SMS Demag AG, Germany, recently received an order to modernize the No. 1 four-strand continuous bloom caster at the Volzhsky Pipe Plant of the TMK Group near Volgograd, Russia.

The goal of the modernization is to increase annual production and product quality to meet increasingly stringent market requirements. Scope of supply comprises the complete mould and oscillating area, including the mould, stirrer and oscillator system; modernization of the spray cooling system; hydraulic control system for the withdrawal and straightening unit; a torch-cutting machine; and modernization of automation for the Level 1 area.

The mould and oscillating area is designed such that in addition to sections ranging in diameter from 150 to 228 mm, it will be possible in the future to cast round sizes of up to 400 mm and square sizes from 150 x 150 to 360 x 360 mm.

Planned annual capacity is around 650,000 tonnes, and commissioning is scheduled for the end of 2005.

The Volzhsky works manufactures tube steel grades for the oil and gas industry, a portion of which is also intended for export.

SMS Demag AG forms part of the Metallurgical Plant and Rolling Mill Technology Business Area of the SMS group. The SMS group is internationally active in plant construction and mechanical engineering relating to the processing of steel, non-ferrous metals and plastics. The group is divided into the Business Areas of Metallurgical Plant and Rolling Mill Technology, Tube, Long Product and Forging Technology and Plastics Technology. In the year 2003 around 9500 employees worldwide generated a turnover of around EUR 2.20 billion.