Sandvik Celebrates First Full Reference Order for its Novel Sanicro 35 Grade

Sandviken, Sweden – Sandvik Materials Technology, a developer and producer of advanced stainless steels, special alloys, and other high-performance materials, has received the first full order for its novel Sanicro^® 35 grade, which bridges the performance gap between stainless steels and more expensive nickel alloys. The order calls for the supply of tubes for two heat exchangers used in a crude unit fractionator at a major refining company on the United States’ Gulf Coast.

Previously, the bundles were built with hyper duplex stainless steel tubes, but the refinery’s demanding process conditions required a more corrosion-resistant alloy. After a thorough evaluation of Sanicro^® 35’s corrosion and mechanical properties in comparison to other high-cost nickel alloys under consideration, the customer chose this alloy for its high performance and low-cost alternative offering.

Sanicro^® 35 is extremely strong and corrosion-resistant over a wide temperature range. It is an alternative to existing duplex and austenitic stainless steel grades as well as more expensive nickel alloys, and it is available globally to meet customers’ heat exchanger, hydraulic, and instrumentation tubing needs.

Karen Picker, Technical Marketing Engineer, Sandvik Materials Technology, said, “Sanicro^® 35 opens up a wider range of opportunities for Sandvik and our customers. It is an economical alternative to other materials while offering very high corrosion resistance, comparable to traditional metallurgies.”

To this, Johan Israelsson, President, Business Unit Tube Americas, Sandvik Materials Technology, added, “Our strong, long-standing client relationship meant that when we suggested a new solution to their heat exchanger corrosion challenges, they were prepared to consider it. A short delivery time was also a consideration. Sanicro^® 35 is gaining a reputation as a cost alternative option to other steel grades and high nickel alloys.”

Image Source: Sandvik Materials Technology