Spot-on welding

19 April 2021

Diesel welder generators from Shindaiwa are being used on a district heating system installation in Bristol designed to reduce carbon emissions.

The company has supplied a number of its Eco500 machines for pipe welding work being undertaken by contractor, CSW Process. The heating system, which pumps hot water to more than 1,000 homes and businesses in the city, is being expanded.

The work involves careful excavation of existing cables and services and laying the new pipework in pre-fabricated sections up to 20m long. These are welded together in situ before being subjected to a non-destructive test inspection.

Joints also need to be insulated and sealed using a plastic butt fusion welding system, and are finally fitted with an electrical test and monitoring system, connected to a central plant room, to rectify any future problems.

Jamie Cartwright, owner and director of CSW Process said: “We’ve successfully used our 10-year-old Shindaiwa Eco300 to weld all pipework on the Bristol job to date. All welded joints are X-rayed for defects and the performance of the machine has been faultless.

“As the contract has expanded, we required additional welder generators. What attracted me to the larger Eco500 was its dual operator output, allowing me to have two of my guys welding simultaneously.

“Also, having a large 3-phase generator will allow us to power our butt fusion welding equipment whilst simultaneously stick welding or using grinders and lights,” he added.

The Eco500 offers CC/CV and cellulosic modes and can be used for MIG, MMA and TIG welding. Its integral generator has an 18kVA capacity.

• Andy Munford, MD of Shindaiwa Ltd, tells me that the machine is a popular choice with hire companies. Twenty were supplied by Martin Plant Hire for long-term welding work during the construction of the Queensferry Crossing next to the old Forth Road Bridge (below).