Published on 28 January 2013
In bidding for a contract to build a 20 000 litre tank in polypropylene, SK Plastics of County Durham contacted TWI for technical advice and assistance to identify any unforeseen problems in advance.
Under the Joining Forces North East programme they were able to take advantage of on-site assistance, including trials, from Andy Knight, a highly experienced Plastics Welding Instructor from TWI Technology Centre (North East) in Middlesbrough.
Keeping apace with technology, SK Plastics had recently purchased a new Leister Weldmax extrusion welding gun. Initially Andy spent time assisting with the optimisation of the welding parameters for this equipment utilising his knowledge and past experience. He then discussed various joint designs and fabrication technique options that could be used, whilst maintaining integrity of design and compliance with British Standards.
As the tank was so large it could not be fabricated in the normal workshop space; a different site was therefore acquired. The tank was made in two sections, which were then joined using the hot gas and extrusion welding processes. SK Plastics has since relocated to much larger premises in order to facilitate such future contract work.
Not only was the tank successfully fabricated but SK Plastics also benefited from the discussions. The processes and parameters examined in general terms will be of help in future projects with cost and efficiency benefits for the company.
Hot gas extrusion welding, one of the many conventional and advanced processes which TWI can help companies use more profitably.
TWI's help was available to SK Plastics under the Joining Forces North East technology transfer programme.
For information about TWI's capabilities please contact us.