Lincoln Electric has developed a new way to teach welding techniques through a virtual welding system called VRTEX 360.

The VRTEX 360 provides a virtual, hands-on training experience, similar to a video game, which provides real-time welding technique feedback to both trainers and students.

The training system feeds computer-generated data with a virtual welding gun and helmet equipped with internal monitors. Students are able to practice welding in simulated environments, including a welding booth training environment and field-welding applications.

Instructors can set up the VRTEX 360 to accommodate various types of welding techniques, including push and drag GMAW techniques; stringer beads; and, weave techniques – straight, triangle and box weave.

The product allows welding to be taught without the use of shielding gas, welding electrodes or welding coupons and does not require weld fume removal.

For more information visit www.VRTEX360.com

Production begins on world’s largest three-screw crude oil pipeline pump

Colfax Corporation has begun production of the world's largest rotary positive displacement three-screw crude oil pump.

The Imo 8L-912Y pump can be installed on pipelines up to 24 inches in diameter and can transport more than 85,000 barrels of oil per day at pressures up to 13.78 MPa.

Colfax’s 8L-912Y pump requires no external lube system and can be direct-coupled to a synchronous-speed driver, without the need for a gear reducer. This reduces the overall footprint of the equipment and simplifies the driver-to-pump alignment.

The performance of this pump series can be further controlled with the use of a variable-speed drive to dial in the required flow rate.

The Imo 8L Series of pumps is designed to ensure constant oil flow, even in the presence of varying system back pressures due to changes in viscosity; nonpulsating flow, without the need for pulsation dampeners, which reduces the risk of pipeline failure; and, low noise and vibration levels, minimising foundation requirements.

For more information visit www.colfaxcorp.com

Latest edition of WinDOT – the Pipeline Safety Encyclopedia

The August 2009 edition of WinDOT includes the current United States federal pipeline safety regulations 49 CFR 190-199 and Part 40, including amendments, interpretations, waivers and advisory bulletins. WinDOT incorporates the January 2009 edition of Gas Piping Technology Committee Guide, including the Distribution Integrity Management Program Guidance by linking code sections directly to the guide material. Users can search by word or phrase to find regulations, interpretations and guide material to assist them in compliance programs and research.

The latest release of WinDOT includes updates to pipeline regulations for 16 states and 15 new or updated pipeline standards. There are 55 standards available on the WinDOT CD, including 35 that are incorporated by reference.

For more information visit www.viadata.com

Cure pipes with Curapipe

Curapipe has developed a leak curing solution for pinhole leaks and cracks that go undetected by conventional detection methods.

The Curapipe solution is a viable pipeline repair solution launched remotely and applied internally. A pig train carrying Curapipe’s innovative curing substance is inserted upstream through a pig launcher. As the pig train passes through the pipeline, the curing substance penetrates, seals and fixes pinhole leaks and cracks.

Deployed as a preventive measure for the pipeline industry, Curapipe’s solution cures undetected leaks and cracks (below SCADA system thresholds) before they become larger and more problematic leaks that would require pipeline shutdown and excavation.

The Curapipe solution is intended to prevent spills and product loss; as well as costly downtime for repairing fully grown leaks; and, decreases the need for, and cost of, pipeline inspection, monitoring and maintenance.

For more information visit www.curapipe.com