Spain-based storage-tank fabricator Emypro SA has built the entire Relisa SA farm of Spain, consisting of 22 units, using exclusively Outokumpu’s duplex LDX 2101® plate. The tanks store liquid foods and chemicals. When engineering the first phase of the farm in 2005 with 13 tanks, Emypro foresaw the advantages of the duplex grade and partnered with Outokumpu to convince Relisa about it with the help of technical and commercial studies. When Emypro was only putting finishing touches to the tanks, Relisa ordered 9 more using the same grade. The second phase of the project was completed in December 2007. Like all duplex stainless steels, the grade features close to twice the strength of austenitic grades. This has allowed Emypro to achieve major materials reduction compared to the conventional austenitic alternative using 1.4301/1.4307. The total weight saving compared to the conventional solution is more than 20%. In some sections of tanks, LDX 2101® enables up to 50% weight savings. Emypro’s and Outokumpu’s pioneering development continues a history of milestones achieved together, including the world’s largest duplex storage tank (22m in diameter and 25m in height) fabricated using Outokumpu’s duplex grade 2304 as a replacement for 1.4401/1.4404 (316/316L).
