51314-4345-Availability and Economics of Using Duplex Stainless Steels

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Product Number: 51314-4345-SG

ISBN: 4345 2014 CP

Author: Zachary Schulz

Publication Date: 2014

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Cost availability and performance are all driving factors in material selection. Duplex stainless steels have long been a point of interest to the pulp and paper industry and biomass conversion due to lean alloying elements and good corrosion resistance. The caution using duplex stainless steels is understanding the relative price compared to similar austenitic alloys and the realistic availability. This paper reviews decisions that need to be made when considering a duplex stainless steel in today’s market. As nickel prices rise and fall the relative cost savings may be large and or insignificant depending on surcharges at the time material is ordered. Other factors such as availability can also be a hindrance. Lean duplex stainless steel have been successful in replacing 300 series austenitic stainless in storage tanks where the only product forms used are plate and weld wire. In plate there are many lean duplex steels to choose from that are readily available from both distribution and mill delivery. In contrast a piping system or heat exchanger may not be as easy or economical to switch from a 300 series austenitic to a duplex. In situations where certain product forms are not available a combination of lean duplex and 2205 duplex are used. This story of supply and demand is not a new phenomenon. Even 2205 duplex was once a “new” grade but is now readily available from many suppliers in nearly every product form at an economical price. Lean duplex stainless steels are still catching up. Some positive experiences are when an end user finds a need (demand) and works with a supplier to develop the product and increase availability (supply). These are growing pains that need to be understood or users will either waste money or never develop new products.