Sweden: Sandvik introduces applied solutions web-portal for project partners
March 1, 2002
Sandvik Steel has introduced an applied solutions web-portal on its web-site, aimed at finding partners for new steel materials development projects in the offshore sector. The intention is to improve the way the company relates to its customers and to demonstrate the benefits that can be achieved by working closely with other businesses. Experience has shown that collaboration at an early stage of a project makes it possible to design and manufacture metals that are ideally suited to a customer's needs. And optimized materials can enhance process performance and cut costs.
Visitors to http://www.steel.sandvik.com/ solutions are being invited to view reports of successful projects that have arisen from Sandvik Steel's partnerships program. A notable example was a project with Swagelok that resulted in the development of an entirely new stainless steel, with characteristics superior to those of 316L. The earlier grade had shortcomings when used offshore for control and instrumentation systems with pressures up to 15,000 psi in high temperature and high humidity environments. A lengthy period of collaboration led to the creation of Sandvik SAF 2507 which, besides possessing the specific characteristics required, was three times stronger than 316L yet offered greater corrosion resistance at nearly half the weight.
A major aspect of this project partnership was the development of a new range of tube fittings that could cope with the new, harder metal. Shortcomings identified in the widely used cone and thread joining system had compelled Swagelok to design a new method that could perform dependably in a range of critical control and instrumentation functions. A new tube and weld fitting method was subsequently created to match the characteristics of the new metal. This was principally governed by the hardness of SAF 2507 which made it essential for Swagelok to design a new fitting method for small bore tubes capable of gripping the new steel. Sandvik was also able to optimize the welding process. The resulting coupling and the new steel are claimed to offer leak free performance for critical systems operating in extreme environmental conditions.
For more information contact Lars Ostlund, Sandvik Steel. Tel: +46 26 26 35 49, Fax: +46 26 42 65, Email: [email protected], www.steel.sandvik.com.
