Bunch Projects
Integrating Automation Into Oil & Gas Construction
Keeping Canada competitive through innovation — safer products, higher quality, lower costs.
Automation
Bunch has looked inwards and determined that innovation is the lowest hanging fruit within Alberta's energy sector to bring costs down on a sustainable basis. Automation is a solution that will keep Canada competitive by providing clients with high quality products, that are safer to make, and that will remain cost effective on a sustainable go-forward basis regardless of labour market tightness.
We were seeing increased competition from China and South Korea for fabrication in Canada and realized that automation would make Canadian companies stronger in a competitive market and allow our clients to achieve their goals at a more competitive rate. Bunch believe that through automation we can maximize output and quality and minimize cost all while keeping jobs here in Canada. Bunch has successfully incorporated automation into our plant and facility construction process and is considered a leader in oilfield construction.
View Plant & Facility Construction →
Automation in Action
Minutes, not hours.
Structural components processed in a fraction of the time — without compromising quality.
Structural Fabrication Automation
The key item Bunch invested in was a Peddinghaus Automated Beamline. The Bunch beamline consists of three main components along with cross transfers to move material to and from. Structural components including I beams, square beams, angle iron etc. can all be processed using the beamline in MINUTES versus what used to take HOURS to complete.
Peddi Writer
The first main component in our Beamline is a Peddinghaus Peddi Writer. Each structural component enters the Peddi Writer from cross-transfers that sits directly below an overhead crane. The Peddi Writer can mark on two independent surfaces independently.
"Marks components for assembly"
This is quite useful for modules and landing packages — it labels the independent parts for assembly right from the drawing package, removing any opportunity for error and expediting the assembly process.
Streamlines the layout of any welded connection including:
- Web Stiffeners
- Welded Splice Plates
- Base Plates
- Gusset Plates
- Shear Tabs
- Cap Plates
- Flexible End Plates
- Welded Angle Seats
- Welded Beams to Columns
- Haunched Beam End Plates
- Welded Flange Plates
Peddinghaus Miter Saw
The structural component is then fed on the cross transfers to the miter saw for cutting. Each component is cut to its required length based on the drawing. The miter saw is very large allowing it to cut through any size of beam in seconds.
Common Fabrication Parts
- Floor Beams & Columns
- Joist & Truss Components
- Girder & Composite Beam Components
- Beam Girder Processing
- Purlins
Common Structural Projects
- Industrial Pipe Racks
- Power Plants & Schools
- Apartment & Office Buildings
- Strip Malls & High Rise Components
Manufacturing Applications
- Wind Tower & Solar Panel Components
- Conveyor & Mining Equipment
- Trailer & Stone Crushing Equipment
- Sign Structures & Transformers
DG Advantage Drill Line
The structural component is then roller fed into the third piece of the beamline which is the PCD-1100/3b Advantage Drill Line. The drill line houses a three spindle drill that can drill three holes independently at the same time significantly reducing drill time and eliminating error. Each hole is drilled within a millimeter of design and utilizes high speed drilling. The Advantage drill line is capable of drilling all structural profiles.
CNC Plasma Table (24′ × 10′)
The Bunch CNC Plasma table is massive measuring 24 feet by 10 feet and is capable of cutting through 2.5 inch steel plate and piercing up to 2 inch. The size of the plasma table is significant in that multiple sheets can be placed on the table at one time optimizing cutting. Our machine is classed as an "Industrial High Definition Class Machine" meaning it is a workhorse regarding plasma cutting and utilizes all of the leading components.
Pipe Spool Automation and Mechanization
Pipe Positioners
Bunch utilizes automated pipe positioners to optimize welding output. The positioners allow for each component to be fixed to a specific position and rotated at a controlled rate. Automatically controlling the weld rate increases the welder's ability to accurately match the required travel speed specific to each weld procedure.
Submerged Arc Welding
Maximizes welding output for pipe spools measuring 10″ and larger.
- Consistently high quality welds with minimum operator skills
- Minimum welding fume and arc visibility
- Well suited to welding thick sections
- Suitable for carbon, low alloy and alloy steels
- Relatively high metal deposition rates
Flux Core Welding
A versatile, high-deposition process that simplifies multi-position fabrication.
- Suitable for a variety of positions and applications
- Capable of relatively high deposition rates
- Enables "one process" operation — simplifies training, supervision and logistics
For more information regarding our automation or to book a tour at our facility in Rocky Mountain House, please contact us at contact@bunch.ca or by phone 403.729.3335.