Sandvik SAF 2304®

Want to keep this datasheet? Save it now in your required format

Description

Sandvik SAF 2304® is a lean duplex (austenitic-ferritic) stainless steel characterized by the following properties:


  • Very good resistance to stress corrosion cracking (SCC)
  • Good resistance to general corrosion and pitting
  • High strength - approximately twice the proof strength of austenitic stainless steels
  • Physical properties that offer design advantages
  • Ease of fabrication and good toughness
  • Good weldability

  • More technical information and charts that are relevant to the materials corrosion, mechanical and physical performance are displayed in the figures on the right side of the material page.


    Datasheet URL:

    Sandvik SAF 2304®


    Datasheet updated 2019-12-20 09:50 (supersedes all previous editions)

    Related Standards

    Equivalent Materials

    This material data has been provided by Sandvik Materials Technology.

    "Typical" values were obtained via a literature search. "Predicted" values were imputed via artificial intelligence technology. While we have placed significant efforts in ensuring data accuracy, "typical" and "predicted" data should be considered indicative and verified by appropriate material testing. Please do contact us if additional information on the the predicted data method is required.
    All metrics apply to room temperature unless otherwise stated. SI units used unless otherwise stated.
    Equivalent standards are similar to one or more standards provided by the supplier. Some equivalent standards may be stricter whereas others may be outside the bounds of the original standard.

    Ashby charts

    See where falls on the material property chart for against in your materials selection and design process. Our Ashby charts are interactive with more technical data upon clicking. Sign up to get access to this premium feature for free.

    Properties

    General

    PropertyTemperatureValueComment

    Density

    23.0 °C

    7.8 g/cm³

    Show Supplier Material materials with Density of 7.8 g/cm³

    Recycled Content

    82.1 %

    Show Supplier Material materials with Recycled Content of 82.1 %

    Average recycled content

    Mechanical

    PropertyTemperatureValueComment

    Elastic modulus

    20.0 °C

    200 GPa

    Show Supplier Material materials with Elastic modulus of 200 GPa

    100.0 °C

    194 GPa

    Show Supplier Material materials with Elastic modulus of 194 GPa

    200.0 °C

    186 GPa

    Show Supplier Material materials with Elastic modulus of 186 GPa

    300.0 °C

    180 GPa

    Show Supplier Material materials with Elastic modulus of 180 GPa

    Elongation

    23.0 °C

    25 %

    Show Supplier Material materials with Elongation of 25 %

    min.

    Elongation A2

    23.0 °C

    25 %

    Show Supplier Material materials with Elongation A2 of 25 %

    min.

    Hardness, Rockwell C

    23.0 °C

    30 [-]

    Show Supplier Material materials with Hardness, Rockwell C of 30 [-]

    max.

    Tensile strength

    23.0 °C

    630 - 820 MPa

    Show Supplier Material materials with Tensile strength of 630 - 820 MPa

    For tubes with outside diameter max. 25.4 mm we guarantee 0.2% proof strength 450 MPa and tensile strength min. 690 MPa (ASTM A789).

    Yield strength Rp0.2

    20.0 °C

    400 MPa

    Show Supplier Material materials with Yield strength Rp0.2 of 400 MPa

    min. depending on the wall thickness (For tubes with outside diameter max. 25.4 mm we guarantee 0.2% proof strength 450 MPa and tensile strength min. 690 MPa (ASTM A789).

    50.0 °C

    370 - 420 MPa

    Show Supplier Material materials with Yield strength Rp0.2 of 370 - 420 MPa

    min. depending on the wall thickness (For tubes with outside diameter max. 25.4 mm we guarantee 0.2% proof strength 450 MPa and tensile strength min. 690 MPa (ASTM A789).

    100.0 °C

    330 - 380 MPa

    Show Supplier Material materials with Yield strength Rp0.2 of 330 - 380 MPa

    min. depending on the wall thickness (For tubes with outside diameter max. 25.4 mm we guarantee 0.2% proof strength 450 MPa and tensile strength min. 690 MPa (ASTM A789).

    150.0 °C

    310 - 360 MPa

    Show Supplier Material materials with Yield strength Rp0.2 of 310 - 360 MPa

    min. depending on the wall thickness (For tubes with outside diameter max. 25.4 mm we guarantee 0.2% proof strength 450 MPa and tensile strength min. 690 MPa (ASTM A789).

    200.0 °C

    290 - 340 MPa

    Show Supplier Material materials with Yield strength Rp0.2 of 290 - 340 MPa

    min. depending on the wall thickness (For tubes with outside diameter max. 25.4 mm we guarantee 0.2% proof strength 450 MPa and tensile strength min. 690 MPa (ASTM A789).

    250.0 °C

    280 - 330 MPa

    Show Supplier Material materials with Yield strength Rp0.2 of 280 - 330 MPa

    min. depending on the wall thickness (For tubes with outside diameter max. 25.4 mm we guarantee 0.2% proof strength 450 MPa and tensile strength min. 690 MPa (ASTM A789).

    300.0 °C

    270 - 310 MPa

    Show Supplier Material materials with Yield strength Rp0.2 of 270 - 310 MPa

    min. depending on the wall thickness (For tubes with outside diameter max. 25.4 mm we guarantee 0.2% proof strength 450 MPa and tensile strength min. 690 MPa (ASTM A789).

    Unlock all property charts

    Thermal

    PropertyTemperatureValueComment

    Coefficient of thermal expansion

    100.0 °C

    1.35E-5 1/K

    Show Supplier Material materials with Coefficient of thermal expansion of 1.35E-5 1/K

    for 30°C to the mentioned temperature

    200.0 °C

    1.4E-5 1/K

    Show Supplier Material materials with Coefficient of thermal expansion of 1.4E-5 1/K

    for 30°C to the mentioned temperature

    300.0 °C

    1.45E-5 1/K

    Show Supplier Material materials with Coefficient of thermal expansion of 1.45E-5 1/K

    for 30°C to the mentioned temperature

    400.0 °C

    1.45E-5 1/K

    Show Supplier Material materials with Coefficient of thermal expansion of 1.45E-5 1/K

    for 30°C to the mentioned temperature

    Unlock all property charts

    Specific heat capacity

    20.0 °C

    490 J/(kg·K)

    Show Supplier Material materials with Specific heat capacity of 490 J/(kg·K)

    100.0 °C

    505 J/(kg·K)

    Show Supplier Material materials with Specific heat capacity of 505 J/(kg·K)

    200.0 °C

    530 J/(kg·K)

    Show Supplier Material materials with Specific heat capacity of 530 J/(kg·K)

    300.0 °C

    550 J/(kg·K)

    Show Supplier Material materials with Specific heat capacity of 550 J/(kg·K)

    400.0 °C

    590 J/(kg·K)

    Show Supplier Material materials with Specific heat capacity of 590 J/(kg·K)

    Unlock all property charts

    Thermal conductivity

    20.0 °C

    16 W/(m·K)

    Show Supplier Material materials with Thermal conductivity of 16 W/(m·K)

    100.0 °C

    17 W/(m·K)

    Show Supplier Material materials with Thermal conductivity of 17 W/(m·K)

    200.0 °C

    18 W/(m·K)

    Show Supplier Material materials with Thermal conductivity of 18 W/(m·K)

    300.0 °C

    19 W/(m·K)

    Show Supplier Material materials with Thermal conductivity of 19 W/(m·K)

    400.0 °C

    21 W/(m·K)

    Show Supplier Material materials with Thermal conductivity of 21 W/(m·K)

    Unlock all property charts

    Chemical properties

    PropertyValueComment

    Carbon

    0.03 %

    Show Supplier Material materials with Carbon of 0.03 %

    max.

    Chromium

    22.5 %

    Show Supplier Material materials with Chromium of 22.5 %

    Copper

    0.3 %

    Show Supplier Material materials with Copper of 0.3 %

    Iron

    Balance

    Manganese

    2 %

    Show Supplier Material materials with Manganese of 2 %

    max.

    Molybdenum

    0.3 %

    Show Supplier Material materials with Molybdenum of 0.3 %

    Nickel

    4.5 %

    Show Supplier Material materials with Nickel of 4.5 %

    Nitrogen

    0.1 %

    Show Supplier Material materials with Nitrogen of 0.1 %

    Phosphorus

    0.04 %

    Show Supplier Material materials with Phosphorus of 0.04 %

    max.

    Silicon

    1 %

    Show Supplier Material materials with Silicon of 1 %

    max.

    Sulfur

    0.015 %

    Show Supplier Material materials with Sulfur of 0.015 %

    max.

    Technological properties

    Property
    Application areas

    Sandvik SAF 2304® possesses good mechanical and physical properties, excellent resistance to stress corrosion cracking and other forms of corrosion as well as good weldability. These properties make it both a technically and economically superior alternative to stainless steels such as the austenitic steels ASTM 304, 304L, 316, 316L, 321 and 347, the ferritic chromium steels ASTM 430 and 444 and the martensitic chromium steels of the ASTM 410 and 420 type. Sandvik SAF 2304® also has advantages over low-alloy steels. Examples where Sandvik SAF 2304® offers advantages over other materials are given in the following table.


    The good mechanical and corrosion properties make Sandvik SAF 2304® an economical choice in many applications by reducing the life cycle cost of equipment.


    The high strength and hardness of 3RE60 make the material an attractive alternative to the austenitic steels in structures that are subjected to heavy loads or wear.

    IndustryApplicationsUsed todayAdvantages of Sandvik SAF 2304
    Process industryHeat exchangers and piping where chlorides are presentASTM 304/304L
    ASTM 316/316L
    Higher resistance to SCC
    Instrumentation tubing, steam tracingASTM 304/304L
    AISI 316/316L
    Higher resistance to SCC
    Petrochemical industryTubular reactors for high temperatures where carbon steel is used for the shellASTM 304/304L
    ASTM 316/316L
    Coefficient of thermal expansion comparable to that of carbon steel
    Pulp & paperDigester preheater
    Evaporators
    ASTM 304/304L
    ASTM 316/316L
    Higher resistance to SCC
    Higher resistance to SCC
    Nuclear powerReheatersCarbon steels
    ASTM 430
    ASTM 304/304L
    Ease of fabrication, good corrosion resistance
    PowerFeed water heatersASTM 430
    ASTM 304/304L
    High resistance to SCC, high strength and ease of fabrication
    EngineeringBeams and torque transmitting shaftsCarbon steels
    ASTM 304/304L
    ASTM 316/316L
    High strength combined with excellent corrosion resistance, ease of fabrication and low cost
    Hydraulic systemHydraulic tubingCarbon steelsExcellent resistance to corrosion
    Reduced installation cost owing to easy cleaning
    Oil and gasCoolers on- and offshore. Piping systems and flow lines on- and offshoreCarbon steels
    ASTM 304/304L
    ASTM 316/316L
    ASTM 420
    Optimal combination of strength weldability, corrosion resistance and cost
    Tensioning systems on offshore rigs. Instrumentation tubingASTM 304/304L
    ASTM 316/316L
    Carbon steels
    High strength combined with high corrosion resistance

    Certifications

    Approvals:

  • Approved by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, Section VIII, div. 1 construction.
  • ASME B31.3 Process Piping
  • VdTÜV-Werkstoffblatt 496
  • Approved by DnV for general use on ships
  • PED 2014/68/EU

  • If Sandvik SAF 2304® is exposed to temperatures exceeding 280°C (540°F), for prolonged periods, the microstructure changes, which results in a reduction in impact strength. This does not necessarily affect the behavior of the material at the operating temperature. For example, heat exchanger tubes can be used at higher temperatures without any problems. Please contact Sandvik for more information. For pressure vessel applications, 280°C (540°F) is required as a maximum according to VdTÜV-Wb 496.

    Cold Forming

    The starting force needed for bending is slightly higher for Sandvik SAF 2304® than for ASTM 304/316. Sandvik SAF 2304® can be cold bent to 25% deformation without requiring subsequent heat treatment. Under service conditions where the risk of stress corrosion cracking starts to increase, for example where the material temperature is nearly 125°C (255°F) in a neutral oxygen-bearing environment with around 100 ppm Cl⁻ , heat treatment is recommended even after moderate cold bending. For pressure vessel applications in Germany and the Nordic countries heat treatment may be required after cold deformation in accordance with VdTÜV-Wb 496 and NGS 1607. Heat treatment is carried out in the form of solution annealing (see under Heat treatment) or resistance annealing.

    Corrosion properties

    General corrosion: Due to the high chromium content and its well-balanced composition Sandvik SAF 2304® possesses excellent corrosion resistance in acidic environments. The table below gives the corrosion rate in different acids and Figures 4-6 show isocorrosion diagrams for Sandvik SAF 2304® in sulphuric, formic and nitric acid, respectively.

    Conc.TemperatureSandvik
    Weight-%°C (°F)SAF 2304ASTM 304LASTM 316L
    Acetic acid CH3COOH
    20B0.01 (0.4)0.01 (0.4)
    50B00.04 (1.6)0
    70B0
    90B0.01 (0.4)
    Formic acid, HCOOH
    560 (140)0
    10B0.04 (1.6)0.80 (32)0.19 (7.6)
    3060 (140)0
    3090 (194)0
    8090 (194)00.50 (20)
    9060 (140)0
    Hydrochloric acid, HCI
    0.540 (104)00
    140 (104)0.30 (12)0.70 (28)
    Nitric acid, HNO3 (5x2 days)
    65B0.16 (6.4)0.16 (6.4)0.30 (12)
    Phosphoric acid, H3PO4
    30B0.10 (4)0.20 (8)0.07 (2.8)
    50100 (212)0.04 (1.6)0.09 (3.6)0.21 (8.4)
    6090 (194)0.01 (0.4)0.2 (0.8)0.02 (0.8)
    8080 (176)0.01 (0.4)0.01(0.4)0.06 (2.4)
    Sulphuric acid, H2SO4
    560 (140)0
    590 (194)0.06 (2.4)3.6 (144)
    1060 (140)0.10 (4)0.66 (26.4)
    1070 (158)0.14 (5.6)1.7 (68)
    1080 (176)0.20 (8)7.9 (316)
    1550 (122)0.17 (6.8)0.47 (18.8)
    2030 (86)0.20 (8)0.02 (0.8)
    B = Boiling

    Corrosion rates in acid-water mixtures, mm/year (mpy). Activated specimens, 1+3+3 days, average of the last two periods for two specimens.


    Pitting: The pitting resistance of a steel is determined primarily by its chromium and molybdenum contents, but the nitrogen content also has an effect. The manufacturing and fabrication practice, e.g. welding, are also of vital importance for the actual performance in service.

    A parameter for comparing the pitting resistance of different steels is the PRE-number (Pitting Resistance Equivalent).

    The PRE is defined as, in weight-%

    PRE = % Cr + 3.3 %x Mo + 16 x % N


    As the table shows, the PRE number for Sandvik SAF 2304® is considerably higher than the number for ASTM 304L and comparable to the number for ASTM 316L. Potentiostatic tests in solutions with different chloride contents (pH = 6) are reported in Figure 7. Each curve is based on at least 4 measuring points, each of which is derived from a minimum of three separate measurements. Variation in the measurement results is within the range +/-5°C (+/-9°F). The test results for ASTM 316L have been compared with results obtained under practical conditions of service, and the correlation is good. As is evident from Figure 7, the critical temperature for pitting for Sandvik SAF 2304® is higher than that for ASTM 304L and comparable to that for ASTM 316L. The test results correspond with the PRE ranking.


    Stress corrosion cracking: Because of its two-phase structure and its well balanced composition, Sandvik SAF 2304® possesses very good resistance to stress corrosion cracking (SCC). This is evident from the results of tests in both concentrated chloride solutions and oxygen-containing dilute chloride environments.


    Figure 8 shows the results of tests carried out in 40% CaCl₂ solution at 100°C (210°F). In this environment, the stress that is required to cause fracture due to SCC (known as the threshold stress) is much higher for Sandvik SAF 2304® than for ASTM 304/304L and ASTM 316/316L. This demonstrates the superior resistance of Sandvik SAF 2304®.


    Welding of Sandvik SAF 2304® does not appreciably reduce the resistance to SCC, provided that the welding recommendations are followed (see Welding). The threshold stress of material that has been TIG-welded with Sandvik 22.8.3.L or MMA-welded with Sandvik 22.9.3.LR is on a level with that of the parent metal.


    The results of SCC testing of Sandvik SAF 2304 in chloride solutions at high temperatures and pressures are presented in Figure 9. The curve for Sandvik SAF 2304® is based on tests performed in various chloride contents and at different temperatures. Usually, six separate measurements were taken at each measuring point. The testing method involved spring-loaded specimens stressed to the proof strength (Rp0.2) at the testing temperature or U-bends in which the stress at the apex is at least equal to the proof strength of the solution annealed material. The oxygen content of the inlet water (refreshed autoclaves were used) was 4.6 to 10 ppm and the pH 4.5 to 7. The curve for ASTM 304/304L and ASTM 316/316L is based on published test results and on practical experience.

    The results in Figure 9 indicate that Sandvik SAF 2304® can be used in dilute oxygen-bearing chloride solutions up to about 125°C (260°F) without any risk of SCC. This is much higher than for ASTM 304/ 304L and ASTM 316/316L, which should not be used above 60°C (140°F) in such environments. At temperatures above 125°C (260°F), Sandvik SAF 2304® should not be used in oxygen-bearing solutions in environments with more than about 10 ppm Cl-. For such conditions, we recommend Sandvik SAF 2205™, Sandvik SAF 2507® or Sanicro® 28. At low oxygen contents, which are common in the process and power industries, considerably higher chloride contents and temperatures can be tolerated by Sandvik SAF 2304® without any risk of SCC.


    Intergranular corrosion: Sandvik SAF 2304® is a member of the family of modern duplex stainless steels whose chemical manner that the reformation of austenite in the heat-affected zone adjacent to the weld takes place quickly. This results in a microstructure that gives corrosion properties and toughness similar to that of the parent metal. Welded joints in Sandvik SAF 2304® easily pass Strauss' intergranular corrosion testing according to SS-EN ISO 3651-2 Method A.


    Crevice corrosion: In the same way as the resistance to pitting can be related to the chromium, molybdenum and nitrogen contents of the steel so can the resistance to crevice corrosion. Sandvik SAF 2304® possesses better resistance to crevice corrosion than steels of the ASTM 304/304L type and is comparable with ASTM 316/316L.


    Erosion corrosion: Steels of the ASTM 304/304L and ASTM 316/316L type can be attacked by erosion corrosion if exposed to flowing media containing highly abrasive solid particles, e.g. sand, or media with very high flow rates. Under such conditions, Sandvik SAF 2304® displays very good resistance because of its combination of high mechanical strength and good corrosion resistance.


    Corrosion fatigue: Sandvik SAF 2304® possesses higher strength and better corrosion resistance than ordinary austenitic stainless steels. Consequently, Sandvik SAF 2304® has considerably better fatigue strength under corrosive conditions than such steels.

    Expanding

    Expanding

    In comparison with austenitic stainless steels, Sandvik SAF 2304® has a higher proof strength. This must be borne in mind when expanding tubes into tube-sheets. Normal expanding methods can be used, but the expansion requires higher initial force and should be undertaken in one operation.


    Contact us for detailed recommendations on expanding duplex stainless steels.

    Heat Treatment

    The tubes are normally delivered in heat treated condition. If additional heat treatment is needed due to further processing the following is recommended.

    Solution annealing: 930 -1050°C (1710 -1920°F), rapid cooling in air or water.

    Hot forming

    Hot bending is carried out at 1100-950°C (2010-1740°F) and should be followed by solution annealing.

    Machining

    Being a two-phase material (austenitic-ferritic) Sandvik SAF 2304® will present a different tool wear profile from that of single-phase steels of type ASTM 304L. The cutting speed must, therefore, be slightly lower than that recommended for ASTM 304L and as a first recommendation 25 % lower cutting speeds should be used compared to the speed for machining Sanmac 304/304L. It is, however, recommended that a tougher insert grade is used for semi-roughing operations, Sanmac® 304/304L.

    Other

    Forms of supply:

    Seamless tube and pipe in Sandvik SAF 2304® is supplied in dimensions up to 260mm outside diameter. The delivery condition is solution annealed and either white pickled or bright annealed.

    For hydraulic tubing applications, Sandvik SAF 2304® is also marketed under the name PW 400.


    Other forms of supply

  • Welded tube and pipe
  • Fittings
  • Strip, annealed or cold-rolled to different degrees of hardness
  • Bar steel
  • Plate, sheet and wide strip
  • Forged products
  • Cast products
  • Welding

    The weldability of Sandvik SAF 2304® is good. Welding must be carried out without preheating and subsequent heat treatment is normally not necessary. Suitable methods of fusion welding are manual metal-arc welding (MMA/SMAW) and gas-shielded arc welding, with the TIG/GTAW method as first choice.


    For Sandvik SAF 2304®, heat input of 0.5-2.5 kJ/mm and interpass temperature of <150°C (300°F) are recommended.


    Recommended filler metals

    • TIG/GTAW or MIG/GMAW welding
      • ISO 14343 S 23 7 N L (e.g. Exaton 23.7.L)
      • ISO 14343 S 22 9 3 N L / AWS A5.9 ER2209 (e.g. Exaton 22.8.3.L)
    • MMA/SMAW welding
      • ISO 3581 E 23 7 N L R
      • ISO 3581 E 22 9 3 N L R / AWS A5.4 E2209-17 (e.g. Exaton 22.9.3.LR)