Thermatool Corp. announced the successful start-up of a 1,000-KW, 3-kHz seam annealing system at Tex-Tube Company in Houston, Texas. Tex-Tube is a manufacturer of HF-welded API line pipe ranging from 2 3/8 inches to 8 5/8 inches OD. Tex-Tube also manufactures ASTM grades of standard pipe, including many hollow structural sections. Thermatool’s seam annealing product line, which features Smart Anneal technology, is used throughout the API industry and is gaining acceptance in the manufacture of hollow structural sections where welds require increased impact toughness.

New Haven, Conn.-based Thermatool is one of 40 companies making up the Inductotherm Group. Inductotherm Group serves the thermal-processing industry by manufacturing and marketing a diverse range of products and services.