Belgium: Allard Europe N.V. Ensures Stainless Steel for Offshore Application

Allard-Europe N.V. has successfully cast parts with a pouring weight of 12 tons and sections up to 300 mm in duplex stainless steel.

By means of a balanced analysis and an optimized heat treatment, Allard-Europe is able to achieve the typical 50/50 ferrite-austenite microstructure in the cast parts. This special microstructure combines the best of 2 worlds in stainless steel and ensures an excellent corrosion resistance, especially in seawater, combined with good mechanical properties and high ductility. The parts will be used in a demanding offshore application.

The use of duplex stainless steel in heavy, thick sectioned castings at Allard-Europe is unique –worldwide!-. Extensive research lead to the required knowhow to achieve the required properties at these extreme wall thickness. The composition needs to be steered to keep formation of sigma phase under control to prevent cracking during cooling in the mould. At the same time the composition must accommodate for sufficient low temperature ductility combined with excellent strength and corrosion properties.

In addition to the casting of the parts, Allard-Europe was also responsible for the in-house machining. This included boring holes up to 1200 mm deep at different angles meeting in a single point.

[mappress]

Press Release, November 13, 2012; Image: allard-europe