SMS Siemag LLC has received an order for the supply of a VOD facility (Vacuum Oxygen Decarburizing) from Ellwood National Steel in Irvine in Pennsylvania.

The project is undertaken to 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. This will be the first VOD unit in the USA with mechanical vacuum pumps, including gas cooler and bag filter system to reduce the environmental impact. The scope of supply is comprised of the mechanical process equipment, complete with an alloy addition system. Also the entire electrical and automation systems will be provided, including the latest level 1 and level 2 control technologies.

SMS Mevac, as the center of competence for VOD technology within the SMS group, will be providing process know how, training and basic engineering based on a license agreement with a leading German stainless steel producer. SMS Mevac will be closely involved in the entire project execution.

Start of production is planned for December 2012.