- Email: [email protected]
John Crane benefits from new coal-seam process in Australia
NEWS SPBT is a French supplier of anti-vibration systems and low pressure hoses, as well as body sealing products, which FMEA will acquire as a preliminary step to the joint-venture transaction. Cooper Standard will own 51% of the joint-venture entity, which is to be named Cooper Standard France. FMEA will own 49% of the concern. Cooper Standard France is expected to generate sales (on a pro forma basis) totalling approximately E230 million in 2011, with operations including three manufacturing facilities in France and one in Poland, and a 50% interest in an anti-vibration systems business in India. The transaction is expected to close as this issue of the newsletter goes to press. ‘We are pleased to partner with FMEA in combining our French body sealing business with SPBT’s operations,’ commented Jim McElya, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Cooper Standard. ‘This is a significant step in Cooper Standard’s overall global strategy, as it not only expands our existing body sealing capabilities, but also provides anti-vibration and hose capabilities in Europe. This transaction rounds out our global offering in these product lines and further enables us to provide our broad product portfolio to customers in all major automotive markets.’ ‘The joint venture will strengthen our partnership with the French automakers in the French and European markets, and everywhere in the world they do business.’ Contacts: Cooper-Standard Automotive Inc, 39550 Orchard Hill Place, Novi, MI 48375, USA. Tel: +1 248 596 5900, Email: [email protected], Web: www.cooperstandard.com Fonds de Modernisation des Equipementiers Automobiles, 56 rue de Lille, 75356 Paris 07 SP, France. Tel: +33 1 5850 0000, Web: www.fonds-fsi.fr
The company is supplying 96 of its Type 28 gas seals for first-fit applications to Siemens AG, which will provide compressors for the upstream section of the Australia Pacific LNG project in Queensland. This project will involve extracting and transporting coal-seam gas for conversion into LNG. As part of the order John Crane will also supply 216 tilting pad journal and double thrust hydrodynamic bearings. Paul Cox, President, John Crane, said: ‘This type of coal-seam gas conversion is a relatively new process. The fact that we are able to supply advanced products that have already been thoroughly proven in use highlights the benefits of developing technology that satisfies our customers’ future requirements as well as their current ones.’ This is a major new order for first-fit equipment on a project which has the capacity to produce 18 million tonnes of LNG. Cox continued: ‘That indicates the potential size of the aftermarket opportunities which will follow and those are opportunities from which John Crane is now ideally placed to benefit.’ ‘This project also reflects the recent upturn we have seen in first-fit projects, especially on stalled projects that are now being brought back on stream. This is creating a number of new opportunities in both the extraction and refining sectors, many of which we have been able to convert into new orders.’ The coal-seam gas process is used to convert gas extracted from coal seams into LNG so that it can be stored and transported more easily. Although this is a relatively new technology, many similar extraction and transportation facilities are being planned for construction. Contact: John Crane EAA, Nash Road, Trafford Park, Manchester M17 1SS, UK. Tel: +44 161 886 5993, Fax: +44 161 872 1654, Email: [email protected], Web: www.johncrane.co.uk
Société des Polymères Barre Thomas Sas, 194 route de Lorient CS 74321, 35043 Rennes, France. Tel: +33 2 2346 5656, Fax: +33 2 2346 5500, Email: [email protected], Web: www.barrethomas.com
John Crane benefits from new coal-seam process in Australia
J
ohn Crane GmbH has been awarded a contract to supply engineered sealing technology for use in a major liquefied natural gas (LNG) production project in Australia.
John Crane GmbH is supplying its Type 28 gas seals to Siemens Ag, for use in compressors that are being manufactured for what is believed to be the largest liquefied natural gas (LNG) production facility of its kind in the world.
IN BRIEF Dow Corning makes key appointments Dow Corning Corp has appointed Jeroen Bloemhard as the business vice president and global executive director of its Xiameter brand of standard silicone products. Based in Midland, Michigan, USA, he will oversee the operation and expansion of the brand globally. In other news, the firm’s board of directors has elected Robert Hansen as its chief executive officer. Hansen, 50, has been employed by Dow Corning for 29 years and was named president during November 2010. He will continue to serve as president. Dr Stephanie Burns remains the company’s chairman. SAE International updates sealing-compound standard US-based SAE International has updated its standard ‘Sealing Compound, Polysulfide Type, Low Temperature Curing, Quick Repair, Integral Fuel Tanks and Fuel Cell Cavities’ (product code: AMSS83318). Published as revision B, this specification covers two-component polysulfide sealing compounds – for use at -54°C to 121°C and low-temperature curing from -13°C, minimum – for quick repair of integral fuel tanks and fuel-cell cavities. More information: Web: www.sae.org/standards Aesseal wins 2011 Queen’s Award The AES Engineering Ltd Group, trading as Aesseal, has been presented with a 2011 Queen’s Award for Enterprise in the International Trade category. The company says that this award recognises its outstanding achievements in international trade and its continuing efforts to deliver an exceptional global service in the mechanical seal industry. Jonathan Wilkinson, the firm’s chief executive officer, said: ‘AES Engineering and its subsidiary Aesseal has won 11 Queen’s Awards since 1988. I joined AES Engineering in 1993 as part of the graduate development programme. Each Queen’s Award gives the company the right to use the Queen’s Award emblem for five years. Between 1993 and 2011 – my whole working life with the business – we have had continuous use of the emblem, often for multiple awards.’ CDI Seals launches new brand for oilfield expendable products CDI Seals and EGC Plastics recently introduced the Tuff Breed brand for its oilfield expendable products. Paul Helton, Sales Manager, Tuff Breed, said: ‘Introducing Tuff Breed helps our customers identify our products and assures that everything within that brand carries the same high quality they are accustomed to receiving.’
5 June 2011
Sealing Technology
NEWS Innovation Prize) with a view to rewarding innovative technology developed by German firms.
John Crane GmbH, Gleitringdichtungssysteme, Werner-von-Siemens-Str. 6, D-36041 Fulda, Germany. Tel: +49 0661 2810, Fax: +49 0661 71056, Email: [email protected]
Contact: Freudenberg Dichtungs- und Schwingungstechnik GmbH & Co Kg, Höhnerweg 2–4, D-69465 Weinheim, Germany. Tel: +49 6201 80 6666, Email: [email protected], Web: www.freudenberg-ds.com
Eriks acquires Cal Seal
E
riks has acquired California Seal and Fastener Inc (Cal Seal) – a major US supplier of speciality sealing, vacuum components and accompanying logistics services. With facilities in Santa Clara, California, Portland, Oregon and Austin, Texas, Cal Seal’s range of consumable spares and preventative maintenance parts and supplies further increases Eriks’ presence in the semiconductor and other high-tech markets. The firm will become part of US-based Eriks Seals and Plastics Inc. Eriks says that customers will benefit as the capabilities of these two companies are merged to provide even greater product availability, engineering and logistics support.
Contacts: Eriks UK, Sealing Technology, Mechanical Seals, 206 Cavendish Place, Birchwood Park, Warrington, Cheshire WA3 6WU, UK. Tel: +44 1925 853015, Fax: +44 1925 853030, Email: [email protected], www.eriks.co.uk Eriks Seals and Plastics Inc, 15600 Trinity Boulevard, Suite 100, Ft Worth, TX 76155, USA. Tel: +1 682 292 5060, Fax: +1 817 571 4700, Email: [email protected], Web: www.eriksusa.com California Seal & Fastener Inc, 3350 Scott Boulevard, Building 10, Santa Clara, CA 95054, USA. Tel: +1 408 988 2291, Fax: +1 408 496 0174, Email: [email protected], Web: www.calseal.com
New metal-shaping procedure saves raw materials and energy
T
he jury of the Deutscher Innovationspreis initiative has presented the German Innovation Prize 2011 – in the ‘large enterprises’ category – to Freudenberg Dichtungsund Schwingungstechnik GmbH & Co Kg (FDS) in recognition of its new, energy-saving and resource-saving production technology. 6
Sealing Technology
The winning team (from left to right): Herman Stahl, Division Manager, Freudenberg Stanz- und Umformtechnik GmbH & Co Kg; Dr Martin Stark, member of the management, Freudenberg & Co Kg; Klaus Kärcher, Project Manager, Freudenberg Stanz- und Umformtechnik GmbH & Co Kg; Dr Arman Barimani, member of the management, Freudenberg Dichtungs- und Schwingungstechnik GmbH & Co Kg; Peter Kaupp, who is head of branch management and production concepts, Trumpf Laser- und Systemtechnik GmbH + Co Kg; and Mathias Bihler, Managing Director, Otto Bihler Maschinenfabrik GmbH & Co Kg (photograph, copyright Stefan Obermeier for WirtschaftsWoche).
This metal-shaping procedure is now being used by the company, which is based in Weinheim, Germany, following an intense period of development. Freudenberg’s metal-stamping unit, which manufactures the majority of the metal parts needed for its seals, recently began using a steel-shaping plant – based on this technology – that it developed in cooperation with the machine supplier Otto Bihler Maschinenfabrik GmbH & Co Kg of Halblech, Germany. While metal parts are traditionally stamped out of steel coils in progressive or transfer presses, the new plant uses a completely new approach. The basic idea behind this procedure was developed by a Freudenberg staff member and the concept was patented in the 1990s. Narrow strips are rolled over edge-coiling units, separated by a CO laser and welded to form a ring. The rings are then immediately flanged, profiled and/or chamfered according to technical specifications. Robots feed the machine with steel strips and remove the finished parts. The plant is capable of producing up to 44 parts per minute, and no further processing steps are necessary. Freudenberg says the jury was of the opinion that this production technology significantly reduces steel consumption. It can, for example, be used to manufacture radial shaft seals (composed of supportive steel parts) more efficiently than was previously possible. It also reduces the load on the environment because it uses less material and significantly reduces emissions. The companies Accenture, EnBW Ag and Evonik Industries Ag, as well as the German weekly business magazine Wirtschaftswoche joined forces to set up the initiative known as Der Deutsche Innovationspreis (the German
Federal-Mogul earns two 2011 Automotive News PACE Awards
F
ederal-Mogul Corp of Southfield, Michigan, USA, has received two 2011 Automotive News Premier Automotive Suppliers’ Contribution to Excellence (PACE) Awards. The company’s LKZ oil-control ring (6HDOLQJ 7HFKQRORJ\ October 2010, page 3) and its EcoTough-coated piston were recognised in the ‘Product Category’, which highlights innovations in new products, components or systems that have significant market influence in the automotive industry. The company’s IROX polymer bearing overlay and K16 bonded Unipiston were selected as PACE finalists. ‘Providing customers with leading technology and innovation that improve fuel economy, reduce emissions and enhance vehicle safety is the foundation of our strategy to generate sustainable, global profitable growth,’ commented Jose Maria Alapont, President and Chief Executive Officer, Federal-Mogul. ‘We are extremely honoured to receive these two PACE Awards, which underscore our commitment and success in providing our automotive customers with world-class, industry-leading products and services.’ Federal-Mogul’s LKZ oil-control ring is an innovative two-piece oil ring for direct-injection
Federal-Mogul’s patented LKZ oil-control ring improves fuel economy and emissions by reducing oil consumption by up to 50% and friction by up to 15%.
June 2011
The company is supplying 96 of its Type 28 gas seals for first-fit applications to Siemens AG, which will provide compressors for the upstream section of the Australia Pacific LNG project in Queensland. This project will involve extracting and transporting coal-seam gas for conversion into LNG. As part of the order John Crane will also supply 216 tilting pad journal and double thrust hydrodynamic bearings. Paul Cox, President, John Crane, said: ‘This type of coal-seam gas conversion is a relatively new process. The fact that we are able to supply advanced products that have already been thoroughly proven in use highlights the benefits of developing technology that satisfies our customers’ future requirements as well as their current ones.’ This is a major new order for first-fit equipment on a project which has the capacity to produce 18 million tonnes of LNG. Cox continued: ‘That indicates the potential size of the aftermarket opportunities which will follow and those are opportunities from which John Crane is now ideally placed to benefit.’ ‘This project also reflects the recent upturn we have seen in first-fit projects, especially on stalled projects that are now being brought back on stream. This is creating a number of new opportunities in both the extraction and refining sectors, many of which we have been able to convert into new orders.’ The coal-seam gas process is used to convert gas extracted from coal seams into LNG so that it can be stored and transported more easily. Although this is a relatively new technology, many similar extraction and transportation facilities are being planned for construction. Contact: John Crane EAA, Nash Road, Trafford Park, Manchester M17 1SS, UK. Tel: +44 161 886 5993, Fax: +44 161 872 1654, Email: [email protected], Web: www.johncrane.co.uk
Société des Polymères Barre Thomas Sas, 194 route de Lorient CS 74321, 35043 Rennes, France. Tel: +33 2 2346 5656, Fax: +33 2 2346 5500, Email: [email protected], Web: www.barrethomas.com
John Crane benefits from new coal-seam process in Australia
J
ohn Crane GmbH has been awarded a contract to supply engineered sealing technology for use in a major liquefied natural gas (LNG) production project in Australia.
John Crane GmbH is supplying its Type 28 gas seals to Siemens Ag, for use in compressors that are being manufactured for what is believed to be the largest liquefied natural gas (LNG) production facility of its kind in the world.
IN BRIEF Dow Corning makes key appointments Dow Corning Corp has appointed Jeroen Bloemhard as the business vice president and global executive director of its Xiameter brand of standard silicone products. Based in Midland, Michigan, USA, he will oversee the operation and expansion of the brand globally. In other news, the firm’s board of directors has elected Robert Hansen as its chief executive officer. Hansen, 50, has been employed by Dow Corning for 29 years and was named president during November 2010. He will continue to serve as president. Dr Stephanie Burns remains the company’s chairman. SAE International updates sealing-compound standard US-based SAE International has updated its standard ‘Sealing Compound, Polysulfide Type, Low Temperature Curing, Quick Repair, Integral Fuel Tanks and Fuel Cell Cavities’ (product code: AMSS83318). Published as revision B, this specification covers two-component polysulfide sealing compounds – for use at -54°C to 121°C and low-temperature curing from -13°C, minimum – for quick repair of integral fuel tanks and fuel-cell cavities. More information: Web: www.sae.org/standards Aesseal wins 2011 Queen’s Award The AES Engineering Ltd Group, trading as Aesseal, has been presented with a 2011 Queen’s Award for Enterprise in the International Trade category. The company says that this award recognises its outstanding achievements in international trade and its continuing efforts to deliver an exceptional global service in the mechanical seal industry. Jonathan Wilkinson, the firm’s chief executive officer, said: ‘AES Engineering and its subsidiary Aesseal has won 11 Queen’s Awards since 1988. I joined AES Engineering in 1993 as part of the graduate development programme. Each Queen’s Award gives the company the right to use the Queen’s Award emblem for five years. Between 1993 and 2011 – my whole working life with the business – we have had continuous use of the emblem, often for multiple awards.’ CDI Seals launches new brand for oilfield expendable products CDI Seals and EGC Plastics recently introduced the Tuff Breed brand for its oilfield expendable products. Paul Helton, Sales Manager, Tuff Breed, said: ‘Introducing Tuff Breed helps our customers identify our products and assures that everything within that brand carries the same high quality they are accustomed to receiving.’
5 June 2011
Sealing Technology
NEWS Innovation Prize) with a view to rewarding innovative technology developed by German firms.
John Crane GmbH, Gleitringdichtungssysteme, Werner-von-Siemens-Str. 6, D-36041 Fulda, Germany. Tel: +49 0661 2810, Fax: +49 0661 71056, Email: [email protected]
Contact: Freudenberg Dichtungs- und Schwingungstechnik GmbH & Co Kg, Höhnerweg 2–4, D-69465 Weinheim, Germany. Tel: +49 6201 80 6666, Email: [email protected], Web: www.freudenberg-ds.com
Eriks acquires Cal Seal
E
riks has acquired California Seal and Fastener Inc (Cal Seal) – a major US supplier of speciality sealing, vacuum components and accompanying logistics services. With facilities in Santa Clara, California, Portland, Oregon and Austin, Texas, Cal Seal’s range of consumable spares and preventative maintenance parts and supplies further increases Eriks’ presence in the semiconductor and other high-tech markets. The firm will become part of US-based Eriks Seals and Plastics Inc. Eriks says that customers will benefit as the capabilities of these two companies are merged to provide even greater product availability, engineering and logistics support.
Contacts: Eriks UK, Sealing Technology, Mechanical Seals, 206 Cavendish Place, Birchwood Park, Warrington, Cheshire WA3 6WU, UK. Tel: +44 1925 853015, Fax: +44 1925 853030, Email: [email protected], www.eriks.co.uk Eriks Seals and Plastics Inc, 15600 Trinity Boulevard, Suite 100, Ft Worth, TX 76155, USA. Tel: +1 682 292 5060, Fax: +1 817 571 4700, Email: [email protected], Web: www.eriksusa.com California Seal & Fastener Inc, 3350 Scott Boulevard, Building 10, Santa Clara, CA 95054, USA. Tel: +1 408 988 2291, Fax: +1 408 496 0174, Email: [email protected], Web: www.calseal.com
New metal-shaping procedure saves raw materials and energy
T
he jury of the Deutscher Innovationspreis initiative has presented the German Innovation Prize 2011 – in the ‘large enterprises’ category – to Freudenberg Dichtungsund Schwingungstechnik GmbH & Co Kg (FDS) in recognition of its new, energy-saving and resource-saving production technology. 6
Sealing Technology
The winning team (from left to right): Herman Stahl, Division Manager, Freudenberg Stanz- und Umformtechnik GmbH & Co Kg; Dr Martin Stark, member of the management, Freudenberg & Co Kg; Klaus Kärcher, Project Manager, Freudenberg Stanz- und Umformtechnik GmbH & Co Kg; Dr Arman Barimani, member of the management, Freudenberg Dichtungs- und Schwingungstechnik GmbH & Co Kg; Peter Kaupp, who is head of branch management and production concepts, Trumpf Laser- und Systemtechnik GmbH + Co Kg; and Mathias Bihler, Managing Director, Otto Bihler Maschinenfabrik GmbH & Co Kg (photograph, copyright Stefan Obermeier for WirtschaftsWoche).
This metal-shaping procedure is now being used by the company, which is based in Weinheim, Germany, following an intense period of development. Freudenberg’s metal-stamping unit, which manufactures the majority of the metal parts needed for its seals, recently began using a steel-shaping plant – based on this technology – that it developed in cooperation with the machine supplier Otto Bihler Maschinenfabrik GmbH & Co Kg of Halblech, Germany. While metal parts are traditionally stamped out of steel coils in progressive or transfer presses, the new plant uses a completely new approach. The basic idea behind this procedure was developed by a Freudenberg staff member and the concept was patented in the 1990s. Narrow strips are rolled over edge-coiling units, separated by a CO laser and welded to form a ring. The rings are then immediately flanged, profiled and/or chamfered according to technical specifications. Robots feed the machine with steel strips and remove the finished parts. The plant is capable of producing up to 44 parts per minute, and no further processing steps are necessary. Freudenberg says the jury was of the opinion that this production technology significantly reduces steel consumption. It can, for example, be used to manufacture radial shaft seals (composed of supportive steel parts) more efficiently than was previously possible. It also reduces the load on the environment because it uses less material and significantly reduces emissions. The companies Accenture, EnBW Ag and Evonik Industries Ag, as well as the German weekly business magazine Wirtschaftswoche joined forces to set up the initiative known as Der Deutsche Innovationspreis (the German
Federal-Mogul earns two 2011 Automotive News PACE Awards
F
ederal-Mogul Corp of Southfield, Michigan, USA, has received two 2011 Automotive News Premier Automotive Suppliers’ Contribution to Excellence (PACE) Awards. The company’s LKZ oil-control ring (6HDOLQJ 7HFKQRORJ\ October 2010, page 3) and its EcoTough-coated piston were recognised in the ‘Product Category’, which highlights innovations in new products, components or systems that have significant market influence in the automotive industry. The company’s IROX polymer bearing overlay and K16 bonded Unipiston were selected as PACE finalists. ‘Providing customers with leading technology and innovation that improve fuel economy, reduce emissions and enhance vehicle safety is the foundation of our strategy to generate sustainable, global profitable growth,’ commented Jose Maria Alapont, President and Chief Executive Officer, Federal-Mogul. ‘We are extremely honoured to receive these two PACE Awards, which underscore our commitment and success in providing our automotive customers with world-class, industry-leading products and services.’ Federal-Mogul’s LKZ oil-control ring is an innovative two-piece oil ring for direct-injection
Federal-Mogul’s patented LKZ oil-control ring improves fuel economy and emissions by reducing oil consumption by up to 50% and friction by up to 15%.
June 2011