“ MRC Global can provide products per customer specifications , as well as an alternative solution if requested . Anything beyond the standard specifications that may be required can be sourced by our team . We also offer additional services , such as positive material identification ( PMI ), which we perform internally , and we can secure third parties for any additional services required by the customer .”
Spotlight On ... MRC Global
Pipes , Valves , and Fittings : Fit for the Energy Transition
MRC Global is one of the most successful trusted pipe , valve , and fitting ( PVF ) distributors in its space . This is a position that has been shaped – in large part – by its people . Stainless Steel World Americas had the pleasure of speaking with MRC Global ’ s Robert Nunn , Executive Director of Stainless Steel & Alloys , to learn more about how MRC Global continues to provide excellent value to its customers , and how it is playing a pivotal role in the energy transition .
By Sara Mathov
Background
MRC Global is the leading global distributor of pipe , valves , fittings ( PVF ), infrastructure products and services to diversified end-markets including the gas utilities , downstream , industrial and energy transition , pipeline , and transmission infrastructure . The company distributes a breadth of product in a wide range of alloys including stainless steel with sizes ranging from ½ ” to 24 ”.
Stainless Steels in the Energy Transition
Integral to MRC Global ’ s business and Sustainability strategies is selling high-quality products that control the flow of liquids and gases in a safe and environmentally responsible manner , reducing the likelihood of leaks into soil , air , or water . MRC Global provides
these products , including those made from stainless steel and alloys , across all of its sectors and , most recently , to support energy transition projects .
“ Most green energy requires pipes , valves and fittings to move the product ,” said Nunn . “ MRC Global provides a lot of this product with the appropriate types of specifications , such as stainless steels and exotic alloys .” Renewable fuels and jet fuel are in high demand which must meet the same product requirements used for traditional hydrocarbon applications . “ Stainless steel is predominantly used . Often 304L and 316L grades are the alloys for pipes and fittings in renewable applications ,” explained Nunn . As for other energy transition projects , “ it is relatively early days for investments in carbon capture projects , but we have been seeing similar stainless materials required there as well . At
times , higher grades such as duplex and nickel alloys are also being used .”
Why Stainless ?
Stainless steel pipe and fittings are required when more extreme process conditions such as high temperature and fluid properties that induce corrosion are introduced into the application . “ Once you increase the factors of temperature and a corrosive environment , the higher-grade alloys are needed ,” said Nunn . Both traditional and green energy processes require products that can accommodate high temperature and corrosive environments , and the lifespan of a stainless or alloy pipe is much longer than traditional steel pipe , making it more durable and cost-effective over the long-term .
“ MRC Global can provide products per customer specifications , as well as an alternative solution if requested . Anything beyond the standard specifications that may be required can be sourced by our team . We also offer additional services , such as positive material identification ( PMI ), which we perform internally , and we can secure third parties for any additional services required by the customer .”
2 Stainless Steel World Americas - December 2023 | www . ssw-americas . com