Russia-based steel pipe producer ChTPZ Group has announced that its Pervouralsky Novotrubny Works has upgraded its 9330 machine used for fine turning of the outer surface of 72-160 mm pipes. Most pipes treated by this machine are used for making couplings for key customers such as Gazprom Neft, Rosneft, and Lukoil.
The upgrade required some RUB 2 million ($0.054 million) worth of investment. It has enhanced the quality of treatment and increased the machine's productivity by 15 percent, that is, from 600,000 kg to 700,000 kg of pipes a month. The repairs will also indirectly reduce the time it takes to meet pipe orders.
The centerless turning machine 9330 was last given an overhaul in 2004. Oil country tubular goods (OCTG) make up 90 percent of the produce that is treated with the help of this equipment. The machine is also used for the treatment of ball bearings and boiler tubes.