Xingcheng Special Steel, in collaboration with China Water Resources and Hydropower Engineering Bureau No. 8 and Huadian Zhengzhou Mechanical Design and Research Institute, recently convened a technical review meeting in Yueyang, Hunan Province, to evaluate the results of simulated engineering application tests for 1000 MPa-grade high-strength steel plates (XC950CF steel plates) used in hydropower projects. The meeting assembled an expert review panel comprising authoritative specialists from institutions including China Yajiang and Wuhan University.

Xingcheng Special Steel provided a comprehensive report on the simulated engineering application tests, technical specifications, and product performance of XC950CF steel plates. After reviewing the report and relevant technical documentation, the expert panel conducted inquiries and discussions focused on critical technical details. Concurrently, four key validation tests were performed on-site: plate rolling tests, welding procedure qualification tests, hydrostatic pressure tests, and burst tests. Results demonstrated that XC950CF steel plates exhibit outstanding cold forming and welding performance with exceptional overall characteristics. Following evaluation, the expert panel unanimously concluded that the technical documentation is complete and data is authentic and reliable. The test plan design is scientifically sound, and product performance meets engineering application requirements. The panel approved the review.

The 1000 MPa-grade high-strength steel branch pipe hydrostatic burst test conducted during the conference was also successfully completed. The test utilized a symmetrical “Y”-shaped branch pipe model scaled at 1:2.5 from an actual project. During the 14.375 MPa hydrostatic test, the measured stress distribution closely matched finite element calculations. The burst pressure reached 24.9 MPa, with the fracture occurring at the waistline weld, exhibiting ideal transverse cracking. This further validated the excellent weldability and structural safety reliability of XC950CF steel plates.

The successful completion of this review signifies that Xingcheng Special Steel holds a leading position in the technological research and development of high-end hydropower steel, providing crucial material data support for the construction of China's ultra-large-scale hydropower projects. This achievement is of positive significance for promoting the upgrading and practical application of high-end hydropower steel. Currently, Xingcheng Special Steel has achieved industrialized production of 1000 MPa grade hydropower steel plates and their supporting special welding materials, enabling it to provide customers with integrated "steel plate + welding materials" solutions.