Top Technology
Fast-track projects with a
revolutionary beam welding
technology
A NEW TECHNOLOGY COULD IMPROVE THE EFFICIENCY OF LARGE-SCALE
MANUFACTURING PROJECTS BY ENABLING FIRMS TO PERFORM ELECTRON
BEAM WELDING WITHOUT A VACUUM CHAMBER
EBFLOW, which features a local coarse vacuum that can be transported to and operated on
site, has been developed by Cambridge Vacuum Engineering*.
Launched this year, the technology is designed to simplify the process of thick section
welding in the manufacture of a wide range of large structures including ships, pressure
vessels, wind farms and towers, nuclear plants, and many of the structures involved in oil
and gas exploration and civil engineering projects.
To date it has only been possible to perform electron beam welding – a key technology
in the fabrication of large, heavy wall structures – at sites equipped with a vacuum chamber
large enough to house the structures under manufacture.
But EBFLOW’s coarse vacuum can be mounted on tracks and operated locally. The
technology can be used in any plant where large components are welded.
In tests, EBFLOW has been shown to be 20 to 30 times faster than conventional arc
welding, offering transformational gains in productivity. At the same time, it uses less power
than conventional arc processes, lowering a plant’s carbon footprint.
Among the myriad of other benefits are the ability to perform low-heat input welds
that result in reduced distortion – ensuring quality – and the option to perform NDT testing
immediately after welding, fast-tracking the manufacturing process and driving down costs.
An innovative
vent valve
THE PV-80-E IS A REVOLUTIONARY PV VENT
VALVE THAT IS DESIGNED TO LAST, PROTECT
THE ENVIRONMENT AND SAVE YOU MONEY
The PV-80-E is the first truly green, fully serviceable
valve that ensures no waste and no scrap
Featuring clever engineering, the PV-80-E uses
one dynamic seal that caters for pressure, vacuum
and rollover containment and is protected by a
450-micron air filter to prevent leaks. Drop tests show
that zero liquid is dispersed from the tanker.
The valve, which has a state-of-the-art
electrically conductive composite body, fluorosilicone
diaphragms, o-rings and stainless-steel components.
With zero corrosion, a lifetime warranty and a fully
serviceable design, it provides savings of up to 50%
across the fleet!
As exclusive UK distributor for the PV-80-E,
MechTronic is proud to offer an industry first that
offers a recertification, refurbishment and returns
programme with no waste after tank testing.
The PV-80-E is the first truly green, fully
serviceable valve that ensures no waste and no scrap.
www.mechtronic.ltd.uk
“This technology will transform the productivity of fabrication processes throughout
the world of heavy engineering,” said Bob Nicolson, managing director at Cambridge
Vacuum Engineering.
“In many cases the speed of welding can be 30 times faster than current methods.
The technology has been fully developed and pioneered in Britain and we are now ready to
introduce it to the world.”
*Cambridge Vacuum Engineering (CVE) designs and builds process solutions and has
more than 60 years’ experience manufacturing Electron Beam (EB) systems and Vacuum
Furnaces (VF) from its base in Cambridge. CVE’s range of equipment includes systems
ranging from 50 – 200 kV with beam powers up to 100 kW
The search is on for the
Fuel Oil News 2018 tanker of the year
Are you proud of the latest technology
that’s on your newest tanker?
If so, enter your tanker for the title
today!
[email protected]
www.ebflow.com
Fuel Oil News | August 2018 19