Altering perceptions: TIG welding in the oil & gas industry
Gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) commonly known as tungsten inert gas welding (TIG), has always been considered to be a complicated joining process. The equipment was expensive, shielding gas of the required purity was difficult to obtain and above all, only specially trained individuals were able to complete the complex procedures. However today there are innovative, customer-focused solutions for both mechanized and automated TIG welding available.
Umbilical technology driving material developments
TechnipFMC Umbilicals manufactures state-of-the-art subsea umbilical systems which provide the critical link between remote subsea wells and fixed or floating production systems. The company’s headquarters in Newcastle, UK is home to the world’s largest steel tube umbilical
assembly plant. Stainless Steel World spoke to Dr. Xiaoxue An, Principal Engineer and Lead of Materials and Corrosion, R&D about her role in this demanding niche sector.
‘HFree’ – Hydrofluoric acid free pickling
A new pickling process which does not require the use of hydrofluoric acid has been developed as part of a project funded by the EU through the LIFE programme (project code: 13 ENV/IT/000440). The process is beneficial in terms of both the environment and energy consumption. This article analyses the characteristics of the wastewater treatment process deriving from the new pickling process which eliminates once and for all the presence of hydrofluoric acid in the base solution.
INSG: The Nickel Market to be in deficit for another year in 2017
More than 60 government and industry representatives met in Lisbon from 25-26 April for the most recent International Nickel Study Group Meeting. During the meeting, INSG reviewed the forecast for nickel production and use for the current year and updated the figures for 2015 and 2016. This article gives a brief overview of recent developments based on this data.
Longevity, whole-building LCAs & stainless steel
Whether the project is a new building or major renovation, sustainability is an increasingly important factor in decision-making. Whole-building lifecycle assessment (LCA) makes it possible to look at all phases of a building, from material extraction through construction to decommissioning and, when possible, recycling into a ‘new’ useful material.