OREANDA-NEWS. On 01 July 2008 was announced, that during 2006-2008, Vyksa Steel Works (VSW), part of United Metallurgical Company (OMK), has invested more than 1.3 billion rubles in organizing the process of hydromechanical expansion (calibration) along the entire length of pipes at the TESA 1020 line, one of the two lines of the facilities for production of large-diameter pipes (LDP Facilities).

Under the project, the both hydraulic expanders for calibration of end sections of pipes for a length not exceeding 0.75 m, were replaced by the more advanced one-head hydraulic expanders manufactured by Germany-based SMS Meer. They can calibrate pipe blanks along their entire length (up to 12.4 m) with higher precision for geometric parameters. One of the expanders is designed for calibrating pipes of 508-1,067 mm in diameter and with wall thicknesses of up to 42 mm manufactured at the TESA 1020 line, while the other one is used for pipes of 508-1,422 mm in diameter and wall thicknesses reaching 45 mm produced at the TESA 1,420 line. Accordingly, the new expanders make it possible to ensure stable geometric parameters for pipes of greater lengths and wall thicknesses.

Under the project, at the TESA 1020 line, the Company also modernized, with the participation of Kolomna Heavy Engineering Plant, its both hydraulic presses designed for pipe calibration and hydrotesting. The upgraded hydraulic presses make it possible to process pipes of up to 12.4 in length with 508-1,067 mm in diameter and wall thicknesses increased from 32 mm to 42 mm. With the switchover of the hydraulic presses from the "calibration-hydrotesting" mode to the "hydrotesting" mode, the hourly capacity of each press increased from 13 to 25 pipes of 1,067 mm in diameter.

In addition, Moscow-based Energokaskad installed, at the TESA 1020 line, membrane filtration equipment and a system for thermal decontamination of lubricant coolants, making it possible to utilize effluents and residuals generated by the expanders.

The process of hydromechanical expansion along the entire length of LDP Facilities-made pipes enhances their quality and competitiveness in accordance with the requirements of the Company’s customers – Gazprom, Transneft, and other oil and gas companies.