9% Nickel steel is a versatile low-carbon alloy with unique tensile and thermally resistant properties. Available from Masteel in plate thicknesses of 50-100 mm, its primary application is in cryogenic storage facilities and for transports containing liquefied natural gases (LNG) that require extreme storage temperatures as low as -196 °C.
Masteel supplies two specifications of 9% Nickel steel: ASTM A353 and ASTM A553 Type 1. Each can be implemented in a variety of cryogenic pressure vessels, retaining optimum ductility at extremely low temperatures. The improved toughness and low brittleness of 9% Nickel steels massively reduce the risk of pressure vessel ruptures, even when implemented in unusually shaped designs, allowing for safe and efficient storage, handing, and transportation of LNG.
This article will explore some of the applications of 9% Nickel steel:
Cryogenic Storage Vessels
As discussed, 9% Nickel steel is chiefly used for the cryogenic storage of LNG such as argon, nitrogen, and oxygen. These gases have incredibly low boiling points, so extremely low temperatures must always be retained, requiring steel-plated cryogenic storage tanks of varying sizes, comprising high strength levels and low brittleness.
Cryogenic Pipes
9% Nickel steel plating is used pervasively in cryogenic storage sites because of its high tensile strength, extreme durability, and varying thickness levels. Its high structural integrity and versatility makes it ideal for usage in cryogenic piping used for the loading and unloading of cryogenic transportation vehicles such as mobile pressure vessels and LNG Carriers.
LNG Carriers
An LNG Carrier is a tanker ship which is specifically designed for the careful transportation of liquefied gases. They are typically outfitted with 9% Nickel steel plating, yielding excellent Charpy impact tests and fracture toughness tests at temperatures far below freezing. Early LNG Carriers were capable of transporting thousands of cubic meters (m3) of refrigerated gas, and as demand has grown exponentially, so has cargo capacity. Storage containers on LNG Carrier ships now commonly range up to 266,000 m3.
The Future of Liquid Natural Gas
This increasingly safe and efficient chain of supply and demand has drawn significant attention from innovators in the energy sector, who believe that LNG could serve as low-emission alternative to diesel and petrol fuel sources, potentially revolutionizing the transport and clean energy sectors. LNG-powered ferries and select deep-water vessels are already in circulation – although LNG as a fuel source has yet to meet the demands of larger capacity container ships. Manufacturers are still attempting to adapt this low-cost fuel source for transport, including in heavy-duty commercial trucks using a variety of spark-ignited engines.
9% Nickel steel plating will continue to meet industry standards for LNG containment and transportation for the foreseeable future.
9% Nickel Steel Plating from Masteel
Masteel has an international reputation for providing high-quality, durable steel for sectors including engineering, oil & gas, and shipbuilding, with an established range of 9% Nickel steel plates for various cryogenic applications.
Please do not hesitate to contact us if you would like any more information on our 9% Nickel steel products.