OREANDA-NEWS. Leading steel pipe and wheel producer Interpipe has today announced its plans to increase production of tubing with upset ends in accordance with API 5CT/GOST 633 at its Interpipe Niko Tube facility. The project will see the installation of new equipment for wet magnetic inspection of pipe ends provided by Czech companies PTS Josef Solnar and Prestar.

According to Interpipe press release, the enhancement, which is already underway, is being overseen by Starokramatorsk engineering. As part of this project, Interpipe is also replacing its straightening press on its heat treatment line with new equipment that will be provided by British firm Bronx Tailor Willson.

When announcing the enhancements to production facilities, Interpipe Director for Production and Investments Andrey Korotkov confirmed: “This step in our investment programme gives Interpipe new capability to produce 88.9mm pipes as well as pipes of higher durability with a broader range of applications”.

Completion of the upgrade of production lines toward the end of 2007 will see line capacity increase to 36,000 tons per year. The total production capacity of tubing with upset ends at Interpipe Niko Tube facility will made up 62,000 tons per year after the completion of this investment project.