Sustainability has been an integral part of T-DRILL’s operations since the very beginning: the company’s world-renowned methods for tube and pipe fabrication are inherently more sustainable than traditional methods – thanks to factors such as fewer welded seams, fewer required components, and reduced labor. To verify this, we decided to put our methods to the test. The results confirmed that, in tube assembly manufacturing, using T-DRILL’s methods saves up to 144,400 kg CO₂e in emissions annually – a significant figure equal to 73 round-trip flights from Helsinki to New York.
At T-DRILL, we have always known that the methods we design for tube assembly manufacturing are more environmentally friendly than traditional approaches. To demonstrate this, we commissioned two theses focusing on our methods and on the TEC-220 collaring machine. In his thesis, Julius Landvik examined the carbon handprint – the positive emission impacts – of a tube assembly manufactured with T-DRILL’s methods compared to one produced with traditional methods. Meanwhile, Heidi Perälä’s thesis studied the life cycle environmental impacts of our TEC-220 collaring machine.
Emission Savings Equal to Up To 73 Round-Trip Flights from Helsinki to New York
In Landvik’s research, the comparison included not only collaring and flanging but also the entire manufacturing of the tube assembly, from the required components to logistics-related emissions. The annual carbon handprint of the T-DRILL method – i.e. the emissions saved by using the method – was found to be 144,400–70,800 kg CO₂e (optimistic emission factors–conservative emission factors). This corresponds to driving 850,000–420,000 kilometers in a gasoline car or taking 73–36 round-trip flights between Helsinki and New York. The savings result particularly from the reduced number of components needed in tube assembly manufacturing and the more efficient use of materials in the T-DRILL method. The T-DRILL collaring method forms the collar directly from the main pipe, eliminating the need for T-fittings, reducing welding by 66%, and enabling faster throughput times. Landvik concludes:
“I believe T-DRILL’s approach to sustainability is exactly the kind of practice that today’s industry requires.”
Based on Perälä’s research, the total carbon dioxide emissions of one TEC-220 over its entire lifecycle – 20 years of operation – amount to 36,117 kg CO₂e. This total covers all life cycle stages: raw material extraction, manufacturing, transportation, operational phase, and end-of-life phase. The findings showed that T-DRILL has already implemented several solutions that reduce lifecycle emissions. T-DRILL’s patented collaring method lowers the carbon footprint of the customer’s product by reducing the need for welding and ordered components, as well as by accelerating the production process. The long service life and low maintenance needs of T-DRILL machines further make them a sustainable choice. The research also identified the lifecycle stages with the greatest emissions and offered suggestions for future reductions.
“Sustainability requires a holistic perspective, and life cycle assessment can provide valuable insights to support decision-making. What made this work especially rewarding was the clear demand and need for the topic from the company’s side,” Perälä comments.
T-DRILL Pleased with Results – “Our View Has Been Validated”
T-DRILL’s Managing Director, Jouni Matikainen, is pleased with the research results. What makes them especially meaningful is that they were achieved through impartial research that accounted for all contributing factors.
“The view we have held for a long time has now been validated through research: by choosing T-DRILL’s methods, customers can significantly reduce the emissions from their operations while also making their processes more reliable, faster, and higher in quality.”
The theses were carried out at Vaasa University of Applied Sciences. Explore the studies, their results and limitations, as well as the proposed next steps, through the links below.
Get to know Julius Landvik’s thesis
Get to know Heidi Perälä’s thesis
T-DRILL extends thanks to Julius and Heidi for their excellent work. We also thank Vaasa University of Applied Sciences, the supervisors of the studies, and Uwira, which provided data from machine operation and pipe manufacturing.
