RSP produces first batch of 12-mm pipes

In order to maximise productivity and explore new market segments, Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP) has for the first time made pipes with 12-mm wall thickness and 16-inch outer diameter (OD).
ERW Pipe Plant of RSP was successful in making the pipes of specified thickness in this tough product range from HR coils, thereby meeting the order of 1.2 km of pipes with 12 millimetre wall thickness and 16 inch OD placed by Bhilai Steel Plant, RSP said in a release.
The Central marketing Organisation (CMO) of SAIL will now book regular orders for pipes in 12-mm thickness.
Various modifications were carried out in the mill to facilitate the manufacture of pipes with these specifications.

Modifying the calibration of forming and fin-pass sections, altering the planned width of the HR coil and monitoring the coil width during rolling at HSM were taken up to distribute the stress equally in the mill stands and avoid stress concentration.
These initiatives of ERW Pipe Plant were duly supported by the Production Planning and Coordination (PPC), Hot Strip Mill (HSM) and CMO.
In October 2016, the mill produced pipes with 4.5 mm thickness for the first time since inception in 8 5/8 inch OD, it said.
Till now, ERW Pipe Plant was involved in manufacture of pipes of lower and medium segment range.