OMZ-Spetsstal launches production of rotors for steam turbines, working with ultra supercritical steam

OMZ’s OMZ-Special steels in the framework of the order from Shanghai Electric delivered two slugs for rotors made from high-chromium steel. This brand of steel products provides the required set of mechanical properties. The rotors are designed for steam turbines operating at supercritical steam (SSKPP) - with pressure above 300 atmospheres and a temperature of 590-650 degrees.

Preparatory research work for the development of innovative products was launched at OMZ in 2005. Research Center OMZ Izhora carried out work on the influence of chemical composition and heat treatment on structure and properties of new high-chromium steels.

In 2008 scientists from Research Center OMZ Izhora, OMZ-Special steels and CNIITMASH launched realization of R&D work on the new type of products. The volume of investments constituted about 30 million roubles. Scientific and practical work, which resulted in the development of the new technology of smelting, forging and heat treatment of high-chromium steel allowed producing for the first time in Russia high-tech steam turbine products – rotors for SSKPP turbine.

New generation rotors require slugs only from high-chromium steel, which is quite difficult to be produced. The ingots are relatively small in size and weight - about 60 tons, but are distinguished by high purity of metal, which is smelted from a special electrode wrought by ESR. Dimensions of forgings: length - more than six meters, the largest diameter - 1160 mm. Chemical composition of steel - about 10% chromium and molybdenum, tungsten, vanadium, niobium, nickel and other alloying elements. Heat treatment of forgings of the rotor is made by special technology developed by OMZ’s scientists, at elevated temperatures in the range of 1070-1100 degrees.

The successful development of high-technology products will allow producing new generation of turbine rotors first and foremost for Russia, as well as for China, CIS and Europe.

OMZ Group is one of the leading heavy industry companies specializing in engineering, production, sales and service support of equipment for nuclear, oil and gas, mining industries, as well as special steel production and industrial services. OMZ Group’s facilities are located in Russia and Czech Republic. The Group is controlled by Gazprombank.