IJSRD - International Journal for Scientific Research & Development| Vol.
1, Issue 4, 2013 | ISSN (online): 2321-0613
Welding of Duplex Stainless Steel
Jatandeep Singh1 Nishant Goswami2
1,2
Department of Manufacturing Processes and Automation Engineering
1,2
Netaji Subhas Institute of Technology, Dwarka, New Delhi, India
Abstract— Duplex stainless steels are unrivalled in a large metal chemistry, welding process and thermal history of the
number of applications in the temperature range -50°C to steel. Experience coupled with testing has shown that DSS
250°C where a combination of corrosion resistance and have optimal corrosion resistance and mechanical properties
mechanical strength is required. The key to the unique when 35-60% ferrite content is maintained in the weld
properties is the duplex structure and the synergistic deposit. [3]
interaction between the two phases. Duplex stainless steels
(DSS) have somewhat different welding requirements than II. METALLURGY
those of the more familiar austenitic stainless steels. They The iron-chromium-nickel ternary phase diagram is a
also provide high immunity to stress corrosion cracking roadmap of the metallurgical behavior of the DSS. The
(SCC). The purpose of this paper is to give an overview of usefulness of a phase diagram is illustrated by an isopleths
welding of DSS. The discussion includes the importance of diagram computed using Thermocalc5 for Cr-7Ni-4Mo-
balancing ferrite to austenite, reducing formation of 0.28N using chromium as a variable (Fig 1). The
deleterious intermetallic and non-metallic phases, effect of composition of SAF 2507 is indicated by a broken vertical
hydrogen on duplex stainless steel and measuring ferrite line. At first, the steel solidifies ferritically, after which
contents. [1] austenite is formed until, below about 1300°C, an entirely
Keywords: Duplex stainless steel, Metallurgy, Precipitation duplex structure is formed. As the phase fractions of ferrite
mechanism, GTAW, GMAW and austenite may be calculated the relative fractions can be
controlled by selecting the appropriate heat treatment
I. INTRODUCTION temperature (see Fig 2). Moreover, the laws of
thermodynamics can be used to control the heat treatment
Duplex stainless steels (DSSs) are characterized by a two
so as to give equal pitting resistance in ferrite and austenite.
phase structure, which consists of approximately equal [8]
proportions of ferrite (BCC) and austenite (FCC), i.e. from
60/40 to 40/60 percent volume fractions of austenite/ferrite.
DSSs combine the good mechanical properties of both
austenitic and ferritic phases (high YS, UTs, work-
hardening rate and ductility), some of them (YS, UTS) still
increased by the small grain size, and progressively
improved during recent years. Moreover, DSS possess a
very good corrosion resistance. Today they are used as
structural materials in large fields of industries, such as oil
and gas, petrochemical, paper, and nuclear industries, also
replacing even progressively the more costly 300’ series
austenitic stainless steels. For many engineering
applications in the petroleum and refining industry, duplex
stainless steels (DSS) are the preferred material. Finally,
their high mechanical properties permit thickness
reductions, particularly appreciated in transportation
industries for instance. [2]
When DSS is welded incorrectly, the potential to
form detrimental intermetallics phases drastically increases
which could lead to a catastrophic failure. When comparing
DSS to SS, DSS is not as resistant as ferritic SS but more
resistant than austenitic to stress corrosion cracking (SCC);
also if compared on the parameter of toughness, DSS is
typically superior to that of ferritic SS but not as good as
austenitic SS. DSS are two phase alloys based on the Iron-
Chromium- Nickel (Fe- Cr- Ni) system. Maximum
corrosion resistance and mechanical properties for a DSS
weldment are achieved when the phase balance of ferrite to
austenite is 50:50. However, achieving a 50:50 phase
balance of ferrite to austenite (α γ) in a weldment has
proven to be difficult due to many variables such as weld
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Welding Of Duplex Stainless Steel
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By applying rule mining algorithms, frequent itemsets are content is increased. When the amount of austenite in DSS
generated from large data sets e.g. Apriori algorithm. It increases, strength will decrease while corrosion resistance
takes so much computer time to compute all frequent and susceptibility to CSCC increases. Thus, ferrite limits
itemsets. We can solve this problem much efficiently by should be used as a control measure and mentioned within
using Genetic Algorithm(GA). GA performs global search a reasonable range. Ferrite content must be carefully
and the time complexity is less compared to other controlled, whenever low temperature impact properties are
algorithms. Genetic Algorithms (GAs) are adaptive heuristic required.
search & optimization method for solving both constrained When the ferrite content exceeds approximately
and unconstrained problems based on the evolutionary ideas 60%, there will be a noticeable decrease in the ductile
of natural selection and genetic. The main aim of this work behavior and pitting resistance. To have optimum results,
is to find all the frequent itemsets from given data sets using ferrite should be within a range of 35-60 %.
genetic algorithm & compare the results generated by GA Below diagram illustrates how ferrite content affects DSS
with other algorithms. Population size, number of materials. The dotted curve represents the corrosion rate in
generation, crossover probability, and mutation probability chloride containing aqueous environments with respect to
are the parameters of GA which affect the quality of result percentage of ferrite within the material. The solid curve
and time of calculation. (The physical metallurgy of duplex represents impact energy at ambient temperatures with
stainless steels J.-O. Nilsson and G. Chai Sandvik Materials respect to the percentage of ferrite in DSS. Impact energy is
Technology, R&D Centre, S-81181 Sandviken, Sweden) at its greatest magnitude at lower ferritic levels right
Three basic categories of DSS are low-alloy, intermediate through to approximately 60% ferrite, at which point the
alloy, and highly alloyed, or Super-duplex stainless steel impact energy begins significantly to decrease.[3]
(SDSS) grades which are grouped according to their pitting
resistance equivalent number (PREN) with nitrogen. DSS-
grade 2205 and SDSS-grade 2507 are the most widely used
alloys. The rich alloy content of chromium, nickel,
molybdenum, and nitrogen that form austenite in a ferrite
matrix are attributed for the remarkable corrosion
resistance and mechanical properties of DSS. [1]
Weight
Element
Elements Percentage Alloying Characteristics
Role
(wt %)
Cr will Corrosion resistance.
Chromium Ferrite The Ferrite content increases
18 to 30 %
(Cr) former with Cr; however, too much
Cr will optimal phase balance.
Fig. 3: Corrosion rate and impact energy vs. percent
Ni influences a change in crystal
Austenite structure from ferrite to austenite. ferrite of DSS
Nickel (Ni) 4 to 8 % (Duplex stainless steel welding Best practices (Part 1)
former Ni delays the formation of
intermetallic phase. Barry Messer, Andrew Wright, Vasile Oprea. Fluor Canada
pitting corrosion resistance. Ltd., Canada)
Molybdenum Less than Ferrite Tendency to form
(Mo) 5% former detrimental intermetallic phase
if Mo content is too high. IV. DSS WELDING
N cause austenite to form from
ferrite at elevated temperatures, A. Base Material
allowing for restoration of an Since, corrosion resistance and mechanical properties of
acceptable balance of austenite to
ferrite after a rapid thermal cycle duplex alloys depend heavily on the phase balance and
in the HAZ after welding. absence of deleterious microstructures, base materials
Minimum of Austenite
Nitrogen (N)
0.14 % former
An addition of N increases pitting should be delivered in an acceptable condition. Generally,
and crevice corrosion resistance DSS are produced by the mills with a good α γ balance
and strength.
Delays the formation of that is very close to 50:50; however, the absence of harmful
intermetallic phase. intermetallic compounds or precipitates should be verified
Offsets the formation of sigma by testing. It should be noted that the test methods will not
phase in high Cr, high Mo steels. necessarily detect loses of toughness or corrosion resistance
Table (1): Importance of alloying elements of attributable to other causes. One of the good practices is
DSS that %ferrite of the base metal should be verified prior to
(Dr. Manish Samant, Mr. Kedar Godse and Dr. welding. Dissimilar metal welds (DMW) between DSS and
Manfred Rostek, February 2012, Best Practices in other materials must be evaluated case by case. Generally,
Welding of Duplex Stainless Steel, Seminar on it is possible to weld all grades of DSS to DSS, to carbon
Emerging Trends in Welding Industry.) steel (CS), to alloy steel, and to austenitic SS. In some
cases, to avoid PWHT of the final weld, it is necessary to
III. OPTIMUM (Α→Γ) BALANCE use buttering techniques. [4]
The presence of ferrite in DSS imparts the superior chloride B. Welding Process
stress corrosion cracking (CSCC) resistance and high The key for obtaining well balanced ferrite proportions
strength. It may behave similar to ferritic SS if ferrite within the base metal, weld-metal and HAZ is to perform
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Welding Of Duplex Stainless Steel
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Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS) and Procedure
Qualification Records (PQR) that address DSS welding
issues as well as all requirements and codes for weld joints
and applications. According to code requirements, a WPS
and PQR must meet only the minimum requirements
specified in the design code. In particular, heat inputs
should be well documented in the WPS and PQR, so that
welders may duplicate the original during production
welding.
Availability of consumables, economics, and
logistic considerations has a major role in deciding the
process selection than the end desired properties. As well,
it is commonly mistaken that DSS can be welded similarly
to austenitic SS. For DSS, close monitoring of the narrow
welding parameters and specific filler metals defined in the Fig. 4: Weld 1 - HAZ microstructure of cap bead.
PQR is required to maintain a balanced microstructure.
A high-volume fraction of ferrite in the high-temperature
Where exceptional low-temperature toughness is required,
region of HAZ in duplex stainless steels is not surprising,
gas-shielded processes may be specified to produce higher
but rather usual. This is due to the grain coarsening of the
weld metal toughness properties than flux-shielded ferrite taking place during the heating cycle followed by
processes. Gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW), shielded
rapid cooling, which together with the grain coarsening
metal arc welding (SMAW), submerged arc welding
may prevent austenite formation. Such high amount of
(SAW), flux cored arc welding (FCAW), gas metal arc
ferrite is considered detrimental to notch toughness and
welding (GMAW) and plasma arc welding (PAW) are
also the corrosion resistance through possible precipitation
commonly used with success for most DSS grades.
of chromium nitrides (Cr2N or CrN) in the ferrite which
Autogenous welding, such as electron-beam welding and may take place due to limited solubility of nitrogen in
laser-beam welding, is not very suitable for the welding of
ferrite.
DSS since this process creates welds with very high ferrite
We can see that weld metal yield strength is
content (as the base material contain lower Ni than filler
lower than that of the base metal. The tensile strength is
metals). In these cases, a solution annealing PWHT can
similar to that of the base metal. There is a high ferrite
restore an acceptable weld and HAZ phase balance and also
volume fraction (~1.0) in a narrow (up to 40 μm) region at
remove undesirable precipitates, provided ideal cooling the weld interface. The weld metal microstructure study
rates are followed. [5]
revealed dendrite solidification with primary and secondary
C. GMA Welding of Duplex Stainless Steel
dendrite Arms, and interdendritic regions with enrichment
Hot tapping is now a well-established technology both
in solute elements, primarily Nb and Mo.
onshore and offshore subsea in connection of branch
pipelines to production pipeline systems without stopping
production. The majority of the onshore hot taps is based
on welding the branch pipe to the pipeline with subsequent
tapping by using hydraulic drilling. The fully remote hot
tapping will be done using gas metal arc welding
(GMAW), which represents a new situation in the
Norwegian oil and gas industry.
Following diagram shows the microstructure of 2
work pieces which were tested at 12 bar (Weld 1) and 35
bar (Weld 2).
The HAZ microstructure of Weld 1 consists of
ferrite and austenite but with more ferrite than in the base
metal. Weld 2 also had similar microstructure in the HAZ,
but here there was found a 40-80 μm narrow layer at the
weld interface with only ferrite. This observation is
Fig 5: Weld 2-HAZ microstructure of cap bead.
probably linked to the welding arc restriction with
increasing chamber pressure (water depth), as the case (O. M. Akselsen, H. Fostervoll, and C. H. Ahlen,
when going from weld deposition of Weld 1 at 12 bar to Hyperbaric GMA Welding of Duplex Stainless Steel at 12
Weld 2 at 35 bar. The smaller arc area may thus, in turn, and 35 Bar, Supplement to the Welding Journal, February
cause more rapid cooling, which may be sufficient to 2009, pp.21s,26s and 28s.)
prevent austenite nucleation within a narrow band close to The decreasing solubility of these solutes during cooling
the weld interface. resulted in formation of intermetallic phases. Base metal
dilution resulted in large local variations in the weld metal
chemical composition. [1]
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Welding Of Duplex Stainless Steel
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D. Hydrogen accumulation in Duplex Stainless Steel (Influence of the gas composition on the geometry of laser-
Where hydrogen content and ferrite level, in DSS welded joints in duplex stainless steel, Branko Bauer,
weldments, are relatively high and sufficient stress is Angela Topi, Slobodan Kralj, Zoran Ko`uh)
applied, hydrogen cracking may occur. The GTAW F. Shielding gas developments for GTAW welding of
process, showed high hydrogen levels could be found in the duplex stainless steels
weld metal despite the low, hydrogen content of the
When GTAW welding is done with argon shielding gas,
consumables. One of the potential sources for weld metal
nitrogen is lost from the weld pool. This can result in a
hydrogen is moisture in the shielding gas. The moisture
ferrite-rich weld metal, with inferior corrosion resistance to
content of a gas is usually expressed as dew point
the parent metal. The loss of nitrogen from the weld pool
temperature. This dew point temperature is the temperature
appears to be due to the difference in partial pressure
where water in the gas starts to condensate.
between the nitrogen dissolved in the weld pool and the gas
The moisture content of the shielding gas was
directly above the weld pool. The partial pressure of
found to affect the weld metal hydrogen level only slightly.
nitrogen in the shielding gas, and hence the loss of nitrogen
Lower current levels were found to be associated with the
from the weld pool, can be modified by using a shielding
increased hydrogen level. The hydrogen levels were found
gas containing a proportion of nitrogen. If the proportion of
to be a function of heat input (through welding speed and
nitrogen in the shielding gas exceeds the suggested values,
current). Susceptibility to cracking was determined for a set
then the nitrogen content of the weld will increase along
of conditions believed to be most susceptible, which were
the weld length.
high ferrite, high shielding gas moisture, low current
For duplex stainless steel, with a typical nitrogen
(GMAW), high welding speed/low heat input (GTAW),
content of 0.16%, to obtain a similar nitrogen content in the
high deposited hydrogen level and an increased restraint
weld metal, the shielding gas should contain 1.0-1.2%
level.
N2.To ensure that the welders exposure to ozone is below
Hydrogen-assisted cracking becomes more relevant
the occupational exposure standard, the shielding gas
with the increase in the ferrite content in duplex stainless
should contain a proportion of helium. These results have
steel. The austenite in duplex structure acts as a barrier to
been used to formulate shielding gas mixtures for
hydrogen escape. As austenite forms first at the grain
commercial use: For duplex stainless steel, there is Duplex
boundaries of the original ferrite and envelopes the primary
shielding gas, containing (Ar-20% He-1.1% N2).[17]
ferrite, the hydrogen present gets trapped within the ferrite
and hydrogen diffusion is limited. When plastic G. Filler Metal Selection
deformation occurs in this situation, active hydrogen at the Welding consumables for DSS are similar in composition to
deformed austenite/ferrite interface may cause hydrogen that of the base material, with exception that the
cracking. Hydrogen in weld metal appeared to be more consumables do require nitrogen and higher levels of nickel
dependent on welding procedure rather than moisture to ensure an appropriate phase balance in the deposited weld
content of the shielding gases investigated, or by hydrogen metal. A nitrogen addition in filler metals, 0.14-0.20% N,
initially present in GTA or GMA consumables.[8, 19] helps to prevent the formation of σ phases. Increased
E. Shielding and Backing Gas addition of Ni promotes a change in crystal structure from
ferrite to austenite and also delays the formations of
Pure argon (Ar) shielding and backing gases create
intermetallic phases. It is important that the Cr-content of
weldments with sufficient corrosion resistance. However,
the deposited filler metal, provides a close match of the base
Nitrogen loss is not uncommon resistance of the weld, it is
metal. DSS and SDSS may be welded with a DSS/SDSS
beneficial to have additions of 1-2% Nitrogen in the AR
filler metal that is alloyed with higher amounts of Ni or,
shielding and 90% Nitrogen with 10% Hydrogen (H) in the
alternatively, they could be welded with a fully austenitic
backing gas. Nitrogen contents above 2% in the shielding
Ni- alloy filler metal. [10]
gas can cause degradation of the tungsten electrode for
GTAW processes. The addition of Hydrogen to the
shielding may cause Hydrogen absorption in the weld, thus
it is not recommended. Since DSS have relatively high
chromium contents and relatively low thermal expansion,
an oxide scale appearing as an oxide tint is produced during
welding, which is typically thin and difficult to remove.
The appearance and amount of heat-tint produced during
welding can be minimized with low levels of oxygen
(below 0.25%) in the shielding and backing gases. [9]
Process Gas Types
GTAW 99.996%Ar; Ar+2%N2
Ar+1% O2; Ar+30% He+1% O2; Ar+2%
GMAW
CO2; Ar+15% He+2% CO2
FCAW Ar+1%O2; Ar+20%CO2; Ar+2%CO2
PAW 99.996%Ar
Table 2: Shielding gases suitable for the various gas
shielded processes
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Welding Of Duplex Stainless Steel
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V. THERMAL HISTORY enough to prevent the formation of intermetallic phases and
deleterious microstructures. DSS is rendered susceptible to
A. Preheat and Interpass Temperatures
embrittlement and loss of mechanical properties, particularly
DSS should be void of moisture prior to welding and to toughness, through prolonged exposure at elevated
remove moisture, preheating to a maximum of 75°C may be temperatures, due to its high alloy content and the presence
applied. However, in some cases base metal should be of a ferritic matrix. As cooling proceeds to lower
allowed to cool to room temperature prior to welding. temperatures in the range of 475-955°C for short periods of
Generally, preheating is not recommended immediately time the precipitation of carbides, nitrides and intermetallic
prior to welding as it may negatively affect cooling rates phases, all of which can be detrimental, will occur. The most
required to achieve optimal phase balance.[3] notable phases are alpha prime (α’), Sigma (σ), chi (ϰ), and
Heat input is a secondary factor relative to weld Laves (η) phases. For this reason, DSS are generally not
metal composition in controlling the Ferrite/ Austenite phase used at temperatures above 315°C. Cooling provided by the
balance. Dilution and heat input from the dissimilar base work piece itself is the most effective method of reducing
metal had little or no effect on the mechanical properties. the time that the HAZ is in the temperature range formation
“Interpass temperature” refers to the temperature of the of these intermetallic phases.[3]
material in the weld area immediately before the second and
each subsequent pass of a multiple pass weld. The
maximum recommended interpass temperature should not
exceed 150°C for DSS alloys and 100°C for SDSS alloys
throughout welding operations. Excessive interpass
temperatures can cause embrittlement and low impact values
in the root region.[18]
B. Heat Affected Zone (HAZ)
The HAZ is the area of base metal which has had its
microstructure and properties altered by welding or heat
intensive cutting operations, i.e. by inducing intensive heat
into the metal. The HAZ should have corrosion resistance
and impact toughness comparable to the base material
minimum requirements. Due to the low heat input welding Fig. 5: DSS Micrograph at 200X
processes and the higher thermal conductivity of the (Duplex stainless steel welding. Best practices (Part 1) Barry
material, DSS and SDSS exhibit a narrow-HAZ, in Messer, Andrew Wright, Vasile Opera. Fluor Canada Ltd.,
comparison to austenitic-SS. If the heat input is too low, this Canada.)
will result in a weld that is predominantly ferritic and will Duplex Stainless Steel
not have the same characteristics as the base metal.[1, 13] °C
Solidification range 1470 to 1380
C. Post-Weld Heat Treatment (PWHT) Scaling temperature in air 1000
PWHT of DSS is generally not required but may be Sigma phase formation 700 to 950
necessary when detrimental amounts of intermetallic phases Carbide Precipitation 450 to 800
475C/ 885F embrittlement 300 to 525
have formed. To maintain the corrosive resistance, post
Table 4: Typical precipitation temperature for DSS
weld cleaning is required.
The corrosion properties in post weld heat treated (Practical Guidelines for the Fabrication of Duplex Stainless
duplex stainless steel are related not only to the presence of Steel, Second Edition 2009, Published by the International
the secondary austenite but also to its morphology, which in Molybdenum Association (IMOA), London, U.K)
turn depends on the heat treatment parameters. A coarse D. Ferrite measurement
secondary austenite induces better corrosion properties
compared to the finer one. If Induction heat treatment is At present, the absolute ferrite content in weld metal cannot
carried out, a significant thermal gradient may arise across be estimated as no such experimental methods are available,
the thickness of the weld so that different corrosion either destructive or non-destructive. This situation has led
properties may be found across the thickness of the joint. [6] to the development and use, internationally, of the concept
Precipitation Mechanisms of a “ferrite number: (FN). So, the ferrite content of a weld
DSS alloys solidify primarily as ferrite at metal is described by the FN which is determined using a
approximately 1425°C and partially transform to austenite at standardized procedure. FN is approximately equivalent to
lower temperature by a solid state reaction. Optimum phase the weight percentage ferrite content, particularly at low FN
balance of a DSS is shown in Fig. 5. The light globules in values. The most common methods to measure ferrite
the dark body are unattached austenitic grains within the content of DSS are point count method (PCM) and an
etched ferritic matrix respectively. Very little ferrite electromagnetic measuring device (EMD), both governed by
transforms to austenite, if the cooling rate is rapid, which ASTM E562. The PCM, a more time consuming but more
results in an excessive ferrite phase at room temperature. accurate method, is best to verify the consistency of
Consequently, the cooling rate of duplex welds must be balanced α γ during →PS and PQR development, but it is
slow enough to allow the transformation of approximately a destructive test. The EMD is a preferred method for
50% of the ferrite to austenite and, at the same time, fast
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verifying the austenite to ferrite ratio of production welds as carbides, nitrides and intermetallic phases, which can be
it is a non-destructive test.[15, 1] detrimental, will begin to form in short periods of time in
Rise in heat input and dilution, causes FN to decrease, in the range of 475-955°C. For this reason DSS should not be
Duplex stainless steel. It decreases with a rise in welding used at temperature above 280°C, hence usable temperature
current and welding speed and increases with a decrease in range is -50 to 280°C. It has superior corrosion resistance
welding gun angle and rise in tip–to-workpiece distance. than SS316 and good resistance to stress corrosion cracking
When the welding current is low, a decrease in welding gun in a chloride environment. Super Duplex Stainless steel is
angle increases the FN and when the welding current is stronger and more corrosion resistant than DSS. Optimum
high, a decrease in welding gun angle decreases the FN DSS welds depend on multiple factors such as engineering
slightly. Similarly when the welding speed is high, a design, material selection, pre/post-weld cleaning, joint
decrease in welding gun angle increases the FN and when preparation and most importantly, choice of a suitable
the welding speed is low, a decrease in the welding gun welding process.[1]
angle decreases the FN slightly.[16]
REFERENCES
VI. APPLICATIONS OF DUPLEX STAINLESS STEEL [1] Dr. Manish Samant, Mr. Kedar Godse and Dr. Manfred
DSS’s good corrosion resistance and mechanical properties Rostek, Best Practices in Welding of Duplex Stainless
make it an ideal material for many applications. Duplex, Steel, Seminar on Emerging Trends in Welding
Super Duplex and Hyper-duplex stainless steels are Industry,pp.38-46, February 2012.
increasingly regarded as attractive alternatives to other kinds [2] Alvarez-Armas, A. F. Armas and S. Degallaix- Moreuil,
of stainless steels, in terms of both cost and durability. As a Strain heterogeneities between phases in a duplex
result, it is expected that the market will grow by 20% per stainless steel. ScienceDirect, pp.2230, March 2010.
year. Due to the very fine-grained structure, nitrogen [3] Barry Messer, Andrew Wright, and Vasile Oprea,
alloying, and ferrite/austenite mixture, combination of high Duplex stainless steel welding , Best practices (Part 1).
corrosion resistance, high mechanical strength (leading to Stainless Steel World, November 2007, Fluor Canada
weight reduction) and good weld ability, DSSs is preferred Ltd., Canada
as fabrication material for many applications. DSSs may be [4] Bonnefois B., Charles J., Dupoiron F., and Soulignac, P.
used in many corrosive environments within the temperature 1991. How to predict welding properties of duplex
range of approx. -50°C to less than 280°C. It was observed stainless steels. Proc. Duplex Stainless Steels '91,
that heat exchangers are by far the most critical piece of Beaune, Bourgogne, France, Vol.1, pp.347-361.
equipment and that DSS in most cases are chosen as the first [5] Dakhlaoui R., Baczmanski A., Braham C., Wronski S.,
countermeasure to combat this form of corrosion. As regards Wierzbanowski K., and Oliver EC. Effect of residual
pitting corrosion resistance, duplex alloys are as resistant as stresses on individual phase, mechanical properties of
austenitic alloys. DSS have several applications in Oil & austeno-ferritic duplex stainless steel. Acta Mater 2006;
Gas, Chemical industry, Pulp & Paper industry, Water 54:5027-5039.
systems, desalination plants, Pollution control equipment, [6] P. Ferro, A. Tiziani, and F. Bonollo, Influence of
Chemical tankers, Architecture, Automotive Applications Induction and Furnace Postweld Heat Treatment on
Biofuels.[14, 12] Corrosion Properties of SAF 2205 (UNS 31803), Vol.
87, Welding Research, pp.306s, December 2008.
VII. CONCLUSIONS [7] O. M. Akselsen, H. Fostervoll, And C. H. Ahlen,
Castings and possibly thick sections may not cool fast when Hyperbaric GMA Welding of Duplex Stainless Steel at
annealed causing sigma and other deleterious phases to 12 and 35 Bar, Supplement to the Welding Journal,
form. A full solution annealing is advantageous, particularly pp.21s, 26s and 28s, February 2009.
if low service temperatures are foreseen. Strength of DSS is [8] Gunn, R. N. 1997. Hydrogen cracking of duplex stainless
typically twice the yield of austenitic stainless steels. steel multipass weldments. Technical note from Group
Minimum Specified UTS, typically 680 to 750N/mm2 and Sponsored Project 5669 TWI.
Elongation, typically > 25%. Good corrosion resistance and [9] Branko Bauer, Angela Topi, Slobodan Kralj and Zoran
mechanical properties of DSS are the result of well crafted Ko`uh. Influence of the gas composition on the
WPS/PQR that define heat inputs and cooling rates to geometry of laser-welded joints in duplex stainless
achieve weldments with optimum ferrite to austenite steel.
balance. The superior CSCC resistance and high strength is [10] Claes-Ove Pettersson and Sven-Åke Fager. Welding
attributed to the presence of ferrite in DSS. On the other practice for the Sandvik duplex stainless steels SAF
hand, austenite in DSS imparts the high aqueous corrosion 2304, SAF 2205 and SAF 2507. AB Sandvik Steel, S-
resistance and low temperature impact toughness. The 811 81 Sandviken, Sweden.
recommended phase balance of DSS and SDSS should [11] J.-O. Nilsson and G. Chai, The physical metallurgy of
contain 40-60% ferrite in the base metal and 35-60% ferrite duplex stainless steels, Sandvik Materials Technology,
in the weld metal. R&D Centre, S-81181 Sandviken, Sweden.
Special consideration must be given to the [12] J. R. Davis, Corrosion of Weldments: ASM
narrow-HAZ. It is essential to have a discontinuous fine Internationals; Materials Park, OH 44073-002.
grain microstructure of ferrite and austenite in the narrow [13] Ramirez, A. J., Brandi, S. D., and Lippold, J. C. 2004.
region. The high amounts of alloying elements give way to Secondary austenite and chromium nitride precipitation
complex precipitation behavior in DSS. The formation of in simulated heat affected zones of duplex stainless
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steels. Science and Technology of Welding and Joining
9(4).
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