Supplying Critical Duplex Stainless Steel Piping For Shuqaiq 3 IWPP, Saudi Arabia
Project Overview
Project: Shuqaiq 3 Independent Water and Power Project (IWPP) – Seawater Reverse Osmosis (SWRO) Plant
Location: Shuqaiq, Asir Province, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Client: Shuqaiq Three Company for Water
EPC Contractor: Acciona (Spain)
Scope: Supply of Duplex & Super Duplex Stainless Steel Pipes, Fittings, and Flanges
The Challenge: Engineering for Extreme Marine Environments
The Shuqaiq 3 IWPP is a flagship infrastructure project under Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, designed to combat water scarcity in the southern region. The plant utilizes advanced Seawater Reverse Osmosis (SWRO) technology, operating in the harsh conditions of the Red Sea.
The engineering challenge required piping materials capable of withstanding:
High salinity and chloride concentrations.
Elevated seawater temperatures.
High-pressure operations in pre-treatment and RO membrane arrays.
Strict compliance with Acciona’s rigorous quality assurance protocols.
Our Solution: High-Performance Duplex Stainless Steel
As a trusted supplier for major international EPC contractors, Sunlion delivered a comprehensive suite of corrosion-resistant alloy products tailored for this mega-project.
Key Products Supplied:
Duplex & Super Duplex Pipes (ASTM A790/A928): Including grades UNS S31803/S32205 (2205) and UNS S32750 (2507). These pipes form the backbone of the high-pressure seawater intake and discharge lines.
Precision Fittings (ASTM A815): Elbows, tees, reducers, and caps manufactured to ensure leak-free connections in complex piping networks.
Industrial Flanges (ASTM A182): Forged duplex flanges designed for high-integrity sealing under extreme pressure and corrosive stress.
Why Our Materials Were Selected
Superior Corrosion Resistance: Our Super Duplex 2507 offers exceptional resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion, crucial for the aggressive Red Sea environment, significantly extending the plant's lifecycle.
Global Standard Compliance: All deliverables strictly adhered to ASME, ASTM, and NACE standards, ensuring seamless integration with Acciona’s global supply chain requirements.
On-Time Delivery for Critical Path: We successfully managed logistics to meet the tight construction schedule of the Shuqaiq 3 IWPP, preventing delays in the mechanical completion phase.
Project Impact
The successful deployment of our stainless steel piping systems has contributed to the reliable operation of one of the world’s largest SWRO plants. This project underscores Sunlion ’s capability to support tier-1 EPC contractors like Acciona in delivering critical water infrastructure across the Middle East.