28 May 2011 www.bicalliance.com

T oday’s energy producers face daunt-ing challenges in a variety of welding

related decisions. Access to more specialized resources and expertise are critical to remain viable in an extremely volatile and fiercely competitive global marketplace. It is not unusual for supporting com-panies to thrive independently within their individual area or areas of proficiency. However, it is novel for companies offer-ing complementary technology to intention-ally coexist in such close proximity, pooling their respective strengths to enhance the success of the people, companies and com-mon regional interests they serve. Essential welding support capabilities from filler metal selection, process devel-opment, procedure qualification, materials testing and heat treatment execution have become so specialized it is proving to be more effective for companies to rely on these globally recognized experts in their field than more generalized multidisciplined service providers. Superheat FGH, EUROWELD Ltd. and Maverick Testing Laboratories have established a new welding technology corridor in La Porte, Texas. Within this corridor there is a collaboration and com-bination of extraordinary resources, which often results in shared space to develop the most reliable, efficient and quality driven solutions for the petrochemical and power generation service. Much has been written about challenges posed with advanced materials of construc-tion, diminishing experienced labor resourc-es and need for more comprehensive project management tools to keep costs under con-trol, raise productivity, mitigate risk and ensure long-term sustainability. These three companies are led by a number of the most well recognized industry experts, employ the most innovative emerging technology, and maintain active involvement at the high-est levels of domestic and international code requirements and best practices. Superheat FGH has emerged as a leader in field heat treatment services, specializing in the full gamut of preheat, interpass and

post-weld process execution, hardness test-ing, and project management expertise. The company incorporates the most compre-hensive heat source solutions with unique real-time, off-site quality supervision and exclusive process quality management tools to ensure superior results in all aspects of this increasingly critical welding related activity. Most recently, Superheat FGH has invested in extensive R&D in close collabo-ration with energy owners, contractors, code groups and industry consultants to drive improvements that are revolutionizing an industry that, until now, has failed to keep pace. In-house demonstrations, presenta-tions and mock-ups are now possible in the new post-weld heat treatment (PWHT) dem-onstration area. EUROWELD manufactures and markets high quality weld-ing consumables produced by METRODE and leading North American and European manu-facturers. Unlike other weld-ing consumable companies, EUROWELD supplies certified material test reports for all prod-ucts and provides technical back-up. The consumables are further supported by welding engineer-ing expertise and a welding development laboratory with the latest in welding equip-ment. Technical expertise can be offered as a value-added benefit for client or on a fee-basis for technical consulting. Maverick Testing Laboratories is a full spectrum, independent state-of-the-art test-ing laboratory that provides a comprehen-sive range of metallurgical and mechanical testing services with a dedicated machine shop to provide specimen preparation with a commitment to excellence. Mechanical testing needs are vital to a successful proj-ect. Maverick has a commitment on turn-around time with high accuracy, providing a versatile service to clients. Maverick is a single source for PWHT and step cooling; welder performance and procedure quali-fications; welding procedure specification development to ASME; AWS, EN 288, API 1104 and various international specifica-tions; and 32 welding booths capable of running SMAW, FCAW, GTAW, GMAW and SAW processes. Maverick is aware that missing a deadline due to testing can cost

more than money; therefore, Maverick is committed to meeting every client’s need for on-time testing. In addition, the company has estab-lished a conference/seminar facility with the latest audio-visual technology, technical library and welding development laboratory equipped with the state-of-the-art welding equipment available for in-house use or to host client meetings. This new partnership provides clients with unprecedented access to a team of experts with the common goal of supply-ing the highest quality engineered solutions available. The three companies’ continual commitment to the most challenging proj-ects with aggressive schedules and difficult

technical requirements is their specialty. This is your one stop source for PWHT, welding and testing solutions!

Success in the corridor The synergy of collaboration among these companies has already seen fruition earlier this year when a major turnaround company found itself tasked with welding 9Cr-1Mo-V (Grade 91) steel in accordance with API Technical Report 938-B, use of 9Cr-1Mo-V (Grade 91) steel in the oil refin-ing industry and strict client requirements. Furthermore, the company was aware it did not have the technical expertise in-house to successfully complete this project since it had no previous experience with P91. In addition, the company was also faced with qualifying 14 procedure qualifications in 10 days in order to meet the schedule start date so it turned to Maverick Testing Laboratories. Due to its vast experience with P91, EUROWELD was contacted early in the project’s planning stage as a consul-tant and presented an overview of welding

and heat treating P91, including examples of associated pit-falls to the owners and inves-tors if not correctly performed in accordance with the company’s engineering and quality requirements. EUROWELD also assisted the company’s welding engineer in the selection of filler metal and certified mate-rial test reports to meet the requirements specified by the company’s client and API TR 938-B for both procedure qualifica-tions and production welding. Procedure qualifications and ongoing shop fabrication preheats and PWHT are being supported by Superheat FGH. As this project moves from shop fab-rication to field installation/fabrication the overall success will be measured by its unique beginning. Note: Since the project is still ongoing the turnaround company noted has asked to remain anonymous until completion of project. For more information, visit www.superheatfgh.com or call (888) 508-3226. •

BUSINESS UPDATE

Quality, innovation drive new welding technology in La Porte, TexasSuperheat FGH joins group creating one stop shop

Superheat FGH has emerged as a leader in field heat treatment ser-vices, specializing in the full gamut of preheat, inter-pass and post-weld process execution, hardness testing, and project management expertise.