by John Curry, P.E., metallurgical and pressure vessel consultant

In the post world war II period, the steels used in the oil and gas industry were quite different from what we use today.

Plate was SA-285C a 55,000 (379 Mpa) psi tensile steel that was relatively soft and easy to fabricate. It was not killed steel and therefore, not fine grain steel. The low tensile strength meant thicker vessels and because of poor welding techniques, spot or no radiography at all was common, making the items even thicker...READ MORE

Why is stainless steel 

corrosion-resistant?

by Michael Pfeiffer, PhD, PE

Here are short explanations and a useful chart about various elements and their effects when added to steel....MORE...

What is good practice in welding stainless steel to carbon steel?

Bill Herdman is a recognized authority on steel welding and fabrication--and incidentally, his consulting services are free of charge to STI-SPFA members.

Here's Bill's response to this question:

The issue is preventing dilution of the weld itself. Stainless steel is 18% /8% nickel/chromium, while the 309 filler metal is 25%/20% nickel/chromium. During the weld, the additional chromium and nickel mix with the C/S base material and NOT dilute the weld area (fillet). The additional chromium and nickel maintain the corrosive resistance of stainless steel.

When anything is welded, there is melting and penetration going on. The additional chromium and nickel are needed to keep the corrosion side of the S/S (or melt through issue) from becoming a corrosion spot.

Ward Tank & Heat Exchanger

Ward Tank held a Grand Opening of its new facility in Houston on Thursday, October 8. 

2015 National Board Inspection Code (available for purchase)

The NBBI webpage states that "The National Board Inspection Code (NBIC) was first published in 1946 as a guide for chief inspectors. It has become an internationally recognized standard, adopted by most US and Canadian jurisdictions. The NBIC provides standards for the installation, inspection, and repair and/or alteration of boilers, pressure vessels, and pressure relief devices."

A large multi-national chemical manufacturer inquired for supply on a large project.The project entailed equipment to double the capacity of one of their product lines at one of its largest plants in the states...READ MORE

CB&I, Plainfield, IL
Propane and butane storage tanks

Save the date! August 22-24, 2016, is STI-SPFA's annual Fall Conference. This year's was in Mobile, Alabama, where we toured Outokumpu's brand-new facility nearby.

Next year, we'll be back in Houston with exciting speakers and essential networking. John Curry, metallurgical and pressure vessel consultant, will present a special pre-conference pressure vessel fabrication workshop on Monday, August 21. Put these dates on your calendar now!

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