25.09.2024
In a world where ecological concerns are escalating, the imperative for global industries to adopt green technologies has never been greater. Responding to this challenge, Centravis has pioneered the development of Balev Steel®, a material designed to meet the rigorous requirements of high-pressure applications while firmly upholding principles of environmental sustainability.
Addressing the crucial question, “How can we ensure that continuous technological progress also supports safety, efficiency, and environmental stewardship?” Dr. Andrey Balev, Ph.D., Materials Engineer and Head of R&D at Centravis, shares insight: “Balev Steel® is our answer to this modern challenge. It stands as a testament to our commitment to develop materials that not only adhere to the rigorous demands of modern industry but also significantly enhance our ecological footprint.”
Innovative Design for Sustainable Development
Crafted to withstand extreme conditions, Balev Steel® caters to a wide range of sectors including aerospace, automotive, and the expanding hydrogen industry. The steel’s superior mechanical properties allow for designs with thinner walls, which reduce overall weight and promote economic material usage without sacrificing functionality or safety.
Balev Steel® has proven its worth in some of the most challenging applications, such as high-pressure direct injection fuel systems, where its advanced properties ensure substantial benefits for end users. Balev 304L® and Balev 316L® not only match the chemical composition of traditional TP304L and TP316L stainless steels, but they also provide double the tensile strength typical of these grades. Furthermore, these innovative materials maintain a level of formability that surpasses that of duplex and lean duplex steels, making them uniquely advantageous for applications requiring complex configurations.
Advanced Material Properties
The heat treatment technology of Balev Steel® ensures a consistent austenitic microstructure throughout a broad temperature range, extending down to cryogenic levels as low as -196°C. This enhances the material’s durability and operational longevity under diverse environmental conditions.
Economic and Environmental Benefits
“By integrating advanced properties that allow for thinner constructions, Balev Steel® not only enhances performance but also significantly lowers the ecological footprint of our products” — Andrey Balev, Dipl. Materials Engineer and Head of R&D at Centravis.
This approach reduces the steel’s volumes required for production and, consequently, its impact on the environment, showcasing Centravis’s holistic strategy in material innovation.
Additionally, the financial advantages of using Balev Steel® are compelling, particularly when compared with duplex steel alternatives. The cost of austenitic grades like TP304L, which are used in Balev Steel®, is substantially lower—roughly 35% and 20% less expensive than materials made from lean duplex UNS S31803/1.4462 and standard duplex UNS S32304/1.4362, respectively. This price difference is largely due to the lower weight achieved by products made of Balev Steel®, providing significant cost savings in manufacturing and overall project budgets.
Commitment to a Greener Future
Centravis’s launch of Balev Steel® aligns with its strategic focus on environmental sustainability that is reflected in corporate evolutionary path: “We are changing the world for the better, taking care of the environment in Nikopol, Ukraine and the whole world.” The company is dedicated to supporting its clients in achieving excellence through innovative solutions that meet rigorous international environmental standards.
About CENTRAVIS
As a leading global supplier of seamless stainless steel pipes and tubes, CENTRAVIS commits to delivering exceptional quality and sustainable solutions across various industries. With a strong dedication to innovation and customer satisfaction, Centravis continues to support global industries in navigating the challenges of modern engineering demands.
