Duplex steel plates serve many industries due to their unique properties, such as high strength, excellent corrosion resistance, and good weldability. Their combination of austenitic and ferritic microstructures makes them particularly versatile for challenging environments. Below is a detailed discussion of the common applications of duplex steel plates across various industries.
Oil and Gas Industry
The oil and gas sector relies heavily on duplex steel plates for equipment that endures harsh conditions. Offshore drilling platforms, pipelines, and refineries use these plates extensively. Duplex steel withstands high pressure and extreme temperatures, ensuring safety and longevity in critical infrastructure. It also resists stress corrosion cracking, a frequent issue in chloride-rich environments like seawater and hydrocarbons.
Key Uses in the Oil and Gas Sector:
- Subsea pipelines for transporting oil and gas
- Heat exchangers and pressure vessels
- Storage tanks for crude oil and petroleum products
- Flare stacks in refineries
Marine Engineering
Marine environments expose materials to high levels of salt and moisture, which accelerate corrosion. Duplex steel plate offers excellent pitting and crevice corrosion resistance, making them ideal for shipbuilding and other marine applications. They also perform well under dynamic loading, reducing structural fatigue in vessels and offshore structures.
Applications in Marine Engineering:
- Ship hulls and deck structures
- Seawater cooling systems and desalination plants
- Offshore platforms and rigs
- Ballast water tanks and piping systems
Chemical and Petrochemical Industry
Chemical processing plants operate with highly reactive substances, high pressures, and elevated temperatures. Duplex steel plates resist chemical corrosion and withstand mechanical stresses, making them suitable for these demanding conditions. Their strength allows thinner constructions, reducing material costs without compromising safety.
Key Applications in Chemical Plants:
- Reactors and pressure vessels
- Storage tanks for acids and other chemicals
- Heat exchangers in chemical processing systems
- Piping systems for transporting corrosive fluids
Construction and Infrastructure
The construction industry values duplex steel plates for their high strength-to-weight ratio and long-term durability. They reduce structural weight while maintaining excellent load-bearing capabilities. In addition, their resistance to environmental corrosion ensures longevity in infrastructure exposed to weathering or pollution.
Applications in Construction:
- Structural components in bridges and skyscrapers
- Building facades for modern architectural designs
- Reinforcements in large industrial facilities
- Flood barriers and coastal defences
Power Generation
Power plants, especially those that operate in corrosive environments, use duplex steel plates for their reliability and durability. In renewable energy sectors, such as wind and solar power, duplex steel plates find applications in structural and support systems. Thermal and nuclear power plants’ resistance to extreme heat and radiation enhances operational safety.
Key Uses in Power Plants:
- Heat recovery steam generators (HRSGs)
- Boiler tubes and pressure vessels
- Wind turbine towers and offshore wind platforms
- Condensers and cooling systems in thermal plants
Pharmaceutical and Food Processing Industries
The pharmaceutical and food processing industries require materials that resist contamination and ensure hygienic operations. Duplex steel plates meet these requirements through their excellent corrosion resistance and ease of cleaning. Their resistance to chloride attack makes them ideal for handling saline or acidic solutions.
Applications in Pharmaceutical and Food Processing:
- Storage tanks for chemicals, syrups, and food products
- Process vessels and mixers
- Piping for high-purity water systems
- Heat exchangers for sterilization processes
Desalination Plants
Desalination plants turn seawater into potable water, exposing materials to high salt concentrations. Duplex steel plates resist the aggressive corrosion caused by saltwater and high-pressure conditions, ensuring efficiency and longevity in these systems.
- Key Applications in Desalination:
- Reverse osmosis units
- Evaporators and heat exchangers
- Piping for brine discharge systems
- Seawater intake and filtration systems
Automotive and Transport Industry
Automotive and transport industries use duplex steel plates for lightweight yet durable components. Their strength enables manufacturers to reduce the weight of vehicles while maintaining safety. This property also contributes to better fuel efficiency in modern transport designs.
Applications in Automotive and Transport:
- Chassis and body components for heavy-duty vehicles
- Structural parts in trains and ships
- Safety barriers in transport infrastructure
- Railings and decks in transit systems
