SMS Siemag LLC of Pittsburgh, Pa., received an order for the supply of a VOD (vacuum oxygen decarburizing) facility from Ellwood National Steel of Irvine, Pa. The project will enable the production of low-carbon stainless steel forgings with a demanding combination of strength, toughness and corrosion resistance. This unit will be equipped with a mechanical vacuum pump rather than a steam ejector system with a boiler. The scope of supply is comprised of the mechanical process equipment, complete with an alloy addition system, and the entire electrical and automation systems. Start of production is planned for December 2012.           

SMS Siemag LLC is a company of the SMS Group. Germany’s SMS Mevac, which is the center of competence for VOD technology within the SMS Group, will be providing process know-how, training and basic engineering. Ellwood National Steel is part of the Ellwood Group.