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 280°C

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.
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 550°C can cause 475°C temper embrittlement.
For this reason the maximum recommended service temperature for duplex is about
280°C.

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
can’t 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

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 –50°C. 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 production 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 22°C, for super duplex 35°C

Typical Welding Procedure For Zeron 100 (Super Duplex)

Pipe 60mm Od x 4mm Thick Position 6G

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

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