Project Background
In Q2 2022, a U.S. petrochemical company in Texas launched a $150 million pressure vessel fabrication project for a new ethylene cracker unit, requiring materials for 500-bar vessels operating at 350°C. The client, facing ASME Section VIII Division 1 certification and a 4-month timeline, needed high-toughness steel to prevent leaks in corrosive hydrocarbon environments. Initial suppliers delivered non-compliant plates, causing 18% rejects and 3-week delays.
SHH STEEL was selected after a bid, supplying 1,800 tons of steel. The project, part of the U.S. shale gas boom (EIA 2022), aimed to increase production by 20%, addressing 15% energy demand growth. Our role included material qualification and documentation for ASME audits, ensuring traceability from mill to fabrication.
Materials Provided
SHH STEEL supplied 1,800 tons of ASTM A516 Gr.70 carbon steel plates and 316L stainless steel-clad plates (ASTM A264), with thicknesses from 30mm to 120mm and dimensions up to 2,500mm x 10,000mm. The A516 Gr.70 met ASME Section VIII, with yield strength of 260 MPa, tensile of 485-620 MPa, and elongation of 17%. Chemical composition was 0.27% max carbon, 0.85-1.20% manganese, 0.035% max phosphorus, and 0.035% max sulfur.
The clad plates featured 316L stainless cladding (3mm thick) on A516 base, per ASTM A264, with inter-layer bonding strength >200 MPa. Ultrasonic testing per ASTM A435 Class 1 confirmed no delaminations, and MTCs verified compliance with ASME SA-516.
| Property | ASTM A516 Gr.70 Requirement | SHH STEEL Supplied Value | Test Method | Benefit for Client |
| Yield Strength (MPa) | 260 min | 265-275 | ASTM E8 | Reliable pressure containment |
| Tensile Strength (MPa) | 485-620 | 500-610 | ASTM E8 | Enhanced vessel durability |
| Elongation (%) | 17 min | 18-21 | ASTM E8 | Better weld ductility |
| Impact Energy (J) @ -20°C | 27 min | 28-32 | ASTM E23 | Improved toughness |
| Chemical Composition (C %) | 0.27 max | 0.22-0.26 | ASTM E350 | Minimized cracking risk |
Packaging used VCI and wooden pallets per IMDG Code, preventing corrosion during 28-day transit to Houston.
This supply ensured the vessels’ 25-year service life, with clad plates reducing corrosion by 50%.
Successful Delivery Result
The 1,800-ton shipment departed Shanghai on April 1, 2022, arriving at Houston on April 29, 2022, within 28 days, via a direct container vessel. Plates passed U.S. customs and ASME inspections with 100% compliance, with no holds. On-site, the client fabricated the vessels, with hydrostatic testing at 750 bar showing no leaks, thanks to the plates’ consistent 500-610 MPa tensile strength.
The project was completed 5% ahead of schedule, with 99% material utilization. Photos of the loaded vessel and vessel assembly in Texas highlighted the steel’s quality. Client metrics showed 98% weld efficiency per AWS D1.1, saving 12% on fabrication costs ($1.8 million).
This led to a repeat order for 800 tons for a second cracker unit.
Client Feedback
“SHH STEEL’s A516 Gr.70 and clad plates arrived on time, passing ASME audits flawlessly. Their quality saved us 12% on costs and sped up fabrication,” – Project Lead, U.S. Petrochemical Firm.
