Tag: duplex stainless steel

What is duplex stainless steel?

Duplex stainless steel is a type of stainless steel that contains a microstructure of both austenite and ferrite. Austenite and ferrite are two different crystal structures that form when stainless steel is cooled from high temperatures. What makes duplex steel unique is that it combines the benefits of both austenite and ferrite structures. Austenite provides good corrosion resistance and ductility, while ferrite offers higher strength and stress corrosion cracking resistance. This combination of properties makes duplex stainless steel well-suited for applications in environments where both corrosion resistance and strength are important, such as in chemical processing, oil and gas, and marine industries.

Duplex stainles steel advantages

Duplex stainless steel offers several advantages due to its unique microstructure and combination of properties. Some of the key advantages include:

  • Corrosion and stress corrosion cracking resistance
  • Strength
  • Abrasion and erosion resistance
  • Good weldability
  • High thermal conductivity

The advantages of duplex stainless steel make it a preferred choice in situations where a balance between corrosion resistance, strength, and other mechanical properties is required for optimal performance and durability. Below you can find a selection of articles related to austenitic stainless steels.

World’s largest kraftliner machine installed in Obbola, Sweden

World’s largest kraftliner machine installed in Obbola, Sweden

Stainless steel is popular compared to other metals, its valuable characteristics, resistance to different kinds of liquid, chemical and gaseous corrosion.
The elegant structure was shipped from Europe to the US West Coast in three parts and welded together on site. The surface undulations contribute to stiffening the structure. Image courtesy of Joris Laarman.

Printing a stainless steel dragon

Not only do they have their use in highly technical applications; sometimes these structures can take the shape of beautiful art.
Two duplex stainless steel storage tanks for Bakelite

Two duplex stainless steel storage tanks for Bakelite

Bakelite Synthetics is a manufacturer of innovative synthetic materials, including the production of formaldehyde. Amongst other things, this substance is used in the production...
The petrochemical market is expanding rapidly – but at what cost to the environment?

The petrochemical market is expanding rapidly – but at what cost...

There's a growing demand for (petro)chemical products. But progress on reducing an environmental footprint is a major challenge.
diary factory in Tirau

A vibrant stainless steel market: an interview with the New Zealand...

Executive Director of the NZSSDA, Paul Gapper, spoke to Stainless Steel World about the evolving role of the association and the vibrant stainless community...
Baker Hughes Masoneilan delivers API control valves

Baker Hughes Masoneilan delivers API control valves

In 2022, Baker Hughes Masoneilan won a critical API control valve package for the Mero-3 offshore FPSO project. Shipped in Jan 2023, these severe...

Sverdrup Steel Duplex footbridges highlight versatility of lean duplex

Sverdrup and Fabtech have used lean duplex to create a footbridge, to save on lifecycle cost, maintenance, and overall weight
The welding characteristics of stainless steels

The welding characteristics of stainless steels

Stainless steels are highly weldable, both to stainless alloys and other metals. This article discusses the weldability of the different categories.
LNG under pressure from high prices and demand

LNG under pressure from high prices and demand

Several factors are driving up the price of natural gas and stimulating demand for LNG. The demand for LNG continues to grow.

What is the maximum operating temperature for duplex stainless steel?

Most users know that at above 250 °C, duplex grades can be affected by embrittlement caused by spinodal decomposition.

Applications of duplex stainless steel

Duplex stainless steel is used in various industries, where it unique combination of properties addresses specific challanges and requirements. Some common applications include:

  • Chemical and Petrochemical Industry: Duplex stainless steel is widely used in chemical processing equipment, such as reactors, heat exchangers, and pipelines, where it provides excellent resistance to corrosive chemicals and high temperatures.
  • Oil and Gas Industry: It is used in offshore and onshore oil and gas platforms, subsea pipelines, and equipment due to its resistance to chloride-induced corrosion, stress corrosion cracking, and high strength properties.
  • Heat Exchangers: Its good thermal conductivity and corrosion resistance make it suitable for heat exchangers used in various industries, including chemical, petrochemical, and HVAC.
  • Water Treatment: It is used in water treatment plants for components like tanks, piping, and valves that come into contact with chemically aggressive water and treatment chemicals.
  • Medical and Pharmaceutical Equipment: Duplex stainless steel is used in medical devices and pharmaceutical equipment that require both corrosion resistance and ease of sterilization.
  • Automotive Industry: Some high-performance exhaust systems and components use duplex stainless steel due to its ability to withstand high temperatures and corrosive gases.
  • Desalination Plants: Duplex stainless steel is suitable for desalination plants where it can withstand the aggressive seawater environment and corrosive chemicals used in the desalination process.