Recently, Severstal TPZ Sheksna, an operating unit of Russia’s largest integrated steelmaker, commissioned a new welded tube line in June. The new line is part of an estimated $100-million greenfield development by Severstal in the Vologda region, east of St. Petersburg, and about 30 miles from its headquarters in Cherepovets. The tube-welding line is the first operation to start up at the Severstal TPZ Sheksna plant.

The RD-410 line was engineered and built by SMS Meer, a major process equipment designer for steelmaking plant. Severstal intends to manufacture structural products, mainly to be used in the construction of large buildings, bridges, and infrastructure.

“The new line with an annual capacity of 300,000 metric tons (330,700 tons) plays an important role in our strategy to develop high-quality products. Now we can use the rolled steel produced there not only for export, but also for the Russian market,” stated Severstal Cherepovets CEO Anatoly Kruchinin, during the commissioning.

Michael Cottin, SMS Meer’s v.p. for HF Welded Tube Plants, emphasized the importance of the new plant for the Russian market: “This line is a trendsetter. The demand for structurals of this kind is enormous, the potential applications are very diverse and will lead to a lasting change in the Russian construction industry.”

The line consists of a strip preparation section, a spiral strip accumulator, the tube-welding machine with straightedge forming section, the traveling cut-off unit, and the transport facilities with automatic bundler.

The roll stands are equipped with a quick-change system developed by SMS Meer. This system is enhanced by the computer-aided CSS^® Quicksetting System, another SMS development, which is capable of changing tube sizes in minimal time, but also quickly reproducible. In combination with its high-speed (up to 45 m/min.) this capability supports process efficiency and high productivity.