Choose the Right Steel Plate for Galvanizing & Pickling Tanks
When it comes to fabricating tanks for galvanizing, pickling, or chemical storage, the debate between Dead Soft Quality (DSQ) plates and High Tensile Steel Plates is common. While high tensile plates are known for their strength, DSQ plates offer unmatched bendability, formability, and weld-ability – especially critical for acidic environments and large formed tanks.
If you’re building tanks where precision bending, leak-proof welding, and acid compatibility are key, DSQ plates are the industry-preferred material—especially in manual or press-formed manufacturing setups.
Applications Where DSQ Wins
Why Fabricators Prefer DSQ in Specific Tank Projects
- Pickling Line Tanks – Acid tanks using HCl, H₂SO₄ need ductile material. DSQ prevents micro-cracks during forming.
- Galvanizing Plants – DSQ allows curved ducting, drain tanks, and kettles to be formed without splitting
- Chemical Storage – For non-pressurized, acidic environments, DSQ plates can be shaped into square, cylindrical, or custom tanks
- Acid Ducting & Reactors – Cold-forming and roll bending of DSQ ensure leakproof joints and no stress failures
Unlike high tensile grades (like E350/E410), DSQ doesn’t harden during cold forming—eliminating cracking and brittleness.
Mechanical Comparison: DSQ vs High Tensile Plates
| Property | DSQ Plate (IS 8917) | High Tensile Plate (e.g., IS 2062 E350) |
|---|---|---|
| Yield Strength (Min) | ~ 240 MPa | 350–450 MPa |
| Elongation % | >30% | ~17–22% |
| Cold Formability | Excellent (press bendable) | Moderate (limited bending radius) |
| Weldability | Excellent | Good |
| Toughness in Acidic Media | High | Moderate |
| Suitability for Formed Tanks | ✅ Best | ❌ Not Recommended |
Bottom Line:
Choose DSQ for formability, ductility, and acid compatibility. Choose High Tensile only where load-bearing strength or structural rigidity is essential—not tank forming
Why DSQ Is Preferred for Formed Tank Fabrication
Key Benefits in Tank Manufacturing
- No Need for Heat Bending – DSQ plates bend cold with minimal force.
- Leakproof Welds – Higher elongation prevents weld zone cracking.
- Consistent Grain Flow – Ideal for roll forming and deep draws.
- ISO & BIS Certified Material – IS 8917:1978 ensures reliability in tank-grade steel.
- Economical – No special dies or pre-heating needed, unlike high-tensile grades.
For chemical industries, DSQ offers better life, fewer reworks, and smoother tank fabrication.
Export Support & Fabrication Advice
At Hindustan Steel Corporation, we stock both HIND DSQ Plates and select high tensile plates—but for pickling lines, acid tanks, ducting, and galvanizing kettles, we recommend IS 8917 DSQ steel.
We also offer:
- Cut-to-size DSQ blanks
- Press brake consultation
- WPS/WPQR assistance
- Export to Gulf, Africa, SE Asia, and beyond