Media Center

27.12.2007

First Batch of Test Pipes with Internal Smooth Coating Produced at Volzhsky Pipe Plant

TMK announces today that new LD smooth internal pipe coating equipment is undergoing testing at its Volzhsky Pipe Plant (VTZ) subsidiary.

 

With an annual capacity of 600,000 tpa, this new Bauhuis pipe coating equipment was especially designed for pipes with diameters ranging from 530 to 1420mm and wall thickness of up to 42mm. Commercial production and first shipments should begin in the fist quarter of 2008. The installation of the Bauhuis pipe coating line falls under TMK’s Strategic Investment Programme, running up to 2010.

 

While at first coating currently stocked pipes, this capacity will later be integrated in a new 508-1420mm longitudinal-welded pipe mill with finishing and exterior coating lines. The completion of this new 650,000tpa mill is planned for the fourth quarter of 2008.

 

These new TMK pipes with internal smooth coating were developed in cooperation with Gazprom and are a result of the two companies’ joint R&D programme. The pipes are currently undergoing the necessary technical and field testing and will later be certified by Gazprom.

 

“This latest range of high-quality TMK tubular goods is primarily designed for the construction of state-of-the-art pipelines. The use of the very latest protective coating technology and equipment will enable us to cater to present and future customer demands, particularly from oil and gas companies looking to lower energy costs by improving their pipeline flow dynamics,” commented Konstantin Semerikov, TMK’s CEO.