Shell’s new petrochemical complex to boast ArcelorMittal’s cryogenic steel

ArcelorMittal is supplying 770 tonnes of cryogenic steel plates through its subsidiary Industeel for a new major Shell petrochemical complex currently under construction in Pennsylvania, US.

The CryElso® 9Q 9% nickel plates, produced at Industeel Creusot in France, will be used in the construction of the liquid gas storage units. The steel is built tough, with the ability to withstand freezing temperatures in the units, dropping to as low as -160°C. The plates are delivered in 5-30-millimetre thickness.

“Industeel is one of the top 9%Ni producers in the world. Our cryogenic steel range is successfully meeting the demanding technological specifications,” said Jean-Christophe Milek, sales and marketing manager at Industeel. “We are very well positioned to serve our customers in the United States and are proud to be a part of this project.”

Shell Chemical Appalachia LLC petrochemicals complex will use ethane from shale-gas producers to produce 1.6 million metric tonnes of polyethylene per year. Polyethylene is used to make many products, from food packaging and sports equipment to furniture and automotive components.

The project will help bring economic growth and jobs to the region, with up to 6,000 construction workers involved in building the facility. Shell expects to create around 600 permanent employee positions when the complex is completed. The complex is ideally positioned with 70% of North American polyethylene customers based within a 700-mile radius of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Commercial production is expected to begin early next decade.

Tough steel for highest levels of safety

The CryElso® family includes a complete range of cryogenic steel grades from 0.5%Ni to 36%Ni steels, designed for the storage and transport of gases from propane to liquid natural gas.

Industeel’s CryElso® range offers the best balance between strength, toughness and weldability for low-temperature applications, with special attention on crack arrest properties thanks to a specific steelmaking process.