A Super Duplex stainless steel is a type of Duplex stainless steel with enhanced corrosion resistance which is categorised by its PREN being greater than 40. A standard Duplex like the S31803 grade amongst the other grades also stocked by Brown McFarlane has a PREN of around 32.
The Pitting Resistance Equivalent Number (PREN) is widely used as a means of comparing the relative corrosion resistance of different steel grades. The PREN is obtained by applying a mathematical formula to the chemical composition of a steel so that PREN = %Cr + (3.3 x %Mo) + (16 x %N).
As a part of the Duplex family of stainless steels Super Duplex stainless has a microstructure which is split roughly 50:50 between austenite and ferrite. It differs from Duplex in its chemical composition (with increased amounts of Molybdenum, Nickel, and Chromium) and its mechanical properties (higher proof stress and tensile strength). This highly alloyed product is especially designed for marine, chemical, and oil engineering applications requiring both high mechanical strength and resistance to corrosion in extremely aggressive environments (chloride-containing acids etc.).