DOMESTIC STEELMAKER TAPS WOODINGS FOR TWO HYDRAULIC DRILLS

As part of a project for an Alabama steel manufacturer's Blast Furnace rebuild project, Woodings Industrial Corporation is building a new all-hydraulic taphole drill rig and converting an existing pneumatic rig to hydraulic operation.

The all-hydraulic operation of the drills will provide some dramatic benefits for the steel producer including faster drill cycles, a more stable tap hole and longer tap times. The drill, which utilizes the Woodings HC105 drifter, has more torque and impact energy to handle today's harder clays.

The Woodings drifter has the maximum rotational torque available with high frequency impactors which are capable of operating with 50% to 100% impact energy. Therefore, impact energy may be reduced to the minimum requirements for opening the taphole. This method provides a smooth consistent diameter taphole that is opened very quickly and with reliable integrity.

The taphole drills have the option of fully automated controls for remote operation and spot-on predictability and repeatability. Taphole length is accurately monitored and recorded.

As an added benefit, Woodings provided the Fairfield drills with a diesel emergency back up system which allows the equipment to run at normal power values.

Woodings is also building a new claygun boom and base for the customer. Delivery of the equipment is scheduled for March.

“Two years ago we introduced the first all-hydraulic drill in this country. It hasn't taken long for customers to realize the substantial benefits these drifters offer. Helping producers go to the next level in terms of productivity, reliability and efficiency is what we're here for and these drills accomplish all of that and more”, stated Rob Woodings, president.

About Woodings Industrial Corp.
The only hot metal equipment supplier offering design, engineering, manufacturing and service from one source, Woodings Industrial Corp. is the oldest continuous family-operated business in North America’s steel industry. A worldwide leader in the manufacture of metals industry equipment, Woodings uses the most current technologies to design, engineer and manufacture an extensive line of traditional and not-so-traditional hot metal equipment, such as tap hole drills, clay guns, tuyere stocks, blast furnace valves and engineering specialty products for continuous casters. Woodings is the exclusive supplier of Grabe overlay components in North America and has plants at its headquarters in Mars and Harmony, Pa., along with offices in Detroit and Gary, Ind.

For more information about Woodings Industrial Corporation, visit: http://www.woodings.com or call Al Colucci at 724-625-3131.