TMK has introduced new technologies for additional quality control at the STZ
For the purpose of additional product quality control, the Pipe Metallurgical Company (TMK) has commissioned two modern non-destructive testing sites at the Seversky Pipe Plant (STZ), equipped with the latest domestic production facilities that effectively detect various types of defects on pipes and couplings.
In particular, a non-destructive testing section for seamless pipes with a diameter of 168 to 370 mm and a wall thickness of 6 to 40 mm has started operating in the STZ pipe rolling shop No. 1. Its special feature is the simultaneous use of two non-destructive testing methods, which significantly increases the reliability of the results when searching for defects on the body and ends of pipes of different strength classes. The site is equipped with magnetoinduction and portal ultrasound installations, which detect longitudinal, transverse and inclined defects on one pipe in a minute, as well as check the wall thickness and identify delaminations.
An automated luminescent magnetic powder control line for couplings, which are used to connect pipes during the formation of pipe columns, is also installed in the STZ couplings and mandrel production shop. This line allows simultaneous detection of multidirectional defects on both the outer and inner surfaces of the couplings. The new equipment is characterized by high accuracy and reliability of control, which additionally ensures compliance with the most stringent product quality requirements.
"TMK is implementing new technical and organizational solutions to improve the quality control system at its enterprises in order to meet more stringent customer requirements. The commissioning of new nondestructive testing sites at the STZ will become an additional guarantee of the quality of our products for customers, create safer and more comfortable conditions for staff due to a high degree of automation, and also allow the company to enter new markets for seamless pipes," said Vyacheslav Gagarinov, TMK's Deputy General Director for Quality.
In addition to the STZ, all TMK enterprises have created a modern infrastructure and apply advanced methods of product quality control at all stages, including using digital solutions. In particular, ultrasonic and eddy current control lines have been installed in the pipe rolling workshops of the company's plants, X—ray and television control is carried out in the pipe welding workshops, machine vision is used to track product movements in the departments, and VR simulators that simulate real production sites are used to train technical control specialists. TMK has introduced new additional control technologies