TMK has mastered heat treatment of large-diameter pipes on an industrial scale

Chelyabinsk Tube Rolling Plant (ChTPZ) and TMK Pipeline Solutions, part of Pipe Metallurgical Company (TMK), have mastered the technology of heat treatment of large diameter pipes (LDP) on an industrial scale. The heat-treated pipes, with improved performance characteristics, will be used to lay pipelines of complex design.

A pilot batch of 200 tonnes was successfully heat treated at the ChTPZ production facilities. The process reduces the level of residual stresses in the 508 and 813 mm diameter pipes, minimises installation and operational risks, and reduces the time required for pipeline commissioning.

The project used new technological and logistical solutions. In particular, a scheme of pipe arrangement on coils was developed to maximise filling of the furnace beds of the pipe rolling mills, and an optimum time and temperature regime was selected.

TMK's modern technological base, continuous improvement of the production process and reliance on highly qualified personnel enable TMK to focus on expanding its product and service portfolio in line with market needs. The joint work of specialists from ChTPZ and TMK TR has enabled the company not only to master a new technology and heat treat large-diameter pipes on an industrial scale for the first time, but also to optimise costs and reduce production time,' said Evgeny Zaselsky, TMK Deputy General Director for Technology and Quality.

The next stage of the project to master the technology of heat treatment of large-diameter pipes will be the heat treatment of thick-walled pipes produced on multi-pass welding lines.