Client: Arabian International Co. for Steel Structures (AIC)
Product: Arabian Garnet Steel Grade
Project EPC Contractor: Shandong Tiejun Electric Power Engineering Co. Ltd.

Background

Arabian International Co. for Steel Structures (AIC) is a leading designer, fabricator, and erector of structural steel and towers. Established in 1994, AIC has been instrumental in serving the diverse needs of projects spanning the Oil and Gas, Refining, Petrochemical, Power, Smelting, Steel, Industrial, Desalination, and Commercial and Retail sectors. With a strategic presence in Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Egypt, AIC effectively caters to the demands of the MENA region.

The Challenge

Shandong Tiejun Electric Power Engineering Co. Ltd. spearheaded the construction of the Jubail 3B Independent Water Plant (IWP) for Jazlah Water Desalination Company, a branch of ACWA Power, aiming to process 600,000 cubic meters of seawater daily. This monumental initiative featured four massive water storage tanks, each holding 150,000 cubic meters, standing at 106 meters in diameter and 18 meters in height. AIC Steel's remarkable engineering achievement facilitated the creation of these expansive structures. The project's unique challenge lay in finding a high-performance abrasive that could ensure superior surface finishes while strictly complying with rigorous environmental standards, emphasizing the commitment to sustainable water treatment and storage efficiency.

Blasting Trail

To address this challenge, a comprehensive blasting trial was conducted at the AIC SWCC site, showcasing the capabilities of Arabian Garnet Steel Grade 30-100. The trial was conducted on a flat surface, employing a 200-liter blast pot loaded with Arabian Garnet Steel Grade 30-100, with the nozzle pressure set at 98 psi.

Results

The blasting trial yielded the following impressive results:

• Average surface profile achieved: 76 microns.

• Abrasive used: 400 kg.

• Area covered: 25.7 square meters.

• Consumption: 15 kg/m².

• Surface finish: SA3.

• Corrosive salt reading: 4 mg/m².

Solution

AIC Steel's specifications required a surface profile ranging from 50 to 100 microns. As the garnet supplier, GMA's Saudi team recommended Arabian Garnet Steel Grade for its outstanding blasting performance and environmental credentials. This engineered product is fully compliant with ISO requirements for almandine garnet, guaranteeing consistent quality and performance. Arabian Garnet Steel Grade surpassed all expectations during the blasting trial, meeting the stringent surface preparation parameters with ease. This abrasive not only achieved a superior surface finish but also exhibited exceptional efficiency with its low consumption rate.

Conclusion

Arabian Garnet Steel Grade stands out as a premium abrasive, excelling in the most demanding blasting applications. Its adherence to ISO standards ensures unwavering quality, while its eco-friendly attributes make it the responsible choice for contractors. 

Call in an Expert

Consult an expert in your planning stage of your project to obtain the right garnet blasting media for your desired profile. This can result in increasing blasting rates by more than 10% and reducing the volume of abrasive used by up to 10%, resulting in shorter project times and lower cost.

Ready to begin? Talk to a GMA expert about the abrasive that's right for your application.