CHANGES TO ASTM A1053/A1053M-11
Gandytec was successful in initiating changes to the ASTM A1053/A1053M-11 specifications that will allow more large OD pipe manufacturers to qualify for production of Duracorr pipe. Revisions incorporated additional and alternate welding methods, increased quality control when welding Duracorr pipe with filler metal, and reduced length restraints.
Summary of published changes made to ASTM A1053/A1053M-11:
- Section 6.2.1
Revised to increase manufacturing possibilities through the utilization of additional welding methods - Section 6.2.2
Statement added to increase the quality control of the Duracorr pipe product welded with filler metal - Section 13.1.1
Revised to clarify pipe length requirements - Section 13.1.2
Original Section 13.1.2 deleted from ASTM 1053-06 to reduce length constraints
Eleven years ago, large OD Duracorr pipe manufacturing was cost prohibitive due to forming on a slow brake press and SAW welding at four inches per minute in 10 foot lengths. Duracorr ASTM A1010 plate was proven but Duracorr pipe was unproven in tailings slurry applications and was neither listed nor identified in any pipe specifications. Because the demand for this unproven product was non existent and usage was negligible, every Canadian, American, and European large OD pipe mill declined to invest in development of this product.
Despite numerous manufacturing set-backs, Gandytec continued to invest into the development of economical methods to manufacture Duracorr pipe through field tests, improved production methods and by introducing the product into ASTM. After repeated inquires with every known North American Large OD mill, Gandytec located only one North American pipe mill that recognized the potential of an investment into the future of Duracorr pipe. Initial ERW pipe welding trials were successful and economically produced 0.375” walls in 51 foot lengths which were economically formed and welded at 53 foot per minute. Weld reliability proved to be marginal in thicker than .375” wall when welded by the ERW method. Gandytec plans to continue research and development to obtain reliability when welding walls thicker than .375” by the economical ERW method.
Today, Duracorr is the only economical, low grade, stainless steel pipe that has been developed specifically to address corrosion and erosion and is proven to perform in Oil Sands slurry applications. 24, 26, 28 and 30 inch SAW welded Duracorr pipe is now available in single lengths of 40 feet, 51 feet, and double lengths of 80 feet in walls up to .865 inch. Alternate cost effective welding methods involving filler wire welded at speeds up to 100 inches per minute have been developed by Lincoln and Miller to substantially increase weld speeds while maintaining weld quality.
Duracorr plates and pipes are produced by secure sources in North America by proven quality manufacturers. Duracorr pipe is now fully developed, proven successful, and ready to serve the needs of Oil Sands producers.