Flexible welding fume extraction system in plant

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VAM Drilling offers a complete range of products and services including drill pipe, heavy weight drill pipe, drill collars, non-magnetic drill collars and MWD housings as well as safety valves and accessories for all drilling applications. Seven primary manufacturing facilities are located in Brazil, France, the Netherlands, the United Arab Emirates and the United States.

VAM Drilling has a leading position in the Oil & Gas market for premium products, as well as its fully integrated operations from iron ore to tailor made finished goods and services. VAM Drilling provides high-quality and high-performance products that are used around the world.

The challenge

VAM Drilling (Vallourec Mannesmann Oil & Gas Nederland BV) is located in Heerhugowaard, the Netherlands. This facility has been around for over 40 years. Approximately 20 employees are turning/welding in the plant on a daily basis. Sometimes even 24 hours a day, if projects need to meet certain deadlines.

The welding and turning activities take place in two separate production halls. Most work is based on projects, this means that flexibility is extremely important. Some projects run a couple of days, others for months. Therefore all equipment, including the welding fume extraction system, needs to be installed as efficient and flexible as possible.

The solution

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The welders at VAM Drilling are working with a lathe, a half automatic welding workbench. They were specifically looking for a flexible welding fume extraction system that would suit this specific lathe. Making the entire lathe able to reposition easily throughout the production halls.

A combination of an electrostatic filter (EF-2002) in combination with a UK-Plymoth extraction arm/crane was the ideal solution for the lathe.

The electrostatic filter EF-2002 is a stationary filter unit and removes raw metal materials and fine welding fume particles from the air and brings clean air back into the workplace. So no precious heated air is channelled outside.

UK-Plymoth is an all-in-one solution. The crane ensures solid construction and the arm ensures efficient source extraction. It is designed and built with heavy industry in mind. UK-Plymoth reaches up to 8 meters width.

Main benefits

High-quality and effective filtration method
This extraction system operates independently from the general ventilation system, so it can be relocated easily
Energy saving; as heated air stays within the facility
Maintenance-friendly; the pre filter of the EF, the ionisation cell and the collecter can be cleaned and re-used for years
Flexible welding fume extraction system
The round handle of 360 degrees makes the arm accessible from every corner of the facility

Testimonial

“We are fully aware of the fact that our employees are the key to our company’s success. Therefore, we want to offer them the best working conditions available. This includes high-quality welding fume extraction systems.”

Quote by: Mr. R. van Es, Purchasing/HSE Manager VAM Drilling