NEWS

6Sealing Technology April 2014

expansion. Max Seal has extensive experience in the field of pipe seals and is highly regarded, with leading-edge expertise particularly in product development and manufacturing of moulded seals, which we will be able to use in other parts of our operations.’

This acquisition strengthens Trelleborg’s posi-tion in North America, whilst complementing its existing range and presence in the USA. It will also provide access to the rapidly growing markets in Latin America.

Bill Hagenberg of the Trelleborg pipe-seals operation, added: ‘The strategic joint venture between Trelleborg and Max Seal will give our pipe-seals operation important worldwide expansion, enabling it to better serve its increas-ingly global customer-base.’

Contacts:

Trelleborg Ab, Group Head Office, PO Box 153,

SE-231 22 Trelleborg, Sweden. Tel: +46 410 670 00,

Fax: +46 410 427 63, Web: www.trelleborg.com/pipeseals

Trelleborg Industrial Solutions, Johan Kocksgatan 10,

SE-231 81 Trelleborg, Sweden. Tel: +46 410 510 00,

Fax: +46 410 71 15 21,

Email: industrial-solutions@trelleborg.com,

Web: www.max-seal.com

Academy of Joint Integrity invests in specialist training systems

The Academy of Joint Integrity, part of the Flexitallic Group, has invest-

ed in new specialist training equip-ment to meet demand for joint integ-rity skills from international markets.

The academy has taken delivery of three Flexitallic Sustainable Training Units (FSTUs), which will be deployed to Singapore, United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.

Providing hands-on, practical training scenari-os, the FSTU forms an integral part of the acad-emy’s joint integrity programmes for engineers involved in flange assembly, pipeline integrity and hazardous areas. The units enable engineers undergoing training to tighten a bolted joint and see the impact of tightening procedures, on-screen, using load-monitoring software.

Through the application of bolt loads to flanges containing different gaskets, the unit enables engineers to view the interplay between the flange, fasteners and the gasket using vari-ous assembly and tightening procedures. It is equipped with ring-type joint and ASME B16.5 raised face flanges. The two flange arrangements

are fully interchangeable and give engineers direct experience of tightening a comprehensive range of gaskets including solid metal ring joints, spiral wounds, Kammprofiles and soft gaskets.

This investment adds to the existing fleet of three FSTUs owned by the academy, which are in operation in the UK and Europe. The additional units will enable its engineering and training pro-fessionals to deliver training to the Middle East, South-East Asia and Australasian markets.

Alex Lattimer, Training Director, Academy of Joint Integrity, said: ‘The new FSTUs will help the academy meet international demand for our specialist joint integrity training. We have seen an increase in enquiries from the Middle East and South-East Asia which, like many parts of the world, hold UK training and accreditations in high esteem.’

Contacts:

The Academy of Joint Integrity. Email: info@academyji.com,

Web: www.academyofjointintegrity.com

Flexitallic Ltd, Scandinavia Mill, Hunsworth Lane,

Cleckheaton BD19 4LN, UK. Tel: +44 1274 851273,

Fax: +44 1274 851386, Email: kpayne@flexitallic.eu,

Web: www.flexitallic.eu

ElringKlinger and GKD collaborate on EGR technology

In Germany, ElringKlinger Ag of Dettingen, which supplies products

to the automotive sector, has teamed up with technical weaving specialist GKD - Gebrüder Kufferath Ag (GKD), based in Düren, to work on integrated sealing and filtration technology in the field of exhaust gas recirculation (EGR).

The two companies have already concluded a strategic cooperation agreement to pursue this project.

Whilst GKD – as a manufacturer of indus-trial mesh products – will be applying its exper-tise in the field of filtration media and sieving devices, ElringKlinger will be contributing its specialist knowledge of manufacturing seals and combining them with complex EGR systems.

The firms say that customers will benefit from the collaborative efforts through end-to-end access to their know-how, fully harmonised processes and large-scale serial production.

As a development partner to international engine and vehicle manufacturers, ElringKlinger will be responsible for the overall module and will incorporate the high-performance low-pressure EGR filters, made from 3D metal wire-mesh, into its own speciality exhaust gas sealing

systems. This will pave the way for the efficient integration of filtration sieves, with integral gas-kets/seals, with the exhaust flow system.

Customers have been supplied with the first prototypes and viability testing for serial production readiness is currently under way. Production of the first jointly developed com-ponents is expected to start in 2015.

Contacts:

ElringKlinger Ag, Max-Eyth-Strasse 2, D72581

Dettingen, Germany. Tel: +49 7123 724 137,

Fax +49 7123 724 85137, Web: www.elringklinger.de

GKD - Gebr. Kufferath Ag, Metallweberstrasse 46,

D-52353 Düren, Germany. Tel: +49 2421 8030,

Fax +49 2421 803211, Web: www.gkd.de

Lamons refutes competitors’ accusations

US gasket and bolt supplier Lamons reports that accusations made

by its competitors have recently sur-faced regarding its compliance with ASME B16.20-2012 in respect to stand-ard spiral-wound gaskets. It says these are unfounded and it is in strict compli-ance with ASME guidelines.

Historically, there has been subjectivity in the ASME standard regarding the interpretation of “gasket outside diameter” and this is being exploited by rivals in the industry, says Lamons. The original drawings and schematics that defined this dimension left the interpretation up to the manufacturer and was interpreted in many ways. This subjectivity was eliminated with the most current revision of the ASME standard (2012). Current drawings show that “gasket outside diameter” is defined by considering the outer bead of the winding element, says the firm.

This clarification in the standard is intentional and ensures an installation scenario in which the outer guide ring is under the raised face. An interpretation that assumes this dimension is related to the visible portion of the winding could create a scenario where the guide ring is not under the raised face when installed in a raised face flange. The inaccurate document that has been circulated by our competition claiming non-conformance fails to take into account the winding bead as specifically stated in the most current specification, explains the company.

Over five years ago Lamons took steps to com-ply with the clarification reflected in the 2012 ASME standard and has produced millions of gas-kets since that time with no reports of non-con-formity or performance deficiencies. It says inde-pendent testing, such as ROTT, CFET, API-6FB

April 2014 Sealing Technology7

NEWS

fire tests (amongst others), are available to support the performance of its spiral-wound gaskets.

Contact:

Lamons, 7300 Airport Boulevard, Houston, TX 77061,

USA. Tel: +1 713 222 0284, Fax: +1 713 547 9502,

Web: www.lamons.com

ASME, Two Park Avenue, New York, NY 10016-5990,

USA. Tel: +1 973 882 1170,

Email: CustomerCare@asme.org, Web: www.asme.org

Sealing specialists share best practice with engineers in the Middle East

Flexitallic Ltd, a manufacturer and supplier of specialist sealing prod-

ucts and services recently completed a successful tour of the Middle East.

The company, which has manufacturing facili-ties in Ras Al Kaimah in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and on the Dammam to Jubail Highway in Saudi Arabia, visited Qatar, Oman and the UAE to deliver a series of workshops and presentations highlighting sealing technology issues surrounding corrosion, insulation and heat exchangers.

Led by Dene Halkyard, Applications Engineering Manager, Flexitallic, and Alex Lattimer, Director, Academy of Joint Integrity, and supported by UAE Commercial Director, Sharon Darbyshire and Phil Kelshaw, Sales Director, Eastern Hemisphere, the presenta-tions that took place between 23 February and 3 March were very well attended.

The presentations were delivered to over 300 engineers at 7 separate sessions across the region and the team discussed key joint integrity and sealing issues using a range of specialist products to demonstrate the developments in technol-ogy that have been made to support the ever-increasing operational and safety requirements of onshore and offshore oil and gas facilities.

The importance of continual education and training to improve competencies and safety standards were at the heart of the workshops. Flexitallic supports the development of skills in the sealing industry through its Academy of Joint Integrity, which is an approved provider of training courses set by the Energy Institute and mechanical joint integrity programmes established by the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB).

Kelshaw said: ‘It was great to see so many people in attendance at the events. The tour was clearly a success and saw engineers travel a considerable distance to be there.’

‘Engineers in the UAE, Oman and Qatar are at the forefront of the oil and gas sector and we want to work closely with them to drive the develop-ment of sealing technology and innovation.’

‘The events provided a great opportunity to discuss the latest technological developments and share our commitment for delivering best practice across the sectors in which we operate.’

As part of Flexitallic’s strategy to increase its global presence, in addition to providing an enhanced service to existing customers, the company recently opened Flexitallic Middle East Llc, a joint-venture gasket manufacturing facility in Saudi Arabia.

According to the Flexitallic Group, Saudi Arabia marks the next milestone in its global coverage, with the on-site manufacture of its resilient metal-wound Change gasket.

Contacts:

Flexitallic Ltd, Scandinavia Mill, Hunsworth Lane,

Cleckheaton BD19 4LN, UK. Tel: +44 1274 851273,

Fax: +44 1274 851386, Web: www.flexitallic.eu

The Flexitallic Group, 250 bis rue du Faubourg Saint-

Honoré, 75008 Paris, France. Tel: +33 1 4888 8887,

Web: www.fdsgroup.net

Flexitallic Middle East Llc, Al-Aujam Industrial City,

6790-Al Badia, Unit No. 1, 32656-2462, Kingdom of

Saudi Arabia. Tel: +966 13 8089 635,

Fax: +966 13 808 9634, Web: www.flexitallic.sa

Gasket Specialties celebrates its 89th year in business

In 2014 Gasket Specialties Inc is cel-ebrating its 89th year in business –

making it one of the oldest speciality gasket manufacturers in the USA.

The company, which has operations in Emeryville and Rancho Cucamonga, California, and Portland, Oregon, supplies products to the aer-ospace and defence, oil and gas, industrial machin-ery and marine sectors, among many others.

Ralph Gutierrez, President, Gasket Specialties, commented: ‘Our success has been the result of focusing on solutions to our cus-tomer’s problems and solving them. In addi-tion, we have expanded our capabilities to keep pace with the changes in gasket sealing technol-ogy and customers’ needs.’

Contact:

Gasket Specialties Inc, 6200 Hollis Street, Emeryville,

CA 94608, USA. Tel: +1 510 547 7955, Fax: +1 510

547 8242. Email: emeryville@gsimfg.com,

Web: www.gsimfg.com

I N B R I E F

EnPro Industries elects new directorUS-based EnPro Industries Inc, which spe-cialises in sealing products, metal polymer and filament wound bearings, components and services for reciprocating compressors, diesel and dual-fuel engines and other engi-neered products, has announced that Felix Brueck has been elected to its board of direc-tors. Brueck is Director Emeritus, McKinsey & Co Inc, a global consulting firm, following his retirement in 2012 as a director.

Bal Seal launches Russian-language site and publishes guide in GermanBal Seal Engineering Inc, a global designer and manufacturer of custom sealing, connecting, conducting and EMI shielding components, recently launched a Russian-language Web-site. It aims to provide engineers and OEMs who speak Russian with a ‘practical, application-oriented perspective’ on uses for its Canted Coil Springs, spring-energised seals and connectors. It has also published a guide in German that highlights the benefits of collaborating with the company on engineering projects using its seals, springs and connectors. The guide can be downloaded free of charge from the company’s German-language Web-site.

More information:Web: www.balseal.ruWeb: www.balseal.com.de

Chris Hall joins Ceetak LtdUK Sealing products company Ceetak Ltd has appointed Chris Hall as its management accountant. He joins the firm from Network Rail where he worked for three years at man-agement level – controlling compensation payments to major train operators whilst improving systems. Hall’s role will include financial analysis of Ceetak’s growing busi-ness and forward planning, and overseeing it expanding finance department.

Henniges acquires sole ownership of Chinese joint ventureHenniges Automotive Holdings Inc, a US-based supplier of sealing and anti-vibration systems for the global automotive market, has acquired the remaining 40% of Beijing Wanyuan-Henniges Sealing Systems Co Ltd from its Chinese joint venture with China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology. The company says that establishing sole ownership of Wanyuan-Henniges in China is the latest move in its strategic growth efforts to best sup-port its customers’ rapidly increasing needs in emerging markets around the world. The joint venture, which began in 1995, has become a major sealing systems producer in China – with operations in Beijing, Changchun, Chengdu, Tianjin and Teiling.