Interview with Outokumpu’s Ms Päivi Henttonen and Mr Geert De Bleser
Posted August 2010, by David Sear
On first consideration it may sound like an expensive option, but duplex can be a viable material for tank construction according to Outokumpu.
“Grades such as duplex and SMO are very interesting for tanks,” says Mr De Bleser (General Manager Benelux).
“Thanks to its high mechanical strength, thinner gauges can be used so less material is required for production.”
Like stainless steels, duplex really is a green product, stresses Ms Henttonen (Manager – Event Marketing).
“Duplex grades offer superb corrosion resistance, so they last a very long time. Moreover, on decommissioning, duplex is fully recyclable.”
Ms Henttonen continues: “Duplex products score extremely well in terms of their carbon footprint thanks to the excellent combination of properties: amongst others, corrosion resistance combined with high mechanical strength.”
From tanks to tankers
Duplex is suited for tanks designed for both static use – such as at chemical facilities – as well as tankers for road or rail transportation.
“Duplex tankers also benefit from the high strength to weight ratio. That means the lorries weigh less, so they can transport more freight and hence have lower fuel consumption per freight kilo,” notes Mr De Bleser. “In fact, stainless steels can also be used to reduce the weight of the lorry’s chassis as well.”
On the horizon
Tanks are an important business sector for Outokumpu.
Clients are typically fabricators, who benefit from Outokumpu’s ability to provide total solutions including ready-to-weld plates as well as pipes and fittings.
Asked about the current state of the market, Outokumpu’s managers described this as calm, but with new projects on the horizon.
“For example, a trend amongst petrochemical companies is to invest in extra storage capacity, which is needed because their own clients are increasingly buying on demand,” says Mr De Bleser.
Duplex is a valuable material in sectors such as food & dairy, chemical processing, pulp & paper, oil & gas, etc.
More on Outokumpu……
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Outokumpu is sponsoring the Duplex 2010 Conference & Expo. Visit Outokumpu in Beaune, France, from 13-15, October 2010. |
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Outokumpu is sponsoring the Stainless Steel World America 2010 Conference & Expo. Visit Outokumpu in Houston, Texas, from 5-6 October 2010. |
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Find contact details for Outokumpu in our Buyers Guide. |
