Case Acideka tanks

Steve Roman

Challenge

Create 12 high-capacity storage tanks to safely handle liquid chemicals moving through the Port of Bilbao.

Solution

Outokumpu’s Forta DX 2304 lean duplex stainless steel gave the tanks high strength as well as top-rate corrosion resistance.

Delivery

Product grade: Forta DX 2304
Product form: 2-meter-wide coil process plates

Keeping the lid on corrosion

Working with corrosive liquids is a “go big or go home” proposition, where nothing less than total commitment will do. On top of doing the utmost to reduce risks to the environment, the job entails an endless fight against the steady molecular wear and tear that these chemicals cause.

This is a reality well understood by Acideka, a Spanish-based company with 40 years of experience in chemicals manufacturing, sales and distribution. Acideka handles large volumes on a daily basis, distributing to its hundreds of customers in Europe and North Africa via its terminal in the Port of Bilbao. Industries from water treatment to pulp and paper production depend on Acideka’s supply chain.

 

Grade for the purpose

As business was ramping up in 2007, it became obvious that Acideka’s liquid storage capacity at the port was no longer enough to handle the demand. The company decided to upgrade, adding 12 new tanks.

De Dietrich Equipos Químico, the process systems manufacturer Acideka contracted to engineer the tanks, got in touch with Outokumpu in Barcelona to ask for a quote for Supra 316L/4404, an austenitic stainless steel grade that’s typically used for this type of storage.

Outokumpu came back with a better offer. It convinced the company to opt for Forta DX 2304, a duplex stainless steel that has a higher strength than 316L as well as excellent anti-corrosion properties.

Duplex stainless grades are increasingly replacing austenitics for storage and transport tanks, especially when the application demands higher stress corrosion cracking resistance. In larger tanks like Acideka’s, there’s also a benefit of the higher strength-to-weight ratio. This allows down-gauging or using less material and thereby saving weight.

 

Less handling and welding

Acideka reaped a 20% material savings with its choice of Forta DX 2304 over 316L. Additionally, because Outokumpu could provide the grade in 2-meter-wide coil process plates, less handling and welding was needed.

The result was 12 high-quality tanks. Thanks to the experienced guidance and wise choice of materials that went into making them, they will retain their resilience and integrity for years to come.

Recommended products and insights

Energy and heavy industry

In energy and heavy industry, failure is simply not an option. When one single mishap can explode into a full-blown crisis, only stainless steel can deliver the assurance of control that you depend on.

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Forta

The Forta range contains duplex and other high strength stainless steels that enable thinner structures and weight reduction (measured in Rp0.2 > 400 MPa. PRE 16 to 43).

Hot rolled stainless steel coil, strip and plate

Offering exceptional versatility, Outokumpu hot rolled coil, strip and plate are used in virtually all industries and markets. In addition to plates, Outokumpu produces quarto plate that is available in thicknesses up to 130 mm. 

Avesta, Sweden

Fueled by a high-octane blend of advanced technology and a long, proud tradition, the Avesta mill showcases precision performance. One of Outokumpu’s fully integrated production sites, Avesta redefines excellence.

Calvert, Alabama

Americas most technically advanced stainless steel mill, Outokumpu Calvert offers a comprehensive product portfolio combined with industry-leading technical support and services.

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