 |
| Sahit Muja: Albanian Minerals |
Albanian Minerals expect that demand for stainless steel will double in five years.
Global demand and prices for chrome ore, nickel, iron ore and ferrochrome, a key ingredient for making stainless steel, is likely to continue to increase.
Furthermore, the recent upsurge in oil prices, inflation alongside significant fluctuations in currency prices cannot be overlooked.
High energy, oil and gas prices now set the stage for even sharper increases in the costs for mining and transportation of iron ore, chrome ore and nickel ingredients for stainless steel.
Strong economic growth and urbanization in China, India, Brazil, Turkey and other nations are expected to create growing demand for stainless steel in 2012 .
The chrome ore and ferrochrome prices will increase do to strong demand and problems with export ban and the high costs of production.
Also, chrome ore shortages are expected as Zimbabwe has banned the export of chrome ore.
Many chrome ore companies in Kazakhstan, India, Turkey, South Africa, Oman, Pakistan and Albania have stoped mining the chrome ore do to high costs of production.
This will effect the global chrome ore prices and ferrochrome production.The concern over the depleting reserves of the chrome ore in India, the steel ministry has demanded a complete ban on chrome ore exports.
Such supply conditions may drive prices of stainless steel, ferrochrome and chrome ore up .
Ferrochrome production for metallurgical applications uses more than 90% of the world's chrome ore.
Stainless steels of various kinds are used in thousands of applications in manufacturing, construction, cutlery, sinks, saucepans, washing machine drums, microwave oven liners, razor blades
cladding, handrails, door and window fittings, street furniture, structural sections, reinforcement bar, lighting columns, lintels, masonry supports
exhaust systems, car trim/grilles, road tankers, ship containers, ships chemical tankers, refuse vehicles, pressure vessels, process piping, platform accommodation, cable trays, pipelines, surgical instruments, surgical implants, MRI scanners.
Catering equipment, brewing, distilling, food processing, water and sewage treatment, water tubing, and hot water tanks.
The price of the chrome ore and ferrochrome, an essential ingredient in stainless steel, is set to jump after a series of production shutdowns in South Africa, the world’s largest producer
Stainless steel is theoretically 100% recyclability and its long term life makes it an ideal environmental performer much better than many other materials reach the end of its design life.
Stainless steel has many environmental and social benefits. Stainless steel products enable us to lead a healthier life and are cleaner for the environment as well.
Stainless steel improvements to air quality: the air emissions are always a problem in today’s world. The greater influx of cars on the road, planes in the air and production factories all add to the problem.
Ways in which stainless can help reduce this problem can be: New catalytic converters use stainless steel for the holding and transportation of catalytic substances help to decrease pollution on motor vehicles, generator sets, forklifts, mining equipment, trucks, buses and trains etc.
Diesel filters are designed to remove smoke and soot particles from the exhaust gas of a diesel engine. Newer versions can consist of up to 90% stainless steel. Diesel filters can filter out 95% of black smoke and 85% of soot particles from the gas produced. Stainless steels excellent temperature resistance, manufacturability and economic properties make it the best option for the filter.
Stainless steel is now being used in many applications which can help to reduce the use of fossil fuels, these can include: Stainless steel condensing boilers have a 100% efficiency rating”
Condensing boilers are today’s most energy efficient heating method, with a 100% efficiency rating. Stainless steel is required because of the condensation that occurs during the process; therefore corrosion resistance is of high importance.
Rooftop solar panels do not just reduce the use of fossil fuels they mean that renewable sources can be used instead. Stainless steel versions can account for a considerable part of the energy needed for the preparation of hot water and room heating. Solar panels can also be integrated into building roofing or cladding possibly adding to its aesthetic appeal.
Fuel cells are a source of energy for the future. Much like a battery the fuel cell converts chemical energy into electrical energy. Working from either natural gas or hydrogen, they generate heat and electricity with only one emission; water. Stainless steel is used for supporting the electrodes which are stronger, easier to manufacture and cheaper than ceramic versions. Fuel cells can be used in a variety of places including in cars and in domestic heating systems alike.
Liquefied natural gas is considered as the world's most environmentally friendly of the fossil fuels as it is a clean source of energy.
In Japan it accounts for some 10% of their energy supply. The gas is transported at a temperature of -163°C, and this is the reason for stainless steel as it exhibits an increase in tensile and yield strength without loss of ductility at low temperatures. Stainless steel can be used to improve the cleanliness of water. Stainless steel pipes for drinking systems help to keep water clean and quality standards high. Stainless steel guarantees lasting hygiene and prevents the formation of any medium on which bacteria can grow. Correct grade selection will minimise the risk of any corrosion, meaning there is practically no contamination of water in contact with the stainless steel.
The waste water plants are using stainless steel in the transportation of waste water products, due to the possible corrosive nature of the water. Stainless steels durability and low maintenance also make it the best material to use.
Therefore the reason for stainless steel is to maximise service life and to minimise malfunctioning.
Stainless steels are also being used for piping which is needed to decontaminate waste water before it is filtered back into the rivers and soil. Due to the unpredictable nature of the contaminated water, stainless steel is needed to ensure the sufficient corrosion properties are in place.
Stainless steel is also being used in cities all around the world for recycling collectors. They are corrosion resistant and not only look more attractive than a conventional bin, but they help to keep the environment cleaner as well.
Sahit Muja
President and CEO
Albanian Minerals
New York
No comments:
Post a Comment