Powder coatings have played a part in the protection of pipelines for almost 40 years and are being further enhanced to ensure that they will continue to play an important role in pipeline protection long into the future, says DENIS GRIMSHAW, technical director for Functional Powder Coatings, Jotun Powder Coatings.

Speedfit of the UK has introduced a new and improved fitting for plumbing and heating applications. The new Twist and Lock Fittings have the same grip and then seal method of stainless steel teeth and 'O' ring which has been a feature of the Speedfit design since the early 70s, says a spokesman for the company.

Saudi Arabia’s first 1,200 mm diameter high density polyethylene (HDPE) pipe manufacturing facility will go on line in October with the start-up of Saudi Preinsulated Pipes Industries’ (SPPI) new production line, says the Riyadh-based firm’s general manager Saleh Alnamlah.

Rivard trenching machines are suitable for all types of soil, from sand to basalt, and even granite, says its US-based manufacturer. The machines are said to be especially suited to the mechanical laying of pipes for fibre optic cables, electrical and telephone cables and HDPE (high-density polyethylene) pipes for water or gas supplies.

Saudi Steel Pipe Company (SSP) says it has recently successfully commissioned induction bending equipment at its factory in Dammam's Second Industrial City in Saudi Arabia. This new service has a capacity for hot bending pipe in diameters from 3 through to 42 inches with wall thickness up to 100 mm.

Radiodetection says it has launched a revolution in pipe and cable locating with its new RD4000 - believed to be the world's first web-enabled system of its kind.