An innovative range of high-strength austenitic stainless steel has been developed that will revolutionize the design and construction of onshore and offshore facilities in the oil, gas, and liquefied natural gas (LNG) sector.
The global demand for LNG is projected to reach 700 million tonnes per year by 2040 fueling the need for greater LNG infrastructure including import-receiving and export terminals, FLNG vessels, and LNG carriers. Since these facilities are being designed with larger capacities and operating under increasingly more challenging conditions, advanced materials technology is required to maximize performance, reduce carbon emissions and optimize through-life costs.
Fortunately, a N’GENIUS solution is on the horizon. Patent protected in 30 countries around the world, the N’GENIUS SeriesTM is a complete ‘family’ of high-strength austenitic stainless steels possessing major improvements compared to 300 Series stainless steels, and a highly economical alternative to various nickel alloys.
As with conventional austenitic stainless steels, the N’GENIUS SeriesTM has excellent ductility and toughness at sub-zero and cryogenic temperatures. But exceptionally higher strength and vastly superior corrosion resistance make this new family an entirely different proposition.
LNG piping systems, engineered products, fabricated products, and equipment can be developed and manufactured with reduced wall thicknesses, offering the potential to make products and equipment lighter and smaller, significantly reducing topside weight and helping facilities overcome space and height restrictions. Any space savings would also improve accessibility regarding servicing and maintenance, repairs, upgrading, or replacement work on products and equipment in the future.