PLANT MANAGEMENT
SIZE W
ith a projected value of US$145 billion by 2030, the large diameter pipe market is poised for
signifi cant growth, driven by rising investments in water management and infrastructure renewal. However, the applications of wide diameter tubes extend beyond these projects. International Process Engineer caught up with Lauri Turunen, product manager for tubes at pultruded and pull-wound composites specialist Exel Composites, to discuss the versatility of wide tubes; how new materials are outperforming traditional ones; and where tubes are heading in the future. Wide diameter tubes are defi ned as
those with a diameter greater than 100mm; such tubes are designed to handle a variety of industrial applications owing to their robust size and strength. They are also engineered to support substantial loads and resist external forces, making them crucial for projects that demand structural integrity.
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MATTERS Lauri Turunen, product
manager for tubes at pultruded and pull-wound composites specialist, Exel Composites
What role do composites play in wide diameter tube development? Composite tubes have been in use
for decades as they provide benefi ts to many industries. They are used, for example, in telescopic masts and antennas, as well as transportation and military applications. In the marine industry, big composite tubes help provide protection against harsh environments. Lauri said: “Composite
manufacturing technologies like pultrusion and pull-winding have been developed to suit the larger diameter tube production by scaling up the machinery and improving the process in general. This has led to more eff icient and faster production”.
USED IN A VARIETY OF SECTORS In the construction sector, wide diameter tubes are used as structural supports, utility poles, and fender systems in marina construction for example. Their load-bearing capacity ensures stability in structural applications and supports high-
voltage equipment while withstanding environmental conditions such as heavy rain and strong winds and currents. In the oil and gas industry, these
tubes are used as pipelines, eff ectively managing high pressure and fl ow rates associated with transporting fl uids over long distances. This enables the safe and eff icient delivery of oil, gas, and other liquids. Additionally, wide diameter tubes
play a vital role in robotics and military applications. They are used in large-scale masts and antennas, providing the strength and stability required for long-distance communication and surveillance. For mobile towers and other adjustable equipment, they serve as telescoping poles, maintaining structural integrity when extending or retracting.
NATURAL CHARACTERISTICS ARE BENEFICIAL As Lauri explained, the natural characteristics of large composite
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