Advanced TMCP Steel Plates for Pipelines and Structurals

Abstract

The developments of plates are strongly driven by demands from high-sophisticated pipeline and structural applications. Such needs reflect in plates with higher thickness, larger width, higher toughness also at lower temperatures, higher strength and/or better resistance to sour environments. The requirement profiles are, in some cases, exceptional and have become achievable, in an extreme combination of alloying and processing technologies, only as a result of comprehensive development work and plant investments. An outline of modern production facilities is given. A broad potential for innovation derives by the utilization of the key-technology TMCP (Thermo-Mechanical Controlled Process). As a central element to achieve high-class requirements, aspects and parameters of the metallurgical design are explained. The utilization is explained and illustrated with selected recent applications.