Common Standards for Duplex Stainless Steel Pipes (ASTM, ASME, EN)

Duplex stainless steel pipes are commonly specified under ASTM material standards, ASME pressure piping codes, and EN European norms, depending on project location, service conditions, and regulatory requirements. In practice, ASTM defines the material grade and chemical composition, ASME governs pressure service and design compliance, and EN standards dominate European EPC projects and metric-based systems. Selecting the correct standard is critical for pressure integrity, corrosion resistance, and inspection approval—especially when sourcing from a qualified duplex stainless steel pipe factory.

What standards are used for duplex stainless steel pipes?

Duplex stainless steel pipes are controlled by multiple overlapping standards, each covering a specific technical scope:

• ASTM standards: Material grade, chemical composition, mechanical properties

• ASME standards: Pressure service, piping codes, allowable stress

• EN standards: European material designations, dimensions, and conformity

Understanding how these standards interact prevents mismatches between material certification and system design requirements.

ASTM standards for duplex stainless steel pipes

ASTM A790 – The primary duplex pipe standard

ASTM A790 is the most widely referenced specification for seamless and welded duplex stainless steel pipes.

It defines:

• Chemical composition limits

• Mechanical properties

• Heat treatment requirements

• Testing and inspection criteria

Common duplex grades covered include:

• UNS S31803

• UNS S32205 (2205 duplex)

For most global projects, ASTM A790 is the baseline material specification used by any reputable duplex stainless steel pipe factory.

ASTM A928 – Welded duplex pipe for critical service

ASTM A928 applies to electric fusion welded (EFW) duplex pipes, often required in larger diameters or heavy-wall applications.

This standard includes:

• Additional non-destructive testing

• More stringent weld quality requirements

• Enhanced inspection for pressure service

It is commonly specified for offshore, marine, and high-integrity piping systems.

ASME standards and their role in duplex pipe selection

ASME B31 piping codes

While ASTM defines the material, ASME B31 codes govern how duplex stainless steel pipes are used in pressure systems.

Relevant codes include:

• ASME B31.3 (Process Piping)

• ASME B31.1 (Power Piping)

These codes define:

• Allowable stress values

• Design pressure and temperature limits

• Fabrication and inspection rules

Compliance with ASME B31 is essential for pressure piping approval in many regions.

ASME Section II – Material properties and allowable stress

ASME Section II provides:

• Material property data

• Allowable stress values for duplex grades

• Reference tables used in pressure design calculations

Even when pipes are supplied to ASTM standards, ASME Section II determines whether the material is acceptable for code-stamped systems.

EN standards for duplex stainless steel pipes

EN 10216-5 and EN 10217-7

For European projects, duplex stainless steel pipes are typically specified under:

• EN 10216-5 (seamless pipes)

• EN 10217-7 (welded pipes)

These standards define:

• EN material grades (e.g. 1.4462)

• Mechanical and chemical requirements

• Dimensional tolerances

• European conformity rules

EN standards are mandatory for many EU-based EPC projects and public infrastructure contracts.

Differences between EN and ASTM systems

EN standards use:

• Metric dimensions (DN)

• EN material numbering system

• PN-based pressure classification

ASTM and ASME systems use:

• Inch-based dimensions (NPS)

• UNS material designations

• Pressure class-based design

Understanding these differences is critical when duplex pipes must interface with mixed-standard piping systems.

ASTM vs ASME vs EN – Technical Comparison for Duplex Stainless Steel Pipes

How do standards affect corrosion and performance requirements?

Duplex stainless steel pipes are often selected for chloride resistance, strength, and stress corrosion cracking resistance.

Standards ensure:

• Proper ferrite–austenite phase balance

• Minimum PREN (Pitting Resistance Equivalent Number)

• Correct heat treatment and cooling procedures

Selecting a compliant standard ensures the material performs as intended in aggressive environments.

Are ASTM, ASME, and EN standards interchangeable?

They are not directly interchangeable, but they can be technically equivalent when properly evaluated.

Equivalence requires:

• Chemical composition comparison

• Mechanical property alignment

• Pressure design validation

• Client and inspector approval

Experienced buyers often work with a duplex stainless steel pipe factory that can provide dual-certified products or cross-standard documentation when required.

How should buyers specify duplex stainless steel pipes correctly?

A complete specification should include:

• Material standard and grade

• Manufacturing method (seamless or welded)

• Applicable pressure code

• Size, schedule, and length

• Testing and inspection requirements

Clear specifications reduce procurement risk and avoid delays during inspection and commissioning.

Standards selection impacts long-term system reliability

Selecting the correct ASTM, ASME, or EN standard is not a paperwork exercise—it determines whether duplex stainless steel pipes meet pressure integrity, corrosion resistance, and regulatory compliance requirements.

• ASTM ensures material quality

• ASME ensures pressure safety

• EN ensures European conformity

For engineered piping systems, working with a qualified duplex stainless steel pipe factory that understands these standards is essential for safe operation and long-term performance.