JFE Steel Expects Order Growth for High Grade Linepipe

JFE Steel announced on Thursday its linepipe production, using high grade steel plate treated by heat-treatment on-line process (HOP), amounted to above 100,000 tonnes from May 2004 to December 2005. The firm plans to develop new high grade linepipes such as earthquake resistant type through the utilization of HOP.JFE Steel established HOP equipment in the steel plate plant at West Japan works (Fukuyama) in 2003 and began its commercial operation in May 2004. Steel plates manufactured by HOP have well-controlled microstructure and low yield ratio. These plates are fit for pipelines needing high intensity and toughness for cold climate or sour gases.JFE Steel developed the order reception of linepipes using high grade steel plates treated by HOP. The firm so far received orders for 13,500 tonnes of sour resistant pipe with X65 strength grade in the Middle and Near East, 24,000 tonnes of sour resistant pipe with X70 strength grade in Southeast Asia and pipes with X70 grade in North America. The firm expects more order reception for high grade steel pipe when energy demand increases worldwide.JFE Steel also developed new linepipe with high precision microstructure and earthquake resistance. These pipes are highly resistant to distortion and buckling which often occur in earthquake region or permafrost area. The firm already shipped the samples for Canada and China and expects regular adoption in near future.