Stainless steels developer and manufacturer Sandvik’s SAF 2507 corrosion resistant alloy (CRA) pipes were used with dope-free technology to conduct the first ever run of CRA tubes in stands of three pipes (triples). The pipes were used by an international operator in a project involving wells to cut costs.

Earlier this month, industrial enclosures provider Rittal presented its new stainless steel versions of the company’s AX and KX small and compact enclosure series and the VX25 enclosure system at this year’s international meat industry trade fair IFFA in Frankfurt, Germany, from May 4 to 9. While the company presented system solutions for enclosure, power distribution and climate control technology, the main highlight of Rittal’s presentation was its comprehensive Hygienic Design range of stainless steel housings, enclosures and climate control systems for hygienically sensitive areas where cleaning has to take place regularly.

Owing to stainless steel being 100% reusable, local stainless steel distributor Stalcor is engaged in a drive to find new applications for stainless steel in which the metal can be used as an alternative to materials such as plastic, thereby providing a green solution, says Stalcor projects manager James Barnard. “Two successful examples are the use of reusable stainless steel straws instead of disposable plastic ones, and replacing historical carbon steel, copper or polyvinyl chloride water pipes with corrugated stainless steel pipes. This kind of forward thinking is what we need in our local industry, as it will enable Stalcor and the industry to grow into new markets, which are under pressure,” he states.

In keeping with President Cyril Ramaphosa’s call for a “new dawn” in South Africa’s economy, Consulting Engineers South Africa (Cesa) says it would like to see the reinstatement of stakeholder engagement processes in especially the construction industry.

These processes are aimed at creating a transparent environment setting the stage for economic growth that is underpinned by investment in infrastructure development, resulting in improved service delivery, explains Cesa CEO Chris Campbell.