UNS S31803 Duplex Steel Pipes

The most widely used duplex stainless steel grade, offering high strength and superior resistance to chloride stress corrosion cracking.

Product Overview

UNS S31803 is the original Duplex stainless steel specification. It has a microstructure consisting of approximately equal amounts of austenite and ferrite, providing a unique combination of high strength and excellent corrosion resistance. Often referred to as Duplex 2205, it contains 22% Chromium, 3% Molybdenum, and 5-6% Nickel. This grade is highly effective in environments containing chlorides and hydrogen sulfide, making it a preferred choice for oil and gas extraction and chemical processing. Steel Emporium provides UNS S31803 pipes in both seamless and welded conditions with high-precision manufacturing.

Key Advantages & Features

High Yield Strength

Double the yield strength of standard austenitic stainless steels like 316L.

SCC Resistance

Exceptional resistance to Chloride Stress Corrosion Cracking (SCC).

Thermal Expansion

Lower thermal expansion coefficient than standard austenitic steels.

Chemical Composition (%)
GradeCMnSiCrNiMoNPS
UNS S31803 0.030 max 2.00 max 1.00 max 21.0-23.0 4.5-6.5 2.5-3.5 0.08-0.20 0.030 0.020
Mechanical & Physical Properties
PropertyValue (UNS S31803)
Tensile Strength (MPa) min620 MPa (90 ksi)
Yield Strength 0.2% Offset (MPa) min450 MPa (65 ksi)
Elongation (% in 50mm) min25%
Hardness (Rockwell C) max31 HRC
PREN (Pitting Resistance Eq. No)31 min
Density (kg/m³)7800
International Equivalent Grades
UNSWerkstoff No.JISEN NameCommon Name
S318031.4462SUS 329J3LX2CrNiMoN22-5-3Duplex 2205

Industrial Applications

Oil & Gas

Production tubing and flowlines.

Chemical Processing

Tanks, vessels & heat exchangers.

Marine Industry

Seawater systems and desalination.

Pulp & Paper

Digesters and bleaching plants.

Effluent Handling

High chloride waste-water treatment.

Structural Piping

Bridges and load-bearing structures.

Frequently Asked Questions

The PREN (Pitting Resistance Equivalent Number) for S31803 ranges between 31 and 35, which ensures excellent resistance to localized corrosion in chloride environments.

It is generally limited to service temperatures below 300°C (572°F). Prolonged exposure above this range can result in embrittlement (475°C embrittlement).

Yes, because it contains roughly 50% ferrite in its microstructure, UNS S31803 is magnetic, unlike 300-series austenitic stainless steels.

S32205 is a higher nitrogen-enhanced version of S31803. It offers slightly better corrosion resistance and mechanical properties. Most modern Duplex 2205 is dual-certified for both grades.

It has good weldability using most standard fusion methods. However, it requires specific heat-input control to maintain the necessary austenite-ferrite balance in the heat-affected zone.