MacAljon, a industrial general contracting firm in the US, has increased the productivity of its thin-wall tank manufacturing operation by more than 50% using the Red-D-Arc RDA MFUB-TW (fit-up bed for thin-wall cans). Fit-up time has been decreased by 20% and the use of spider bracing is no longer required. With no spider bracing to get in the way, a manipulator is now used to perform SAW ID circumference welding which has increased productivity by 30%.
The RDA MFUB-TW system is specially designed for the construction of thin-wall vessels ranging in size from 3 m to 4.7 m in diameter (custom sizes are available). Our patented system is fitted with independently-adjustable vertical-rolls to support, align and compensate for tank non-concentricity when assembling multiple thin-wall sections which eliminates the need for spider bracing.
If you work with vessels that require the use of spider bracing or that have a wall thickness of between 4.8 mm – 9.5 mm contact the Red-D-Arc sales team to learn more about the RDA MFUB-TW and how it can increase the productivity of your thin-wall tank manufacturing operation.
Red-D-Arc’s MFUB-TW Modular Fit Up Bed system is specially designed for the construction of thin-wall tanks ranging in size from 10′ to 15′-6″ in diameter. Our patented system is fitted with independently-adjustable vertical-rolls to support, align and compensate for tank non-concentricity when assembling multiple thin-wall sections. There is no need for spider bracing as the system will keep the cans concentric during fit-up and welding.
Each system is supplied with a Motorized Drive Unit (MDU) module connected to up to four Coupled Connection Drive (CCD) modules – depending on the length and number of sections to be joined. The CCD modules are connected to the MDU module by splice couplings and fish-plates at each side of the skid frame so that the wheel drums on all the modules are driven. The system is flexible enough to accommodate various lengths and sections of tanks. The MDU is driven on both wheel drums through a double-reduction heavy-duty worm and wheel gearbox with chain and sprocket through an AC vectored motor.
Each MDU and CCD module is fitted with 4 hydraulic-support-arms (upper link and lower link assemblies) giving 4 points of contact on each side of the work piece along the length of the fabricated tank. Once the tank section is lowered into position on the wheel drums, the support arms, which independently pivot, are moved into position to manipulate the shape of the tank sidewalls. After the tank sections have been welded together, the support arms – which are independently controlled through a solenoid-operated push-button station controlled via hydraulic power pack – can be disengaged and the tank can be removed.
For more information please contact Dale Ward – Director of Automation via email at dale.ward@airgas.com or call 906-774-5411
