between-bearing design extends mechanical seal life and improves operational safety , and the compact footprint uses a close-coupled , inline design that allows the pumps to be a likefor-like replacement in existing systems . In addition , the pumps have been manufactured with a larger operating range than competitive designs , offering higher flows and higher pressure . They are also the only alignment-free pumps that can dry run without damage during self-priming and line-stripping operations . GNX and GNXH pumps are available in 2ins and 2.5 ins flanged port sizes . Three inch and 4ins sizes will follow in Q1 2018 . Combined , these sizes provide flow capacities ranging from 20 to 500 gpm ( 76-1,893 L / min ) at working pressures up to 175 psi ( 12.1 bar ). Both 90 deg and 180 deg porting are standard . The pumps are suited for both portable and stationary applications . www . blackmer . com
50 YEARS OF QUALITY .
Quality . You know it when you see it , but not everyone can achieve it .
We believe that longevity is the truest indicator of quality . Your tanks are your most valuable asset and you expect them to give you 20 years of service . You can expect the same from our valves .
Fort Vale valves are built to last , giving you maximum return on your investment .
FORT VALE . WORLD LEADERS .
3 ” 45 º Highlift / 2 ” Ball valve with sampling point .
Visit us at www . fortvale . com
WORLD LEADING MANUFACTURER OF EQUIPMENT FOR ISO , GAS , OFFSHORE , ROAD AND RAIL TANKS .
50 YEARS 1967-2017