Russian pipe producer Vyksa Steel Works (Vyksa), subsidiary of United Metallurgical Company (OMK), has announced that in 2008-2009 it will invest Ruble 2.3 billion ($93.7 million) in the modernization of its electro-welded pipe mill for production of pipes used in oil and gas pipelines. The mill in question is situated in Vyksa's electro-welded pipe workshop No. 3 (TECA-3).
In the framework of the project, Vyksa plans to install a new entry section of the mill to be produced by German plantmaker SMS Meer, a preliminary pipe forming line manufactured by Japan-based Nakata, pipe cutting and edge-milling machines manufactured by Austria-based Linsinger, as well as other equipment including a trimming line. The supplies of the equipment are scheduled to begin in February of 2009, while the commissioning of production at the mill is expected for the middle of 2009.
Upon the completion of modernization works, the mill will be able to produce pipes for oil and gas pipelines in X70 strength class, with wall thickness of up to 12.7 mm and in 203-530 mm diameters, including also corrosion- and cold-resistant pipes. In addition, the modernization of the mill will allow Vyksa to produce new rectangle and square profile pipes in a 160 x 160 mm-to-400 x 400 mm section range, which are in great demand in the construction industry. Currently, Vyksa only produces profile pipes with a section size of up to 80 x 80 mm.
In addition, the modernization of the mill will allow Vyksa to increase the TECA-3 output to up to 700,000 metric tons of pipes per year and also to improve the technical characteristics of the workshop's products.