Outokumpu's new duplex steel for biogas tanks

PRESS RELEASE
10 May 2011 at 9.00 am EET

Outokumpu will deliver stainless steel to the German company Börger GmbH for building tanks to be used in biogas production. This is Outokumpu's first order for the recently launched new duplex steel grade LDX 2404®. The steel for the tanks will be produced at Outokumpu in Avesta Sweden.

The main reasons for constructing the tanks in LDX 2404® are the high corrosion resistance and excellent mechanical properties of the steel. By choosing LDX 2404®, Börger will be able to reduce the thickness of the plates by about 25%, resulting in the same levels of weight reductions in the construction. This is a highly cost efficient alternative to the corresponding conventional stainless steel grades.

"We chose Outokumpu's LDX 2404® because of the excellent corrosion properties, making the steel highly suitable for biogas tanks", says Mr. Gerd Buss at Börger.

"Biogas is an important growth market as the need for renewable energy is increasing. Moreover, these biogas tanks will be built in a for us new way- they will be bolted, not welded. The advantage with bolted tanks is decreased thickness and much shorter on site construction time. This is an exciting project with the potential to open a new market for us", says Anders Magnusson, Tank Application Manager at Outokumpu.

Outokumpu LDX 2404® was developed at Outokumpu's Research Centre in Avesta. The steel was launched in late 2010 and it is the sixth member of the duplex family. LDX 2404® has high corrosion resistance and excellent mechanical properties. The grade is suitable for use in for example pressure vessels, tanks and desalination plants. Duplex steel grades contain less nickel, and more nitrogen and chrome than the corresponding conventional austenitic steel grades. Outokumpu has a global market share of 50 percent in duplex steels.

For more information, please contact:

Anders Magnusson, Tank Application Manager, Outokumpu, tel. +46 226 81201, mobile +46 730 584975

Elisabeth Hansson, Communications Manager Sweden, tel + 46 226 82651, mobile +46 76 760 60 20

OUTOKUMPU OYJ

Outokumpu is a global leader in stainless steel with the vision to be the undisputed number one. Customers in a wide range of industries use our stainless steel and services worldwide. Being fully recyclable, maintenance-free, as well as very strong and durable material, stainless steel is one of the key building blocks for sustainable future. Outokumpu employs some 8 000 people in more than 30 countries. The Group's head office is located in Espoo, Finland. Outokumpu is listed on the NASDAQ OMX Helsinki. www.outokumpu.com