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Cover Story
Gasturbine motor .
They also use a portable chemical analysis monitor to confirm the pipes ’ stated composition . Wall thickness is measured with callipers , while an endoscope is used to check clean interiors of smaller tubes . Finally , tubes are weighed before storing as tubes of the same size have a constant weight which is a good measure of the number stored or retrieved later . They are then methodically stored in one of the numerous locations using an automatic tube stacker . The order department is an immaculately clean , open area , efficiently operated by multiple hefty Hänel Lean-Lifts , and a towering Fehr Honeycomb storage system . When a local computer terminal selects an order , a Lean-Lift springs into action . A few seconds
after , an illuminated arrow points to a compartment within a large tray where the required items are located . The operator ensures the right number of parts are packed appropriately , with remaining stock confirmed instantly . Once the items are correctly identified and counted , they are sensitively packed and labelled , so the contents are clear to the recipient . Larger orders have their components protected with bubble wrap or foam placed inside suitable packaging to avoid transit damage . Individual pipes are kept straight using a wooden plank before being fully wrapped in plastic . As Paul explains , “ We stand out among suppliers as we own our truck fleet and employ all our drivers , ensuring they handle the products with care , unlike regular transport companies who may not have specialist knowledge in dealing with stainless steel products and resort to using forklifts . Forklifts , in my experience , are a recipe for order damage . A more reliable method of loading stainless steel products is to use an overhead crane .”
Sustainable from day one When Paul discusses the topic of sustainable materials in the present market , he beams with pride . “ More than 90 % of the stainless steel we transport originates from recycled material . We operate in a self-sustaining industry . Each item is destined to be melted down and reused for the creation of new products .” The facility ’ s commitment to the environment is unwavering . The cardboard boxes used for the shipment of smaller articles are collected and reused from local businesses . Paul is unperturbed by the presence of other companies ’ logos on these boxes . “ No products have our name on it ,” he says . This only further underscores the company ’ s commitment to letting their efficiency do the talking instead of flashy branding .
Over the past two years , Paul has made substantial investments , including expanding his warehouse to support his growing cut-to-length tube business .
10 Heat Exchanger World September 2024 www . heat-exchanger-world . com