36% Nickel Alloy Steel Piping for LNG Service 36% nickel content alloy steel shows an extremely low coefficient of linear thermal expansion, so it is often used for standard meter measures.  Chiyoda joined Tokyo Gas Co., Ltd. and JFE Steel Corporation to develop a way to make 36% nickel alloy steel piping for liquefied natural gas (LNG). The alloy’s super-low coefficient of linear thermal expansion (about one-tenth that of 18-8 stainless steel) makes it ideal for the cryogenic temperatures required in LNG service. However, because of difficulties in multi-layer welding, it has been difficult to use the alloy for applications such as piping, which require high-strength welded joints. The Chiyoda joint project has now solved the problem of multi-layer welding with a welding material containing tantalum.  The new welding technique makes 36% nickel alloy steel LNG piping a reality, and the low ther- mal expansion coefficient means contraction loops in the piping are no longer necessary. Chiyoda has confirmed that the alloy can be successfully used in both 16-inch (including fittings) and 32-inch LNG piping. Chiyoda concluded its first CT-121 license for China in March 2003, signing an agreement with Ebara Corporation and Environmental Engineering Corporation. In addition to performing a basic design for the Taishan FGD Project, Chiyoda conducted a technology transfer (in the form of train- ing) to its engineering firm, Beijing Boqi Electric Power Science & Technology Co., Ltd. Classroom training for 12 Chinese engineers at Chiyoda’s headquarters in Yokohama started on July 22, 2003, and included calculation methods for material and equipment selection, sizing and structural calculations for JBR, instrumentation logic, and so on. With students eager to learn and Chiyoda lecturers well prepared, the 12 days of training were very successful. The skills and knowledge learned at Chiyoda will surely help them dominate in the bidding process for FGD projects in China as well as in the execution of future CT-121 projects. Technology Transfer under First CT-121 License to China Titania Catalyst Made by Pore Control We expect titania carriers prepared by our proprietary method to find applications in other industrial fields such as De-NOX catalysts, photo-catalysts, and so on. It is well known that titania catalyst carriers are more effective for hydrodesulfurizing petroleum fractions than those made of alumina, probably because of the chemical interaction between the titania carrier and the activator on it. However, the industrial use of titania catalyst carriers is cur- rently limited because its surface area is much lower than that of alumina carriers, and it is well known that catalyst activity is proportionate to surface area.  Chiyoda joined an R&D program, sponsored by the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO), that aims to develop a highly active catalyst to produce sulfur- free diesel fuel. Chiyoda proposes a proprietary technology for a multi-gelation method that can control pore size distribution and surface area, even in titania carriers. Chiyoda has already devel- oped manufacturing technology for structure-controlled titania support catalysts used in ultra- deep hydrodesulfurization of diesel oil. Recently, catalyst performance tests conducted by NEDO showed excellent results compared with those developed by others.  16 inch 18-8 Stainless Steel 16 inch 36%Ni Alloy Steel 32 inch 36%Ni Alloy Steel A close-up of titania catalyst made for testing purposes. Chinese engineer trainees with Japanese staff at Chiyoda’s headquarters. Piping layout of 18-8 SS (left) and 36% nickel alloy steel (right) is different. 24