Tata Steel sees throughput improvements in the pipeline 31 January 2014

Tata Steel's pipe mill, in Hartlepool, is reporting throughput improvement following installation of a new internal diameter welder line by engineering specialist Cordell Group working with Siemens Industry.

Siemens developed a bespoke control system that overcame previous operational efficiency issues and delivered improved accuracy and flexibility.

Having sourced new welding equipment from Germany, Tata Steel looked to Cordell to provide initial designs for a pipe handling assembly capable of receiving 16 to 42 inch pipe diameters, weighing up to 13 tonnes.

It also had to lift and re-orientate pipes along its axis, and provide the horizontal drive motion for the welding process.

Cordell, which is a Siemens Solution Partner, worked with the latter on the engineering specification and specifically the drive technology, using Siemens' Sinamics drives.

Company spokespeople explain that the new system moves the pipes instead of the welding system and its auxiliary equipment, so saving on power and improving speed. But it also eliminates earlier problems caused by a direct-drive wheels and a rail system, which was causing considerable rework, due to slippage.

The new system uses a positive displacement drive, via a rack and pinion, using a Siemens S110 22kW servomotor, with a 90-degree planetary gearhead and drive pinion. It also harnesses Siemens' Drive-CliQ encoders for accurate rotational speed and displacement feedback to a Siemens S7-315 PLC.

The rest of the linear motion system comprises carriage controls based on four-axis Siemens S120 and G120 drives, with remote I/O and a Simatic HMI comfort panel.

Tata Steel says it is now considering placing an order with Cordell to supply four additional pipe handling systems to replace existing older units – eventually enabling a full upgrade of the area.

Brian Tinham

Related Companies
Cordell Group Ltd
Siemens plc

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