ArcelorMittal Lázaro Cárdenas, Mexico's largest steel producer and slab exporter and part of global steelmaker ArcelorMittal's Mexican operations, has recently launched production for slabs which will be used in pipelines that transport sour gas, a type of natural gas containing hydrogen sulfide, carbon dioxide, or similar contaminants.
According to ArcelorMittal, the slabs to be used in these pipelines should have high resistance against hydrogen-induced cracking. The company implemented technological practices
at the Lázaro Cárdenas plant to allow production of defect-free slabs with a reduced center segregation rate, aiming to increase its share of the growing market for API (American Petroleum Institute) pipes.
ArcelorMittal Mexico also stated that, after undergoing several tests, it has met all the requirements of its customers in this project, including world leading tube manufacturer India's Welspun Corp and leading coils plate producer Ternium in Mexico, with the internal quality of the slabs exceeding expectations.