Metso and ArcelorMittal Tubarao located in Espirito Santo State, Brazil have signed a service contract covering approximately 2,000 automatic and safety valves. The contract also includes intelligent tools for preventive and predictive maintenance and maintenance planning activities. It expands the existing contract and is one of the largest for Metso valve operations in South America.

ArcelorMittal Tubarao is a world leader in the semi-finished steel market, accounting for 12% of global slab sales. It is also one of the largest companies in Brazil. With Metso intelligent tools, the steel plant staff is able to monitor and analyze valve condition while the process is running. Conventional methods require stopping the process and removing or dismantling the valves for closer inspection.

Mr Tercelino Leite Service Manager, Automation business line, Metso said “Constant awareness of overall valve condition prevents unexpected breakdowns, which can result in stopping the process completely which is extremely costly. The customer can plan the maintenance schedule in advance, so any disruption to the process is kept to a minimum. In addition, the staff can focus maintenance activities on those valves needing it most.’’

As Metso strategy is to offer knowledge-based services close to its customers, the company is continuously growing its global service network. Currently Metso operates 31 service centers globally for valve maintenance. Investing in service capabilities is demonstrated in the large service contracts Metso has won from large global companies such as ArcelorMittal and Petrobras.