Specialised induction bending solutions for South African industries

Induction bending is the process whereby a straight pipe is precision-bent by a specially engineered machine. The front of the pipe protrudes through an induction coil and is clamped into position. The induction coil is heated to a specified temperature and then the arm of the machine moves in a predetermined radius, pushing the pipe through the coil.

Steinmüller Africa, a specialist in the engineering and fabrication of high-pressure components, offers exclusive induction bending solutions to the South African market. It’s Cojafex PB 850 induction bending machine is one of only two induction bending machines on the African continent, enabling paper and pulp, power, petrochemical, and mining plants to source custom bends locally, as well as large radius, multiple or complex bends – all with quick turnaround times.

“Our Cojafex machine is capable of bending pipes between 48.3 OD and 850 OD with a wall thickness up to 100 mm. It can create bends up to 180o,” explains Steinmüller Africa divisional manager: piping Lee Chapman.

Induction bending is ideal when standard size bends are not available and custom or large radius bends are required, adds Chapman. Since it can create complex, or multiple, bends without the need for welding, induction bending ensures pipe system integrity and a reduced maintenance requirement, making it especially suited to high pressure piping, steam piping and industrial piping systems. It also offers a relatively low cost of ownership, and further cost savings can be achieved if multiple bends are done at once during the erection and ongoing maintenance phases of a plant’s operation.

In addition to induction bending, Steinmüller also offers complementary services  such as post bend heat treatment, which ensures the pipe’s mechanical properties are restored following the bending process, and also specialises in various welding processes, for custom welding onto pipes.