F43: Tube & Pipe Advancements

Latest Process Advancements to Optimize HF Weld Seam Toughness
As steel chemistries have become more complex in pursuit of higher-performance materials, Induction Post Weld Heat Treatment (PWHT) of HF Welds has become more critical. Most API® and IOGP® specified tubular products intended for use in oil and gas gathering and transmission applications are subjected to some PWHT process. With advances in micro-alloyed steel materials over the past ten years, tube producers have faced challenges associated with increasing use of manganese in advanced high strength steels. There has been an increased demand for Normalizing, Quenching, and Tempering (NQT) processing of HF Welded tube and pipe to improve the Weld Heat Affected Zone (HAZ) charpy impact performance. Attendees will learn the fundamentals of the quench and temper heat treatment process and will understand the proper design aspects of inline HF Weld Seam induction heat treating. An in-depth review of charpy impact testing will also be presented.
Sasha Tupalo – Thermatool Corp.

New Generation Tube-Cutting Solutions for Advanced High Strength Steels
Flying shear cut-off technology, used in the tube and pipe industry, has significantly improved in recent years. Better press design has led to slower shear speeds – enhancing blade life and reducing related mill down time and scrap. New generation tube-cutting technology is used to maximize tons off the mill at competitive mill speeds, all while cutting tube with extended blade life on even the most advanced high strength steels. In this presentation, detailed aspects of cutoff blade life will be discussed. Today, tube producers can meet their demanding application requirements for many products and proprietary grades of tube and pipe cut and ready to ship directly off the mill.
Chris Murray – Thermatool Corp.

Advancements in Data Collection, Process Control, and Automation for HF Welding of Tube and Pipe
There has been a notable shift towards enhanced connectivity of equipment and greater emphasis on data collection and analysis, including the tube and pipe industry. HF welding requires precise control of various process parameters such as power, frequency, weld area geometry, impeder, and raw material. It is crucial to closely monitor these parameters and know their effects on the quality of the weld. Once the process has been validated through product performance testing, it is essential to have a good data collection system, paired with process control and automation in place that can deliver reproducible results. This presentation aims to help operators maximize the efficiency of their tube and pipe welding process by utilizing the latest tools. This includes precise process control, collecting and analyzing process data, and implementing technology-driven automated methods. This presentation also covers the infrastructure changes and data management strategies for implementation of IIoT-enabled HF welders.
Sasha Tupalo – Thermatool Corp.