Product Description
Duplex 31803 is the original duplex stainless steel grade, providing approximately twice the yield strength of standard austenitic stainless steels such as 316L while offering superior resistance to chloride stress corrosion cracking, pitting, and crevice corrosion. The ferritic-austenitic microstructure, with approximately 40-50% ferrite and 50-60% austenite, provides a unique combination of high strength, good toughness, and excellent corrosion resistance . With a PREN value of approximately 34, Duplex 31803 offers reliable performance in moderate chloride environments.
Key characteristics include:
High strength – approximately twice that of 316L stainless steel
Good corrosion resistance – PREN ~34
Resistance to chloride stress corrosion cracking
Good weldability with proper procedures
Cost-effective alternative to nickel alloys
Wide operating temperature range from -50°C to 300°C
Chemical Composition
| Element | Content (%) | Role |
| Chromium (Cr) | 21.0 – 23.0 | Oxidation resistance, corrosion resistance |
| Nickel (Ni) | 4.5 – 6.5 | Austenite stabilizer, corrosion resistance |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 2.5 – 3.5 | Pitting and crevice corrosion resistance |
| Nitrogen (N) | 0.08 – 0.20 | Austenite stabilizer, strengthening |
| Carbon (C) | ≤ 0.030 | Controlled for weldability |
| Manganese (Mn) | ≤ 2.00 | Deoxidizer |
| Silicon (Si) | ≤ 1.00 | Deoxidizer |
| Phosphorus (P) | ≤ 0.030 | Impurity control |
| Sulfur (S) | ≤ 0.020 | Impurity control |
| Iron (Fe) | Balance | Base element |
Room Temperature Properties (Solution Annealed)
| Property | Value |
| Tensile Strength | ≥ 620 MPa (90 ksi) |
| Yield Strength (0.2% Offset) | ≥ 450 MPa (65 ksi) |
| Elongation | ≥ 25% |
| Hardness | ≤ 290 HB |
| Density | 7.80 g/cm³ |
| PREN | Cr + 3.3Mo + 16N ≈ 34 |
Impact Properties
| Temperature | Impact Energy (Longitudinal) |
| Room Temperature | ≥ 80 J |
| -40°C | ≥ 45 J |
| -50°C | ≥ 27 J |
Key Advantages of Duplex 31803
High Strength – Duplex 31803 offers approximately twice the yield strength of 316L stainless steel, allowing designers to specify thinner wall sections and reduce overall weight. This high strength is achieved through the ferritic-austenitic microstructure, which combines the strength of ferrite with the ductility and toughness of austenite.
Corrosion Resistance – The alloy offers good resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion in chloride-containing environments. The PREN value of approximately 34 provides reliable performance in moderate seawater and chemical applications.
Stress Corrosion Cracking Resistance – Duplex 31803 provides excellent resistance to chloride stress corrosion cracking (SCC), a mode of failure common to austenitic stainless steels in chloride environments. The ferrite phase provides resistance to SCC that is superior to 304 and 316 austenitic grades.
Weldability – The alloy can be welded using standard welding techniques with appropriate filler metals. Proper heat input control and interpass temperature management are required to maintain the correct ferrite-austenite balance in the weld zone.
Cost-Effective – Duplex 31803 offers a cost-effective alternative to nickel alloys and higher-grade duplex steels, providing a favorable balance of performance and price for a wide range of applications.
Available Product Forms from Womic Steel
Seamless Pipe & Seamless Tube
Outside Diameter: 6mm – 350mm
Wall Thickness: 1mm – 40mm
Length: Up to 12m
Standards: ASTM A790, ASME SA-790
Applications: Heat exchanger tubes, process piping, seawater systems
Keywords: Duplex 31803 seamless pipe, UNS S31803 tube, F51 pipe, 1.4462 seamless tube
Welded Pipe
Outside Diameter: 50mm – 1200mm
Wall Thickness: 1.0mm – 25mm
Standards: ASTM A790, ASTM A928
Applications: Large-diameter process piping, structural applications
Keywords: Duplex 31803 welded pipe, F51 ERW pipe
Steel Bar (Round, Square, Flat, Hex)
Diameter: 6mm – 500mm
Surface: Hot rolled, Bright (cold drawn), Ground, Turned
Standards: ASTM A276, ASTM A479
Applications: Valve stems, fasteners, shafts, pumps, machining stock
Keywords: Duplex 31803 round bar, F51 bar stock, S31803 bar
Steel Plate & Sheet
Thickness: 1mm – 100mm
Width: Up to 3000mm
Standards: ASTM A240, ASME SA-240
Applications: Vessel shells, structural components, flange blanks
Keywords: Duplex 31803 plate, F51 sheet, S31803 plate
Steel Coil & Strip
Thickness: 0.5mm – 6.0mm
Width: 10mm – 1500mm
Standards: ASTM A240
Applications: Formed components, stampings
Keywords: Duplex 31803 coil, F51 strip
Flanges & Pipe Fittings
Types: Weld Neck, Slip-On, Blind, Socket Weld, Threaded, Lap Joint
Sizes: 1/2" – 48"
Pressure Rating: Class 150 – Class 2500
Standards: ASTM A182, ASME B16.5, ASME B16.47
Keywords: Duplex 31803 flanges, F51 weld neck flange
Forgings
Types: Rings, disks, shafts, valve bodies, custom geometries
Weight: Up to 5,000kg
Standards: ASTM A182, ASME SA-182
Keywords: Duplex 31803 forging, F51 ring
Duplex 31803 Valves
Types: Ball valves, Gate valves, Globe valves, Check valves
Sizes: 1/2" – 24"
Pressure Rating: Class 150 – Class 2500
Temperature Range: -50°C to +300°C
Design Standards: API 608, API 6D, ASME B16.34
Seating: Stellite hardfaced, RPTFE, PEEK
Keywords: Duplex 31803 ball valve, F51 gate valve
Duplex 31803 vs Duplex 2205 vs Super Duplex
| Property | Duplex 31803 (F51) | Duplex 2205 (F60) | Super Duplex 2507 (F53) |
| PREN | ~34 | ~36 | ≥ 40 |
| Yield Strength | 450 MPa | 450 MPa | 550 MPa |
| Mo Content | 2.5-3.5% | 3.0-3.5% | 4.0-5.0% |
| N Content | 0.08-0.20% | 0.14-0.20% | 0.24-0.32% |
| Pitting Resistance | Good | Good | Excellent |
| Seawater Service | Moderate | Good | Excellent |
| Cost | Lowest | Moderate | Highest |
| Application | General chemical, moderate chloride | Marine, oil & gas, chemical tankers | Extreme seawater, subsea, offshore |
Standards & Specifications
| Product Form | ASTM Standard |
| Seamless Pipe/Tube | ASTM A790 |
| Welded Pipe | ASTM A790, ASTM A928 |
| Bar/Rod | ASTM A276, ASTM A479 |
| Plate/Sheet/Strip | ASTM A240 |
| Forgings | ASTM A182 |
| UNS Designation | S31803 |
| W.Nr. | 1.4462 |
| F No. | F51 |
Applications of Duplex 31803
Chemical Processing – Duplex 31803 is used in heat exchangers, pressure vessels, tanks, piping systems, and pumps in chemical plants where good corrosion resistance and high strength are required.
Marine Engineering – The alloy is used in seawater piping, offshore platform equipment, and ballast water systems where resistance to chloride corrosion is essential.
Oil and Gas – Duplex 31803 is used in pipelines, manifolds, process equipment, and separators in moderate chloride environments.
Structural Applications – The high strength of duplex 31803 makes it suitable for structural applications in marine and offshore environments.
Pulp and Paper – The alloy is used in digesters, bleaching equipment, and chemical recovery systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between Duplex 31803 and Duplex 2205?
A: Duplex 2205 (S32205) has tighter control on molybdenum (3.0-3.5%) and nitrogen (0.14-0.20%), providing slightly better corrosion resistance (PREN 36 vs 34) and is the preferred grade for marine and offshore applications.
Q: Is Duplex 31803 suitable for seawater service?
A: Yes, for moderate seawater service. The PREN of 34 provides good resistance to pitting in seawater, making it suitable for many marine applications. For more severe seawater conditions, Super Duplex 2507 (PREN ≥ 40) may be required.
Q: Is Duplex 31803 readily weldable?
A: Yes, with proper welding procedures. The alloy is readily weldable using GTAW, GMAW, and SMAW processes. Control of heat input and interpass temperature is essential to maintain proper ferrite-austenite balance.
Contact Womic Steel
Website: www.womicsteel.com
E-mail: sales@womicsteel.com
Tel / WhatsApp / WeChat:
Victor: +86 15575100681
Jack: +86 18390957568
Womic Steel – Your reliable partner for Duplex 31803 (UNS S31803 / F51) seamless pipe, welded pipe, steel bar, steel plate, steel coil, flanges, fittings, forgings, and valves for chemical processing, marine, and structural applications worldwide. Full traceability and EN 10204 Type 3.1/3.2 documentation available.










