October 14, 2008

Sumitomo succeeds in fracture arrest test of X100 pipe

Sumitomo Metal Industries, Ltd announced that it has succeeded in a full scale fracture arrest test for the X100 ultra high strength line pipe, which is positioned as the next generation high strength pipe for gas transmission pipelines.

Sumitomo Metals' newest full scale test, however, has proved the arrest of running fracture, as predicted by a new simulation model developed by the Company. This has become the world's first successful fracture arrest of the X100 line pipe.

It has been developed to meet the requirements of expanding use and supply of natural gas, a clean form of energy. Up to now, full scale burst tests of the X100 have not been successful in demonstrating the arrest of ductile running fracture in a high pressure gas pipeline.
This event raised the reliability of safety performance of the X100 and will promote its commercialization for high pressure gas pipelines. Also, Sumitomo Metals' simulation technology for fracture propagation will become more highly recognized in the world.

To read the full release please visit
http://www.sumitomometals.co.jp/e/news/news2008-04-21.html