Hyundai Steel, South Korea's first ever steel manufacturer and a global leader in high-performance steel materials, has strengthened its presence in the global nuclear materials market by winning internationally recognized ASME certification.
Hyundai Steel has has been awarded the Quality System Certificates for Nuclear Material Organization (QSC) from the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) for rebar, section steel, and thick plates.
The ASME QSC is a global certification system that assesses the quality assurance system associated with materials and components utilized in nuclear power plants and related industries. ASME confers this certification following a rigorous examination to confirm that the supplier's material and quality management system adhere to the safety standards prevalent within the nuclear sector.
“This certification is a global recognition that Hyundai Steel’s products meet the stringent quality standards required by the global nuclear industry."
Hyundai Steel spokesman.
“This certification is a global recognition that Hyundai Steel’s products meet the stringent quality standards required by the global nuclear industry,” said a company spokesperson.
Hyundai Steel anticipates that ASME recognition will enhance the Hyundai Steel brand in the global market, as it signifies that the company has established itself among leading steelmakers worldwide.
Hyundai Steel is embarking on a significant venture into the SNR market – or small nuclear reactors – in collaboration with its technological partner. The recent certification obtained will enable it to provide materials for the SMR sector, which has gained increasing recognition and importance in the global nuclear industry.
According to Hyundai, SNRs offer increased cost-efficiency and reliability by integrating and modularizing the primary components of conventional large reactors.
The certification review was conducted to enable the supply of thick plates for the containment vessels of SNRs, specifically for a project involving an American SNR company in which Hyundai Steel’s technological partner is engaged.
Hyundai Steel claims it is poised to enhance its supply capabilities for SNR materials, both domestically and internationally, combining strengths with its strategic partners.
In addition to SNRs, Hyundai Steel wants to advance its contributions to the nuclear energy sector by supplying high-quality steel materials for nuclear power plant projects, including conventional nuclear reactors.
Since 2006, Hyundai Steel has provided materials to several prominent domestic nuclear power facilities, including Shin-Kori Units 1 and 2, Shin-Wolsong Units 1 and 2, and Shin-Kori Units 5 and 6. The has company gained valuable international experience with its participation in the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant project in the United Arab Emirates in 2011.
Hyundai plans to continuously enhance its certification qualifications by improving its quality management system and responding to regular audits. The company aims to position itself as a trusted partner in the global nuclear steel market.
An official from Hyundai Steel commented, “Achieving ASME QSC demonstrates that our nuclear products are on track to attain exceptional quality. We are dedicated to leading the supply of the highest quality nuclear steel that can be relied upon for safety, by implementing rigorous quality management practices and fostering continuous technological advancements.”