We are proud to announce the successful completion of a new set of qualified welding procedure specifications specifically for duplex and superduplex stainless steels. The procedures, assessed by Lloyd’s Register, are accredited to both BS EN ISO 15614 and ASME IX, and cover a wide range of pipe diameters and material thicknesses.

Pruce Newman have a long history of high-quality craftsmanship in both carbon and austenitic stainless steels, so the addition of duplex and superduplex stainless steels to our range of capabilities is a natural extension of our skills. These stainless steels are becoming more and more common in the higher quality work required by our clients, and have a number of advantages over their austenitic stainless steel cousins:

  • Greater corrosion resistance
  • Higher strength to weight ratios
  • Better price stability

Duplex and superduplex stainless steels are typically used in fabrications for the oil and gas industries, where their high corrosion resistance makes them ideal materials for harsh subsea environments. Their high strength also means that they are strong candidates for fabricating storage tanks and pressure vessels, and comparatively lightweight structural components which Pruce Newman can fabricate to BS EN 1090.

Developing these welding procedure specifications and securing their approval has not been without its challenges. The welding characteristics of duplex and superduplex stainless steels are more complex than those of austenitic stainless steel; so greater care needs to be taken before, during and after welding takes place to maintain the integrity of the joint, in terms of weld quality, strength and corrosion resistance. The development of these welding procedure specifications was the responsibility of Pruce Newman’s in-house European & International Welding Engineer, Keith Dixon, who commented:

“The welding of duplex and superduplex stainless steels has been a new venture for us at Pruce Newman and is one that we have planned for so that we could execute the welding correctly first time.  Having researched and planned how the materials are to be welded, the precise detailed requirements were incorporated into the welding procedure specifications, which was then monitored throughout the welding operations to ensure complete compliance at all times.

Our highly qualified and proficient welders were able to easily apply their advanced welding skills to the welding of duplex and superduplex stainless steels to produce test welds to the highest standard with repeatedly excellent results, making the process of qualifying the welding procedure specifications a straightforward process from start to finish.”

The ability to develop new welding procedure specifications in-house is just one aspect of Pruce Newman’s wide range of services – helping our clients to find innovative solutions to move their businesses forward. We provide turnkey projects; including design services, subcontractor management, on- or offsite fabrication and flexible installation & maintenance teams –reducing our clients’ project management burden and delivering high-quality results time and time again.

To discuss how our skills can deliver your fabrication and installation projects, contact us today.