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Introduction
Pitting resistance equivalent numbers (PREN) are a theoretical way of comparing the pitting corrosion resistance of
various types of stainless steels, based on their chemical compositions.
The PREN (or PRE) numbers are useful for ranking and comparing the different grades, but cannot be used to predict
whether a particular grade will be suitable for a given application, where pitting corrosion may be a hazard.
Actual or specified range compositions can be used and usually involve chromium, molybdenum and nitrogen in the
calculations. Tungsten also appears in some versions of the calculation.
In some industries, notably the oil and gas sector, specifications may place tighter restrictions on the PREN for specific
grades than that implied by the minimum composition of the grade defined in EN or ASTM Standards.
Type
Cr
Mo
PREN
Ferritics
1.4003
10.5-12.5
NS
0.030 max
10.5-12.5
1.4016
430
16.0-18.0
NS
NS
16.0-18.0
1.4113
434
16.0-18.0
0.9-1.4
NS
19.0-22.6
1.4509
441
17.5-18.5
NS
NS
17.5-18.5
1.4521
444
17.0-20.0
1.8-2.5
0.030max
23.0-28.7
Austenitics
1.4301
304
17.5-19.5
NS
0.11max
17.5-20.8
1.4311
304LN
17.5-19.5
NS
0.12-0.22
19.4-23.0
1.4401/4
316/316L
16.5-18.5
2.0-2.5
0.11max
23.1-28.5
1.4435
17.0-19.0
2.5-3.0
0.11max
25.3-30.7
1.4406
316LN
16.5-18.5
2.0-2.5
0.12-0.22
25.0-30.3
1.4539
904L
19.0-21.0
4.0-5.0
0.15max
32.2-39.9
1.4563
Sanicro 28
24.0-26.0
3.0-4.0
0.11max
35.9-43.0
1.4547
254SMO
19.5-20.5
6.0-7.0
0.18-0.25
42.2-47.6
1.4529
1925hMo
19.0-21.0
6.0-7.0
0.15-0.25
41.2-48.1
1.4565
4565S
24.0-26.0
4.0-5.0
0.30-0.60
42.0-52.1
Duplex
1.4062
2202
22.0
0.4
0.20
26.5
1.4162
2101LDX
21.0-22.0
0.1-0.8
0.20-0.25
24.5-28.6
1.4362
SAF 2304
22.0-24.0
0.1-0.6
0.05-0.20
23.1-29.2
1.4462
21.0-23.0
2.5-3.5
0.10-0.22
30.8-38.1
24.0-26.0
3.0-4.0
0.24-0.35
> 402
1.45012
Zeron 1002
24.0-26.0
3.0-4.0
0.20-0.30
> 402
1.45072
Ferrinox 2552
24.0-26.0
3.0-4.0
0.20-0.30
> 402
1.4410
SAF 2205
2
SAF 2507
The nearest AISI grade is shown, where appropriate, otherwise a typical trade name used by some of manufacturers is
shown.
NS - Not specified
1 Typical composition only available
2 The superduplex steels in particular are subject to tighter restrictions on PREN than that implied by the minimum
composition of the EN grade. For example, the equivalent ASTM grade or the specifications of the oil and gas industry
e.g. NORSOK or NACE typically require a minimum of PREN =40.
K03
2101LDX
Outokumpu Ltd
904L
Outokumpu Ltd
254SMO 4565S
Outokumpu Ltd
Sandvik Steel UK
Zeron 100
Rolled Alloys
http://www.bssa.org.uk/topics.php?article=111
Duplex solidifies initially as ferrite, then transforms on further cooling to a matrix of ferrite and
austenite. In modern raw material the balance should be 50/50 for optimum corrosion resistance,
particularly resistance to stress corrosion cracking. However the materials strength is not
significantly effected by the ferrite / austenite phase balance.
The main problem with Duplex is that it very easily forms brittle intermetalic phases, such as
Sigma, Chi and Alpha Prime. These phases can form rapidly, typically 100 seconds at
900C. However shorter exposure has been known to cause a drop in toughness, this has been
attribute to the formation of sigma on a microscopic scale.
Prolonged heating in the range 350 to 550C can cause 475C temper embrittlement.
For this reason the maximum recommended service temperature for duplex is about 280C.
Sigma (55Fe 45Cr) can be a major problem when welding thin walled small bore pipe made of
super duplex, although it can occur in thicker sections. It tends to be found in the bulk of the
material rather than at the surface, therefore it probably has more effect on toughness than
corrosion resistance. Sigma can also occur in thick sections, such as castings that have not been
properly solution annealed (Not cooled fast enough).
However most standards accept that deleterious phases, such as sigma, chi and laves, may be
tolerated if the strength and corrosion resistance are satisfactory.
Nitrogen is a strong austenite former and largely responsible for the balance between ferrite and
austenite phases and the materials superior corrosion resistance. Nitrogen cant be added to filler
metal, as it does not transfer across the arc. It can also be lost from molten parent metal during
welding. Its loss can lead to high ferrite and reduced corrosion resistance. Nitrogen can be
added to the shielding gas and backing gas, Up to about 10%; however this makes welding
difficult as it can cause porosity and contamination of the Tungsten electrode unless the correct
welding technique is used. Too much Nitrogen will form a layer of Austenite on the weld
surface. In my experience most duplex and super duplex are TIG welded using pure argon.
Backing / purge gas should contain less than 25ppm Oxygen for optimum corrosion resistance.
Fast cooling from molten will promote the formation of ferrite, slow cooling will promote
austenite. During welding fast cooling is most likely, therefore welding consumables usually
contain up to 2 - 4% extra Nickel to promote austenite formation in the weld. Duplex should
never be welded without filler metal, as this will promote excessive ferrite, unless the welded
component is solution annealed. Acceptable phase balance is usually 30 70% Ferrite
Duplex welding consumables are suitable for joining duplex to austenitic stainless steel or
carbon steel; they can also be used for corrosion resistant overlays. Nickel based welding
consumables can be used but the weld strength will not be as good as the parent metal,
particularly on super duplex.
High levels of austenite: - Some Reduction in strength and reduced resistance to stress
corrosion cracking.
Good impact test results are a good indication that the material has been successfully
welded. The parent metal usually exceeds 200J. The ductile to brittle transition temperature is
about 50C. The transition is not as steep as that of carbon steel and depends on the welding
process used. Flux protected processes, such as MMA; tend to have a steeper transition curve
and lower toughness. Multi run welds tend to promote austenite and thus exhibit higher
toughness
Tight controls and the use of arc monitors are recommended during welding and automatic or
mechanised welding is preferred. Repair welding can seriously affect corrosion resistance and
toughness; therefore any repairs should follow specially developed procedures. See BS4515 Part
2 for details.
Production control test plates are recommended for all critical poduction welds.
Welding procedures should be supplemented by additional tests, depending on the application
and the requirements of any application code:-
A ferrite count using a Ferro scope is probably the most popular. For best accuracy the
ferrite count should be performed manually and include a check for deleterious phases.
Good impact test results are also a good indication of a successful welding procedure and
are mandatory in BS4515 Part 2.
A corrosion test, such as the G48 test, is highly recommended. The test may not model
the exact service corrosion environment, but gives a good qualative assessment of the
welds general corrosion resistance; this gives a good indication that the welding method
is satisfactory. G48 test temperature for standard duplex is typically 22C, for super
duplex 35C
Recommended Testing
Position 6G