Early in 2002, Advanced Metals International supplied super duplex steel AMINOX R 255 strands to replace corroded Type 316 strands used to support flumes in leisure complexes at Clydebank and Dumbarton in Scotland. These 6mm and 8mm diameter 1×19 strands in 25% chromium duplex stainless steel (Pitting Resistance Equivalent >40), with matching composition fittings, have now remained corrosion-free for over two years. In the same aggressive pool environment some wires from Type 316 strands had corroded so severely that they broke when the flume supports were dismantled after only two years’ service. Strands in super duplex steel offer an ideal material selection for support of safety critical equipment such as flumes and ducting systems due to their high resistance to pitting/crevice corrosion and stress corrosion cracking. This is combined with high mechanical strength, giving scope to use smaller strand diameters and associated fittings. Freedom from corrosion provides the benefit of no mechanical property degradation and retention of good aesthetic appeal.
