OREANDA-NEWS. In 2007 - early 2008, Vyksa Steel Works (VSW, Nizhni Novgorod Region), part of United Metallurgical Company (OMK), plans to master the production of oil- and gas-supply pipes of new standard sizes according to API-5L. With pipes of 406,4 mm (16") and 508 mm (20") in diameter (strength class: up to X60; wall thickness: up to 9,8 mm), which are meant primarily for exports, the existing range of pipes manufactured according to API-5L will be expanded.

It is planned to start the production of 508-mm pipes late this year, while the manufacture of 406,4-mm pipes is scheduled for May 2008. To produce such pipes, Electric Pipe-Welding Workshop 3 (EWPW-3) of the Electric Pipe-Welding Division for small and medium diameter pipes (EPWD SMD) will be fitted out with new equipment and instruments. The main instruments (rollers) for 406,4 mm pipes will be manufactured by Elektrostal Heavy Engineering Works (Moscow Region), with rollers for 508-mm to be produced by VSW-Techno, VSW's subsidiary. Welding units will be provided by S+C MARKER GmbH, Germany.

The decision to master the production of inch-range pipes was made due to the emergence of new promising markets for the sale of pipes of such standard sizes in Central Asia, Eastern and Western Europe, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East region. According to its market research data, VSW will be able to sell 40,000 tonnes of 406,4-mm and 508-mm pipes in 2008, and up to 60,000 tonnes a year in the future.

Mastering the manufacture of inch-range pipes is part of the Program for Expansion of Assortment of Medium Diameter Pipes. At present, EWPW-3 produces 219-530-mm pipes for oil, gas, industrial, and field pipelines. In 2006, its production reached more than 32,150 tonnes - a 63,7% increase YOY. In 2007, it is planned to manufacture 380,000 tonnes of pipes.