Tubacex received the largest order in its history for the supply of comprehensive solutions for gas extraction from Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) in Abu Dhabi. In cooperation with SMS group, Tubacex plans to commission its first OCTG (oil country tubular goods) plant in the Middle East and is expanding its product portfolio to include seamless stainless steel tubes.

The KPW 290 L is the second largest cold pilger mill and the second of its kind that SMS group has built in terms of size and flexibility of the dimensional range. Following the successful operation of other cold pilger mills, the KPW 370 L in Germany and the KPW 290 L in China, this new order strengthens SMS’ position in the market for large-scale pilger mills.

SMS group’s scope comprises the design of the complete pilger mill, including the delivery of mechanical, electrical, and auxiliary systems, right up to supervision support and technical production assistance. A data logging unit is part of the equipment package and provides increased production efficiency and continuous system analysis for operators, maintenance workers and production planners.

SMS group's relationship with Tubacex stretches back almost five decades, and the two partners have already completed a large number of successful projects. The investment in a new cold pilger mill is part of Tubacex’s strategy to increase its proximity to end users in the Gulf region and to serve the growing demand for gas extraction in sour environments, which requires the use of corrosion-resistant stainless steel tubes.

The cold pilgering process is suitable for high-alloyed stainless steel tubes with small wall thicknesses. The large number of forming steps improves roundness, eccentricity, stress homogeneity and surface roughness. The process enables simultaneous cross-section reductions of up to 85% for stainless steel tubing, as well as application-specific yield strength (in some cases of up to 1500 N/mm²) and improved microstructure. The growing requirements for corrosion-resistant stainless steel tubes are well served with the KPW 290 L.

The cold pilger mill is specially designed for a wide range production portfolio of stainless steel tubes. With aid of a roll assembly designed for this purpose, it was possible to enlarge the finish tube range of the KPW 290 L down to smaller ODs. The lateral roll assembly change ensures quick and easy tool changes within two hours and thus shorter downtimes.

The cold pilger mill is expected to go into operation by the end of 2024 and will enable Tubacex to serve its growing customer demands.