Duplex stainless steel (S31803 and 2205) is used in a number of modern industries, providing a versatile combination of characteristics at a reasonable price. However, perhaps no industry utilizes duplex stainless steel more than the oil industry.
Interested in learning more about duplex stainless steel in the oil industry? Then don’t stop reading now. This blog post has all the information you will need to know.
Why is Duplex Stainless Steel Appropriate for the Oil Industry?
Now, you might be wondering: why does duplex stainless steel fit in so well with the oil industry? What characteristics make it appropriate for oil-related tasks? Well, duplex stainless steel is:
Resistant to Corrosion
One of the biggest problems encountered in the oil industry is corrosion. Not only are the chemicals being processed corrosive in nature, but the conditions in which they’re being processed as well.
The best example of this would be offshore drilling. Offshore drilling companies not only have to deal with corrosion caused by the oil they’re drilling for but with corrosion caused by salt water as well.
Duplex stainless steel is ideally suited to resist both types of corrosion, thriving through years of consistent and heavy use.
Durable
Though it’s not the toughest stainless steel in existence, duplex does sit toward the top of the list. This steel can withstand a great deal of wear and tear, allowing it to last for quite a long time.
If you’re looking for stainless steel that can offer toughness and durability in addition to corrosion resistance, duplex is the one you’re looking for. It combines these characteristics better than any other type of stainless steel available.
Affordable
There are cheaper stainless steels than duplex stainless steel. However, those stainless steels don’t provide an effective combination of toughness and corrosion resistance provided by duplex. In other words, compared to other stainless steels with its characteristics, duplex stainless steel is very affordable.
Oil Industry Components Made from Duplex
A number of oil industry components are made from duplex stainless steel. Some of the most prominent of these components will be discussed below.
Pumps
In the oil industry, pumps are used to siphon up oil from the ground. As such, they come in constant contact with a variety of corrosive substances. How do manufacturers work around this problem? By using duplex stainless steel to manufacture these pumps.
Pipes
Steel pipes are common in the oil industry, used both on land and in the ocean. Because they’re exposed to everything from salt water to corrosive chemicals and more, they’re most typically made out of anti-corrosive duplex stainless steel.
Scrubbers
Scrubbers are devices used to prevent miscellaneous liquids from coming into contact with oils that are being pumped. Because they’re often exposed to salt water, they need to be made out of anti-corrosive steel. In many cases, this anti-corrosive steel is duplex stainless steel.
Separators
Separators are responsible for separating oil and water mixtures. Similar to, but different from scrubbers, they are often used in saltwater. As such, they need to be made from anti-corrosive materials. Thus, the anti-corrosive duplex stainless steel is commonly used in their manufacture.
In Need of Duplex Stainless Steel Items?
Is your business a part of the oil industry? Are you in need of duplex stainless steel items (S31803 or 2205)? If so, we here at Great Plains Stainless are the people to see.
We sell duplex products of all kinds, including bars, pipes, fittings, weldings, and more. Regardless of your needs, we can ship your order to you in a quick, efficient, and professional manner.
Contact us today to get started!