Outokumpu has made the first supply of its high-performance super-austenitic grade 254 SMO® for an offshore project in Qatar, to be used on the topside of oil platforms in the Al Shaheen offshore oil field. Some of the pipes for sensitive sections in the topside equipment on the Al Shaheen platforms are manufactured by the France-based company BSL Tube & Raccords. This producer specializes in stainless steel pipes and fittings for demanding applications including oil and gas. Offshore platforms’ topside equipment must withstand very high corrosion, especially due to the aggressiveness of crude oil. In October 2007, BSL placed an order with Outokumpu for 408 metric tons of the super-austenitic grade 254 SMO® for the Al Shaheen pipes, with an additional 140tns in option. This high-alloyed super-austenitic grade was developed and patented by Outokumpu to withstand the most corrosive environments, including those presented by crude oil. The Outokumpu supply of super-austenitic 254 SMO® for BSL comprises 253tns of plate and 155tns of coil. The supply is Outokumpu’s first in this grade destined for the Qatar offshore industry.
