In early 2024, a Saudi Arabian energy company initiated a $2.5 billion expansion of a power plant in the Eastern Province, targeting a 1,200 MW capacity increase to support Vision 2030’s sustainable energy goals. The project required ASTM A516 Gr.70 carbon steel plates for boilers and pressure vessels, designed to endure 450°C temperatures and 500-bar pressures in a corrosive, humid environment. SASO mandated compliance with ASME Section VIII Division 1, and tight deadlines intensified the need for reliable supply. SHH STEEL secured the contract, overcoming challenges from European competitors’ high costs and delayed lead times due to Red Sea tensions.
The project demanded ultra-thick ASTM A516 Gr.70 carbon steel plates (up to 100mm) to handle thermal stresses, with full material traceability to meet SASO certification. SHH STEEL addressed these challenges by utilizing our expertise in pressure vessel steel and an established logistics network. We navigated Saudi Arabia’s 5% import duty on steel by optimizing shipping routes through Dubai ports, ensuring timely delivery.
SHH STEEL delivered 5,000 tons of ASTM A516 Gr.70 carbon steel plates, normalized for enhanced toughness, with thicknesses from 20mm to 100mm and dimensions up to 3,000mm x 12,000mm. These plates met ASME Section VIII Division 1 and SASO standards, with a chemical composition of 0.27% max carbon, 0.85-1.20% manganese, 0.035% max phosphorus, and 0.035% max sulfur. Mechanical properties included:
Low sulfur content minimized hot cracking risks during welding, and ultrasonic testing (ASTM A435/A435M, Class 1) ensured no laminations. Normalized heat treatment at 900-950°C enhanced grain refinement for 100mm plates used in boiler drums. We packaged plates in VCI paper and wooden pallets, compliant with IMDG Code, and provided mill test certificates (MTCs), heat treatment curves, and weld procedure qualifications (ASME Section IX).
SHH STEEL shipped 5,000 tons of ASTM A516 Gr.70 carbon steel plates from Shanghai on March 15, 2024, arriving at Jeddah Islamic Port on April 14, 2024, via a chartered bulk carrier to avoid delays. SGS pre-shipment verification ensured 100% compliance, passing port inspections without holds. The client integrated 98% of plates directly into boiler fabrication, minimizing waste. Boiler drums, made from 100mm plates, passed hydrostatic testing at 750 bar (1.5x design pressure), expediting ASME certification by 10 days.
The consistent mechanical properties of ASTM A516 Gr.70 carbon steel plates (average yield strength 275 MPa) reduced construction time by 20%, saving $200,000 (8% under budget). Weld tests (AWS D1.1) achieved 100% joint efficiency, and virtual inspections ensured zero non-conformities. The project’s success led to a follow-on order for 2,000 tons of A516 Gr.70 for Phase 2, reinforcing SHH STEEL’s reliability in high-stakes energy projects.
“SHH STEEL’s ASTM A516 Gr.70 plates arrived on time and exceeded ASME standards, speeding up our build by 20%. Their testing support and MTCs were critical.” – Project Manager, Saudi Energy Company.
