Duplex Stainless Steel Page 1

Duplex stainless steels

Typically twice the yield of austenitic stainless steels. Minimum Specified UTS typically
680 to 750N/mm2 (98.6 to 108ksi). Elongation typically > 25%.

Superior corrosion resistance than a 316. Good Resistance to stress corrosion cracking in a
chloride environment.

Duplex materials have improved over the last decade; further additions of Nitrogen have
been made improving weldability.

Because of the complex nature of this material it is important that it is sourced from good
quality steel mills and is properly solution annealed. Castings and possibly thick sections
may not cool fast when annealed causing sigma and other deleterious phases to form.

The material work hardens if cold formed; even the strain produced from welding can work
harden the material particularly in multi pass welding. Therefore a full solution anneal is
advantageous, particularly if low service temperatures are foreseen.

The high strength of this material can make joint fit up difficult.

Usable temperature range restricted to, -50 to 280C

Used in Oil & Natural Gas production, chemical plants etc.

Standard Duplex
S31803 22Cr 5Ni 2.8Mo 0.15N PREn = 32-33

Super Duplex: Stronger and more corrosion resistant than standard duplex.
S32760(Zeron 100) 25Cr 7.5Ni 3.5Mo 0.23N PREn = 40

Micro Of Standard Duplex

Dark Areas:- Ferrite

Light Areas:- Austenite

Duplex solidifies initially as ferrite, then transforms on further cooling to a matrix of ferrite
and austenite. In modern raw material the balance should be 50/50 for optimum corrosion
resistance, particularly resistance to stress corrosion cracking. However the materials
strength is not significantly effected by the ferrite / austenite phase balance.

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The main problem with Duplex is that it very easily forms brittle intermetalic phases, such as
Sigma, Chi and Alpha Prime. These phases can form rapidly, typically 100 seconds at 900
C. However shorter exposure has been known to cause a drop in toughness, this has been
attribute to the formation of sigma on a microscopic scale.
Prolonged heating in the range 350 to 550C can cause 475C temper embrittlement.
For this reason the maximum recommended service temperature for duplex is about 280C.

Sigma (55Fe 45Cr) can be a major problem when welding thin walled small bore pipe made
of super duplex, although it can occur in thicker sections. It tends to be found in the bulk of
the material rather than at the surface, therefore it probably has more effect on toughness than
corrosion resistance. Sigma can also occur in thick sections, such as castings that have not
been properly solution annealed (Not cooled fast enough).

However most standards accept that deleterious phases, such as sigma, chi and laves, may be
tolerated if the strength and corrosion resistance are satisfactory.

Nitrogen is a strong austenite former and largely responsible for the balance between ferrite
and austenite phases and the materials superior corrosion resistance. Nitrogen cant be added
to filler metal, as it does not transfer across the arc. It can also be lost from molten parent
metal during welding. Its loss can lead to high ferrite and reduced corrosion resistance.
Nitrogen can be added to the shielding gas and backing gas, Up to about 10%; however this
makes welding difficult as it can cause porosity and contamination of the Tungsten electrode
unless the correct welding technique is used. Too much Nitrogen will form a layer of
Austenite on the weld surface. In my experience most duplex and super duplex are TIG
welded using pure argon.

Backing / purge gas should contain less than 25ppm Oxygen for optimum corrosion
resistance.

Fast cooling from molten will promote the formation of ferrite, slow cooling will promote
austenite. During welding fast cooling is most likely, therefore welding consumables usually
contain up to 2 - 4% extra Nickel to promote austenite formation in the weld. Duplex should
never be welded without filler metal, as this will promote excessive ferrite, unless the welded
component is solution annealed. Acceptable phase balance is usually 30 70% Ferrite

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Duplex welding consumables are suitable for joining duplex to austenitic stainless steel or
carbon steel; they can also be used for corrosion resistant overlays. Nickel based welding
consumables can be used but the weld strength will not be as good as the parent metal,
particularly on super duplex.

Low levels of austenite: - Poor toughness and general corrosion resistance.

High levels of austenite: - Some Reduction in strength and reduced resistance to stress
corrosion cracking.

Good impact test results are a good indication that the material has been successfully
welded. The parent metal usually exceeds 200J. The ductile to brittle transition temperature
is about 50C. The transition is not as steep as that of carbon steel and depends on the
welding process used. Flux protected processes, such as MMA; tend to have a steeper
transition curve and lower toughness. Multi run welds tend to promote austenite and thus
exhibit higher toughness

Tight controls and the use of arc monitors are recommended during welding and automatic or
mechanised welding is preferred. Repair welding can seriously affect corrosion resistance
and toughness; therefore any repairs should follow specially developed procedures. See
BS4515 Part 2 for details.

Production control test plates are recommended for all critical poduction welds.

Welding procedures should be supplemented by additional tests, depending on the

application and the requirements of any application code:-

A ferrite count using a Ferro scope is probably the most popular. For best accuracy the
ferrite count should be performed manually and include a check for deleterious phases.

Good impact test results are also a good indication of a successful welding procedure
and are mandatory in BS4515 Part 2.

A corrosion test, such as the G48 test, is highly recommended. The test may not model
the exact service corrosion environment, but gives a good qualative assessment of the
welds general corrosion resistance; this gives a good indication that the welding
method is satisfactory. G48 test temperature for standard duplex is typically 22C, for
super duplex 35C

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 Duplex Stainless Steel Page 4

Typical Welding Procedure For Zeron 100 (Super Duplex)

Pipe 60mm Od x 4mm Thick Position 6G

Maximum Interpass 100C Temperature at the end of welding < 250C

1.6mm Filler Wire 85 amps 2 weld runs (Root and Cap)

Arc energy 1 to 1,5 KJ/mm Travel speed 0.75 to 1 mm/sec

Recommended Testing

1. Ferric Chloride Pitting Test To ASTM G48 : Method A

2. Chemical analysis of root
3. Ferrite count

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Last Modified 19 March 2002

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