Umbilical functionality is critical to proper operation of subsea production systems, and for this reason it is important to properly select materials and corrosion protection options for this service. In this regard, specimens of a chromium-manganese-nickel duplex stainless steel (UNS S32001) in the normal, welded, and crevice conditions were exposed freely corroding and cathodically polarized for up to 413 days in natural sea water environments that were intended to simulate umbilical service. The results of these exposures are presented, and projections are made regarding appropriateness of this material for umbilical service.
Keywords : umbilical, duplex stainless steel, cathodic protection, deep sea water, deep sea mud.