TPT May 2016

AR T I C L E

SMS Group

Figure 8: Principle of the cold pilgering process

Summary The market situation described at the beginning with the growing demands on oil country tubular goods (OCTG) will give rise to an increased demand also for larger-dimensioned, high-alloy steel tubes to allow larger volumes of oil and gas to be won even under difficult exploration conditions. The SMS group as a competent full-range supplier aims with its plant development to meet precisely these demands. The goal is to be able to offer extrusion presses for tube diameters up to 16" (406.4mm). Starting from complete plants, modernisations and upgrades, the SMS group also offers the use of modern information technologies in combination with the right maintenance strategy. Authors: Dr Ing Hansjörg Hoppe (hansjoerg.hoppe@sms- group.com) is sales engineer and Dr Ing Hans Pelster (hans. pelster@sms-group.com) technology engineer in the forging plants business unit of the SMS group

mother tube. Experience has shown that the higher the initial eccentricity, the greater the improvement in the eccentricity resulting from the cold pilgering process. After cold pilgering, the outside and inside surfaces of the tubes are thoroughly degreased in special cleaning tanks (the degreasing facilities are produced by subcontractors). The subsequent finishing steps are then as follows: • Straightening • Non-destructive testing (ultrasonic and eddy current) • Cutting to length • Mechanical water pressure testing • Visual inspection/checking of the tube dimensions • Marking/(thread cutting)/packing Straighteners, installations for hydrostatic testing and thread cutting machines all belong to the SMS group scope of supply. Other systems and machines are subcontracted according to the technical specifications of the SMS group. After commissioning of the hot and cold production lines, the SMS group engineers do not leave the shop, but accompany and optimise the start-up of production – a matter of course for the SMS group. At the request of the customer, the SMS group can offer a wide variety of services. This starts with the continuous training of the customer’s staff on the machines through to the optimisation of the maintenance system. Furthermore, the SMS group carries out modernisations and plant expansions, such as replacement of components or increases in press force on the steel tube extrusion presses.

SMS Group – Germany Fax: +49 211 881 4902 Website: www.sms-group.com

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M AY 2016