From what is being reported, this piece of pipe is 18" in diameter and has a wall thickness of approximately 1 3/4". (455.62x43.01 mm) It had only been in service a short time when the failure happened during a test phase, killing at least three and possibly injuring dozens more with second and third degree burns. The actual numbers are unknown because the Chinese government has not been forthcoming with a confirmed total.

What makes this rupture so special are the circumstances under which it was produced and procured. The material shown in these pictures is supposed to be a type called A335 P91, which is used in very high pressure and high temperature applications. But many experts in this country are unsure if it is. Most experts think that the actual material grade will never be known because the Chinese government has taken possession and has yet to report any details.

Details from the action alert email I received is that the material was manufactured by Fushun Steel Mill in the Liaoning Province of China, pipe piercing and extending was performed by Chende Pipe Factory in the Jiansu Province, and surface finishing was done by Sumitu Special Steel Co Ltd, also in the Jiansu Province.

Here's the truly scary part of this whole ordeal: in no way had this material ever left China during the manufacturing process; yet, this pipe was stamped with one of the following fake markings: SMANT, USA - Hydratic, USA - WT, USA or Sumito, Japan. In effect, this material was sold as if it were a product of the United States even though there were no American entities involved with its manufacture.

When steel mills produce pipe, the amount of that pipe being produced is determined by size and type. Mill runs could range from a few hundred feet for very large products to thousands of feet for smaller sizes. Even though this accident happened in China, many believe that some of this particular mill run has made it into the American marketplace.

Even if this particular pipe run has not made it to American shores that does not mean other substandard material hasn't. More than likely, material from China is being used at this time in any number of ways.

What industries do not use metal of some type? Chemical refineries, water treatment and waste water facilities, natural gas/petroleum tank farms and pipelines are all susceptible to having these products installed as integral parts of their production and distribution systems. When you include other areas where steel is being used (buildings, railroads, bridges, and the automotive industry), one must wonder when and to what magnitude a crisis will happen.

The Chinese government has bolstered its steel industry through currency manipulation and subsidized capacity expansion and export rebate programs to the detriment of American companies. These efforts by the Chinese have made it impossible for American companies to compete because the cost of raw materials exceeds what the Chinese are charging for a finished product. We are, therefore, losing our capacity to manufacture these materials and doing so at an alarming rate. One might think that with quality becoming a concern the United States government would do something about it, but it isn't.

In years past, whenever a country threatened the stability of an American industry, the government would step in and give parity through tariffs and by setting import quotas. However, the Bush administration has repeatedly refused to stand up to the Chinese government on steel imports. Despite a recommendation from U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) to enact tariffs and quotas on steel pipe coming from China, George W. Bush refused, citing the recommendation as ineffective because other nations would fill the gap.

This is pure fantasy because manufacturers in other countries have pretty much the same standards of practice as the United States does. It is only China that is committing these scurrilous business practices.

Now does this mean all steel products coming from China are defective? No. Neither does it mean that all U.S. steel is superior. The one thing that is known as fact is that American companies have much better quality control and traceability systems in place.

What is not as well known is that because of quality concerns, the Chinese government will not allow Chinese made goods to be used in critical areas of their power plants. Hence, you have the scenario that was presented above. So if the Chinese government is concerned enough to place a ban on Chinese goods, shouldn't we?

(About me)

I hold five certifications in nondestructive testing of welded pipe components used in the petro/chem. and power generation industry, and have worked in the petro/chem. and power generation industry for over 17 years. While I have rudimentary training in metallurgy I am not in any way an expert nor am I trying to present myself as something I am not. I am only a concerned citizen that had access to information most people didn't.


Kenneth Bolles