Duplex Steel 2304 Pipes & Tubes

Lean Duplex (UNS S32304) — The high-strength, cost-effective alternative to 316L for structural and chemical applications.

Lean Duplex 2304 Overview

Duplex 2304 (UNS S32304) is a 23% chromium, 4% nickel, molybdenum-free duplex stainless steel grade. It belongs to the "Lean Duplex" family, offering corrosion resistance properties similar to 316L but with nearly double the yield strength. This allows engineers to design thinner-walled pipes, leading to significant weight and cost savings in construction and chemical processing.

Due to its balanced austenitic-ferritic microstructure, Grade 2304 provides excellent resistance to localized corrosion and stress corrosion cracking (SCC). Steel Emporium supplies 2304 pipes for food processing, waste water treatment, and structural frameworks.

Duplex 2304 Stock
Lean Duplex Pipes

Key Advantages & Features

High Yield Strength

Double the yield strength of 316L, allowing thinner walls and significant weight savings.

Price Stability

Molybdenum-free and low-nickel content ensure a lower and more stable market price.

SCC Resistance

Superior immunity to Chloride Stress Corrosion Cracking in industrial environments.

Excellent Weldability

Good weldability and ductility for easy fabrication of complex shapes and structures.

Pitting Resistance

High chromium content provides good resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion.

Eco-Friendly

Lower alloy content means reduced environmental impact during production and recycling.

Chemical Composition (%)
Grade Cr Ni Mo N C (max) Mn Si
Duplex 2304 21.5 - 24.5 3.0 - 5.5 0.05 - 0.60 0.05 - 0.20 0.030 2.50 1.00
Mechanical Properties (Annealed)
Property Metric Value Imperial Value
Tensile Strength (min) 600 MPa 87,000 psi
Yield Strength 0.2% Offset (min) 400 MPa 58,000 psi
Elongation (% in 50mm) 25% min 25% min
Hardness (Brinell) max 290 HBW 32 HRC
PREN (min) 24.0 -
International Equivalent Grades
UNS Werkstoff No. EN Name Common Name
S32304 1.4362 X2CrNiN23-4 Alloy 2304 / Lean Duplex
Duplex 2304 Pipe Weight Chart (Kg/Mtr)
NB Size OD (mm) SCH 10S SCH 40S SCH 80S
1/2" 21.34 1.26 1.62 2.11
1" 33.40 2.08 3.23 4.23
2" 60.33 3.91 5.41 7.45
4" 114.30 11.00 16.02 22.24
6" 168.28 16.21 28.15 42.41
*Theoretical weights based on density 7.80 g/cm³.

Industrial Applications

Chemical Processing

Tanks and vessels handling organic acids and chloride solutions.

Waste Water Treatment

Pipes and tanks for municipal and industrial water treatment plants.

Food Processing

Hygienic piping for food and beverage production lines.

Structural Applications

Bridges, handrails and structural frameworks requiring high strength.

Pulp & Paper

Digesters and bleaching equipment in pulp and paper mills.

Oil & Gas

Onshore pipelines and process equipment in mild sour service.

Frequently Asked Questions

It is called "Lean" because it has lower nickel and no molybdenum content compared to standard Duplex 2205, making it highly cost-effective while retaining duplex strength.

Yes, in many cases, Duplex 2304 has similar corrosion resistance to 316L but offers double the yield strength, allowing for lighter designs.

Yes, all duplex stainless steels, including 2304, are magnetic due to their ferritic phase.

Commonly used in pulp and paper industry, food processing, waste water treatment tanks, and structural bridges.

Service temperature is generally limited to below 300°C (572°F) to prevent loss of toughness (475°C embrittlement).

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