Kentucky power plant turns to orbital pipe welding for expansion

Louisville Gas and Electric Corporation (LG&E) has chosen Bechtel Power Corporation, a division of an engineering, construction, and project management firm, to design and build the Trimble County Two (TC2), a most efficient coal-fired unit in Kentucky. Bechtel has chosen Gullco International Incorporation's Pipe Kat orbital welding machine to ensure safety, reduction of labor, and increased production. The L90 pipe chosen for the project requires several inches of wall thickness. Beheld has preferred flux core arc welding, and not only does the unit use this process, it works with most conventional power sources. The machine is capable of making welds on pipes in sizes of 10 in. and up, and typical wall thickness in the 3-4 in. range. The automated orbital welding systems enhance an operator's ability to make controlled, repeatable, quality welds. The automated system produces a greater number of welds in less time. The heat input can be controlled and limited with an orbital welding system.