Structural Duplex Stainless Steel Pipe UNS S32101 Lower Nickel High Strength Tubes
UNS S32101 is a lean duplex stainless steel grade that offers a balanced combination of good strength, excellent corrosion resistance, and cost-effectiveness. It belongs to the lean duplex family (also known as LDX 2101®), containing lower nickel and molybdenum than standard duplex grades like 2205, making it a more economical alternative without significantly compromising performance.
Manufactured in accordance with ASTM A789 and ASTM A790, UNS S32101 tubes are available in both seamless and welded forms, suitable for a wide range of industrial applications.
Key distinction: As a lean duplex grade, S32101 offers approximately twice the yield strength of 304/316L while containing less nickel, providing better price stability and lower material cost.
| Parameter | Range |
|---|---|
| Outer Diameter (OD) | 6.0 mm – 219 mm (1/8″ – 8″) |
| Wall Thickness (WT) | 0.5 mm – 15 mm |
| Length | Customized (up to 12 meters or as required) |
| Type | Seamless / Welded (cold finished) |
| End Finish | Plain end, beveled end, threaded, or grooved |
Note: For larger diameters (> 8″), refer to ASTM A790 UNS S32101 pipe.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| High Strength | Minimum yield strength ≥ 450 MPa (65 ksi) – approximately 2x stronger than 304/316L |
| Good Corrosion Resistance | Resistant to pitting, crevice corrosion, and stress corrosion cracking (SCC) |
| Low Nickel Content | Only 1.35 – 1.70% Ni – reduces material cost and price volatility |
| Chloride Resistance | Suitable for brackish water, mild seawater, and chloride-containing environments |
| Excellent Weldability | Easy to weld with standard methods; no preheating required |
| Cost-Effective | Lower cost than 2205, S31803, and super duplex grades |
| High Mechanical Properties | Good impact toughness even at low temperatures |
| Element | UNS S32101 Requirements |
|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | ≤ 0.040 |
| Silicon (Si) | ≤ 1.00 |
| Manganese (Mn) | 4.0 – 6.0 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 21.0 – 22.0 |
| Nickel (Ni) | 1.35 – 1.70 |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 0.10 – 0.80 |
| Nitrogen (N) | 0.20 – 0.25 |
| Copper (Cu) | 0.10 – 0.80 |
| Phosphorus (P) | ≤ 0.040 |
| Sulfur (S) | ≤ 0.020 |
| Iron (Fe) | Balance |
Note: Higher manganese content (4-6%) helps stabilize the austenite phase while reducing nickel content.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | ≥ 650 MPa (94 ksi) |
| Yield Strength (0.2% offset) | ≥ 450 MPa (65 ksi) |
| Elongation | ≥ 25% |
| Hardness (HB) | ≤ 290 |
| Density | 7.8 g/cm³ |
PREN = %Cr + 3.3 × %Mo + 16 × %N
UNS S32101 PREN Range: 26 – 30
| Grade | Type | Yield Strength (MPa) | PREN | Nickel Content | Relative Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 316L | Austenitic | ≥ 170 | 24 – 26 | 10 – 14% | Medium | Mild corrosive environments |
| UNS S32101 | Lean Duplex | ≥ 450 | 26 – 30 | 1.35 – 1.70% | Low | General industrial, structural, brackish water |
| 2205 / S31803 | Standard Duplex | ≥ 450 | 30 – 38 | 4.5 – 6.5% | Medium-High | Chemical, marine, oil & gas |
Why choose S32101?
Lower cost – Due to reduced nickel and molybdenum content
Price stability – Less exposure to nickel price fluctuations
High strength – Same yield strength as 2205 at lower cost
Good weldability – No preheating, easier fabrication
| Standard | Description |
|---|---|
| ASTM A789 | Seamless and welded ferritic/austenitic stainless steel tubing |
| ASTM A790 | Seamless and welded ferritic/austenitic stainless steel pipe |
| ASME SA789 / SA790 | Boiler and pressure vessel code |
| EN 10216-5 | European standard for duplex steel tubes |
| EN 10217-7 | Welded duplex steel tubes |
| NACE MR0175 / ISO 15156 | Suitable for sour service (limited applications) |
| Industry | Typical Applications |
|---|---|
| Structural & Construction | Bridge components, building frameworks, handrails, and support structures |
| Marine & Coastal | Seawater cooling piping, jetty structures, and brackish water systems |
| Chemical Processing | Storage tanks, process piping for mild chemical environments |
| Water Treatment | Desalination plants (low-pressure), water distribution, and wastewater treatment |
| Paper & Pulp | Pulp storage tanks and mild process environments |
| Food & Beverage | Food processing equipment, tanks, and piping |
| Transportation | Tank containers, cargo tanks for chemical transport |
| Cement & Mining | Screening equipment, conveyor systems, and structural supports |
| Advantage | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Lower Material Cost | Reduced nickel (1.35-1.70%) vs 2205 (4.5-6.5%) saves 20-30% on material cost |
| Price Stability | Less affected by nickel market volatility |
| High Strength | Twice the strength of 304/316L allows for thinner walls and lighter structures |
| Good Corrosion Resistance | PREN 26-30 is suitable for many industrial environments |
| Easy Fabrication | Good formability and weldability without preheating |
| Wide Availability | Readily available in tubes, pipes, sheets, and bars |
Please provide your required size (OD × WT), quantity, length, and delivery port. Our team will reply within 24 hours with a competitive price and technical datasheet.
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