Today there are over 3,500 different grades of steel. In fact, steel is one of the world’s most innovative and essential materials for manufacturing, building and construction. Given its unique properties, steel comes in a variety of compositions with carbon acting as a key element. Foundries add carbon to steel to help increase properties such as corrosion resistance, weldability, ductility, hardness and much more. Carbon is added at small levels from 0.005% to 2% with the slightest adjustment of carbon having an impact on the performance of the steel being produced.
One of the industries that rely heavily on steel is the oil & gas industry, which uses it for assets throughout the worksite from pipeline infrastructure to nuts, bolts and gaskets. Steel plays a considerable role in the safety of the oil & gas industry as well. Its structural integrity and composition are what can lead to corrosion resulting in leaks that risk exposure to harmful chemicals. Exposure to these chemicals can cause environmental issues, loss of valuable resources, or in extreme cases, explosions resulting in destroyed assets and potential loss of life.