Contact us on [email protected] to request a quote
All stainless steel variants are based upon a duplex microstructure. This microstructure combines both austenitic and ferritic grains. Therefore, they could all be described as a form of duplex and offer a certain combination of anti-corrosion, mechanical and physical properties. However, because there are sufficient differences between the different grades, it is worthwhile to focus on the more standard duplex stainless steels based upon 22% chromium content.
As we’ve previously discussed, there is a subtle difference between the grades UNS S31803 (F51) and UNS S32205 (F60), although the terminology for which is often used interchangeably. For simplicity’s sake, we will use 2205 or duplex as shorthand.
The Pitting Resistance Equivalent Number (PREN) is a quick reference to the corrosion resistance of stainless steels and other corrosion-resistant alloys (CRA). For 2205 it is 34, which is a significant uplift in performance compared with 316 at 25. Increasing the chromium content from c.18% to c.22% will improve the resistance to pitting corrosion by increasing the efficacy of the passive layer that forms when the alloy is exposed to oxygen in the environment.
As a very crude ‘rule of thumb’, Alloy 316L can be used successfully in rural, urban and estuary environments, but is limited in more exposed coastal settings; 2205 duplex can be comfortably used in the estuary, marine and offshore environments. However, for applications with long-term immersion then a super duplex may be necessary.
Consequently, 2205 duplex is used in a wide range of applications where Alloy 316L is not sufficient, but the cost differential to super duplex stainless steels, super austenitic stainless steels and nickel alloys is too high.
As previously mentioned, there are some situations where 316L is not suitable or sufficient. These applications include:
Duplex alloys were actually invented with this application in mind, where various equipment items will not only be exposed to water but also the various solutions/liquors used to break down the wood pulp, process and bleach it.
This has been an increasingly significant market for 2205 duplex grades. In desalination processes, the corrosive nature of seawater will decrease during the desalination process, allowing for a range of alloys to be used along the length of the process units.
Depending upon the location, and therefore the composition of the liquid being handled, duplex alloys can be used in the extraction and energy recovery from the earth. Some locations where brine is present will require super duplex or super austenitic alloys due to the more aggressive corrosion conditions.
For a great many solutions, particularly at lower concentrations and temperatures, 2205 duplex stainless steel will give acceptable performance. It is widely used to machine the body of smaller valves and occasionally as fasteners.
Propeller drive shafts are frequently manufactured from 2205 duplex stainless steel. A ground finish is often specified to reduce fouling, plus to improve the straightness during this additional processing step. Other applications include rudders, shaft seals, pumps, bolts, fasteners, valves and instrumentation.
Within this very industry segment, it will be frequently used in applications such as pumps, valves, pipes, vessels, wellhead equipment, subsea equipment, separators and heat exchangers. Duplex grades offer excellent resistance to stress corrosion cracking (SCC) that can open up applications in more aggressive environments. This property is related to the presence of ferrite grains with a mixed microstructure.
Although Alloy 316L will be the default alloy choice for most food and drink-related facilities, 2205 duplex will be used in applications such as brewery piping, evaporators, hot liquor tanks and presses where the temperature is higher, or the solution more aggressive, or the strength requirements greater.
Although most of the above applications have focused on the increased corrosion resistance, for load-bearing applications such as pedestrian footbridges, the additional strength of 2205 duplex is of benefit.
For this application, the additional strength (>50%) compared with Alloy 316L goes a long way to mitigate the additional cost of this grade with the higher alloy content. It can provide the same structural performance from a lighter section, reducing the amount of metal needed as well as reduce the size of supporting structures.
Langley Alloys stocks 2205 (SAF2205, Sanmac 2205, 1.4462, UNS S31803, UNS 32205, F51, F60) duplex stainless steels as solid bars, hollow bars, plates and pipes.
Solid bars are available ex-stock from ½” to > 16” diameter, whilst plate is available from our Portland USA warehouse at up to 1” thick.
For more information about our range of Duplex Stainless Steels, Hollow Bars, or any of our other products, get in contact with Langley Alloys today.
Worldwide Delivery Available
We can offer air, sea and road freight shipping options, with choice of packaging, to deliver to customers globally.
Inventory Management
Let us manage your total material requirements with call-off and consignment arrangements.
Up to 40 sizes per alloy available
More sizes equal less machining and a more cost-effective supply chain.
