Storage tank builder Emypro SA of Spain was putting finishing touches to 13 large storage tanks in the Port of Barcelona in late 2006 when the customer, the bulk-liquid storage company Relisa SA gave the green light for an additional 9 tanks. The new tanks, like the first 13, are to be built entirely out of Outokumpu’s proprietary Duplex LDX 2101® stainless steel. The strength of Duplex grades – close to 90% higher than that of austenitic grades – allows for the use of considerably thinner materials, resulting in major weight and cost savings. The weight saving was approximately 200tns in Relisa’s first 13 tanks, built with 1350tns of LDX 2101® plate; the saving in the 9 new tanks, built with 730tns of LDX 2101®, will be approximately 150tns. Relisa’s new tanks are meant for storing honey, oils and other mild liquids, suitably handled by LDX 2101® replacing EN 1.4301/1.4307, while 2304 is the appropriate grade for storing more corrosive liquids as a replacement for EN 1.4401/1.4404.
