GNEE Steel 9% Nickel Steel Prefabrication Service

GNEE Steel has achieved large‑scale and efficient delivery of 9% nickel steel (06Ni9DR / SA‑553 Type I) prefabrication services. We have successfully completed the prefabrication of core components for multiple LNG storage tanks and liquid hydrogen storage & transportation projects in China and Southeast Asia.

Our delivery lead time is 35% shorter than the industry average, with a 99.2% first‑pass weld acceptance rate, providing full‑chain support for cryogenic customers from material supply to modular prefabrication.

I. Project Background

• Client: LNG terminal operator in a Southeast Asian country
• Project location: Tropical coastal area with high salt spray concentration and a narrow construction window
• Project requirement: Inner tanks for 3 sets of 16,000m³ atmospheric LNG storage tanks, design temperature ‑196℃, prefabrication and sea delivery to be completed before Q3 2026

Core challenges:

• High risk of cold cracking during cutting and welding of thick 9% nickel steel plates, requiring extremely strict process control
• Arc length of inner tank shell plates exceeds 100m, demanding high assembly accuracy (misalignment ≤1.5mm)
• Compliance with both ASME SA‑553 material standard and API 620 tank design code required

II. Product Specifications & Key Parameters

III. GNEE Steel Solution & Implementation

Special Material Supply & Traceability

Custom supply of 920 tons of 06Ni9DR steel plates, all with original material certificates, UT reports and mechanical property re‑test sheets

Spectral analysis performed for each batch, strictly controlling Ni content 8.5%–9.5% and C content ≤0.08% to ensure cryogenic toughness

Factory Precision Prefabrication

CNC blanking: Combined plasma & flame cutting, one‑step groove forming, precision ±0.3mm, avoiding secondary processing damage

Plate rolling: Large four‑roll bending machine for arc plates, ovality ≤2mm to meet inner tank diameter tolerance

Intelligent welding: FCAW for longitudinal seams, SAW for circumferential seams, multi‑layer & multi‑pass welding with each layer ≤3mm

Modular pre‑assembly: Each shell ring divided into 8 prefabricated modules, max. single module weight 15 tons; fully assembled, marked and coded in factory, requiring only bolting and repair welding on site

Full‑Process Quality Control

18 key quality control procedures implemented, complete WPS/PQR qualified for cryogenic service

UT inspection completed within 2 hours after each weld, non‑conforming welds repaired and recorded immediately to ensure first‑pass yield

Full documentation package provided: material certificates, NDT reports, welding procedure sheets, dimensional inspection records, marine packaging plan

Efficient Delivery Results

Prefabricated modules for 3 inner tanks completed in only 68 days, delivered 22 days ahead of schedule

One‑time acceptance in hydrostatic test, cryogenic impact test and air tightness test, ensuring safe long‑term storage of cryogenic media

IV. Customer Value

• 35% shorter schedule: Factory prefabrication free from weather interference, greatly reducing on‑site installation time
• Zero‑defect quality: Automated welding + full‑process inspection, 99.2% first‑pass weld acceptance rate, far exceeding industry average of 95%
• 28% cost reduction: Material utilization up to 98%, reduced labor and rework costs, 15% lower marine packaging cost
• Full compliance assurance: Meets ASME / API standards and local maritime certification, providing complete support for project acceptance

1. Full Material Coverage for All Cryogenic Applications

• Standard grades: 06Ni9DR (GB/T 3531), SA‑553 Type I (ASME), X8Ni9 (EN 10028‑4)
• Size range: Thickness 8–50mm, width 1500–2500mm, length 6–12m (coiled or flat plates)
• Special applications: Liquid hydrogen tanks (‑253℃), ethane / ethylene tanks (‑104℃), cryogenic pressure vessel and pipeline prefabrication

2. Process Advantages: Overcoming Key Cryogenic Processing Challenges

• Crack‑free welding: Special nickel‑based consumables (e.g., Invar 625) used, no preheating required, no post‑weld heat treatment for plates under 50mm
• High‑precision forming: CNC plate rolling + laser lofting, arc plate fit ≥99%, meeting tank sealing and stress distribution requirements
• High‑efficiency anti‑corrosion: Shop sandblasting Sa2.5 + cryogenic‑specific primer, adhesion ≥8MPa, resisting coastal salt spray and cryogenic medium corrosion

3. Full‑Cycle Service: Closed‑Loop Support from Factory to Site

• Technical support: BIM modeling & layout optimization, customized welding procedures, cryogenic condition safety assessment
• Logistics support: Custom moisture‑proof packaging + heavy‑transport solutions, delivery to global ports (Singapore, Rotterdam, etc.)
• On‑site service: Resident engineers for assembly, welding and pressure testing, full technical disclosure and acceptance support

The successful launch of GNEE Steel 9% nickel steel prefabrication service marks a technological breakthrough and capacity upgrade in cryogenic material processing. With the integrated capabilities of material supply + precision processing + engineering services, GNEE Steel has become a core partner for global cryogenic equipment manufacturers.

Going forward, GNEE Steel will continue to focus on high‑end material processing technologies such as 9% nickel steel and low‑temperature resistant steel, promoting intelligent and green manufacturing. We will provide more efficient and reliable solutions for global energy transition and cryogenic industry development, helping customers achieve safe, stable operation and long‑term high returns under extreme cold conditions.

GNEE Steel is a world‑leading supplier of high‑performance steel materials and deep processing services, specializing in the development, production and distribution of premium products including 9% nickel steel, pressure vessel steel, wear‑resistant steel and weathering steel.

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The company owns large modern processing facilities equipped with full‑process equipment including CNC cutting, plate rolling, welding and non‑destructive testing, with an annual 9% nickel steel prefabrication capacity of over 30,000 tons.

Its products and services cover more than 150 countries and regions, committed to becoming a trusted one‑stop steel solution partner for global cryogenic and energy equipment sectors.