OREANDA-NEWS. On 04 May 2009 was announced, that Vyksa Steel Works (VSW, Nizhniy Novgorod Region), part of United Metallurgical Company (OMK), has completed the modernization of both lines of the wheel-rolling facilities' heat treatment section for the purpose of further enhancing competitiveness and quality of its railroad wheels. The project investments totaled more than 150 million rubles. The first line was modernized during August-September 2008 and the second one during February-March 2009.

The reconstruction involved a total alteration of the gas supply system for the reheating furnaces by installing state-of-the-article burners manufactured by Germany-based Kromschroder; replacement of the furnace control equipment; and modernization of the cooling water supply control system for the heat treatment process. The facilities were rehabilitated jointly with Saint-Petersburg Electrotechnical Company, Moscow-based ANKh Engineering, and some other contractors.

The modernization resulted in the introduction of a modern system for heat treatment control and parameter archiving, making it possible to create an electronic certificate for the manufacture of every wheel. The sector's annual capacity was increased from 830,000 to 858,000 wheels. The other improvements include reduced consumption of natural gas, stability of structure and mechanical properties of metal, and complete scale removal after heat treatment, which enhances the quality and durability of VSW-made wheels. Adequate conditions are now in place to master the production of a new generation of wheels, which are unique in Russia, with improved application properties designed for freight and passenger cars.