TMW and SES Partner on Pickling Lines
This deal creates deeper engineering talent and experience to manufacture equipment that uses patented EPS technology in heavy duty, continuous operation mill environments.
Posted: August 9, 2014
The Material Works, Ltd (TMW; Red Bud, IL) has designated SES, LLC (Alliance, OH) as the newest authorized supplier of environmentally friendly pickling lines incorporating patented Eco Pickled Surface (EPS) Technology. SES will design and build automated EPS pickling lines for both integrated and mini mills around the world under a nonexclusive license from TMW.
Founded in 1976 as Steel Equipment Specialists, SES has grown into a leading supplier of custom engineered equipment and systems for the primary metals industry. SES specializes in complex material handling and multi-stage processing systems that incorporate the advanced control and diagnostic monitoring technology of its Canadian subsidiary, SES Automation of Toronto.
Recently completed SES projects include an integrated system for handling/transferring coils from the hot mill at Severstal Dearborn Design; manufacture and installation of transport equipment for a new coking facility in Brazil; a complete logistics system for new Vallourec & Mannesman OCTG pipe mill in Youngstown, OH; design, equipment supply, and automation and installation supervision for a major process section for a 100 m rail line for Evraz in Russia.
In announcing the partnership, TMW president Kevin Voges stated, “As EPS technology expands from the service center sector to mills; we sought a design/build partner with deep engineering talent and experience manufacturing equipment for the heavy duty, continuous operation mill environment. SES is that partner and brings the bonus of added international exposure to our selling efforts.”
SES chief executive officer Don Batty added, “We are very excited about the new partnership with TMW as we recognize the growth potential of EPS technology, which is a great fit to our portfolio of solutions.”
The EPS process is an environmentally friendly replacement for acid pickling of hot rolled steel strip developed by The Material Works. This patented process removes the mill scale (oxide) from the surface of hot rolled steel, imparting a very clean, uniform surface. Unlike acid pickling, the EPS process uses no hazardous substances to accomplish its ‘pickling’ – just ordinary water and fine steel grit – which are recirculated for continuous use. The process also leaves the steel inherently rust resistant, so it does not require the oil film that is applied to acid pickled steel to prevent rusting.
The Material Works is a privately-held company committed to excellence in the toll processing of flat rolled metals. With headquarters near St. Louis, MO, TMW performs slitting, blanking, cut-to-length, leveling and EPS processing for service centers and OEM manufacturers throughout the central and southern U.S. The TMW Technology Division researches and develops new steel processing technologies that are used worldwide, including the EPS process replacement for acid pickling.
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