General Corrosion
The high chromium and molybdenum content of 2507 makes it extremely resistant to uniform corrosion by organic acids like formic and acetic acid. 2507 also provides excellent resistance to inorganic acids, especially those containing chlorides. In dilute sulfuric acid contaminated with chloride ions, 2507 has better corrosion resistance than 904L, which is a highly alloyed austenitic steel grade specially designed to resist pure sulfuric acid. Stainless steel of type 316L (2.5%Mo) cannot be used in hydrochloric acid due to the risk of localized and uniform corrosion. However, 2507 can be used in dilute hydrochloric acid. Pitting need not be a risk in the zone below the borderline in this figure, but crevices must be avoided.
Intergranural Corrosion
2507's low carbon content greatly lowers the risk of carbide precipitation at the grain boundaries during heat treatment;
therefore, the alloy is highly resistant to carbide-related intergranular corrosion.
Stress Corrosion Cracking
The duplex structure of 2507 provides excellent resistance to chloride stress corrosion cracking (SCC). Because of its higher alloy content, 2507 is superior to 2205 in corrosion resistance and strength. 2507 is especially useful in offshore oil and gas applications and in wells with either naturally high brine levels or where brine has been injected to enhance recovery.
Pitting Corrosion
Different testing methods can be used to establish the pitting resistance of steels in chloride-containing solutions. The data above were measured by an electrochemical technique based on ASTM G 61. The critical pitting temperatures (CPT) of several high-performance steels in a 1M sodium chloride solution were determined. The results illustrate the excellent resistance of 2507 to pitting corrosion. The normal data spread for each grade is indicated by the dark gray portion of the bar.
Crevice Corrosion
The presence of crevices, almost unavoidable in practical constructions and operations, makes stainless steels more susceptable to corrosion in chloride enviroments. 2507 is highly resistant to crevice corrosion. The critical crevice corrosion temperatures of 2507 and several other high-performance stainless steels are shown above.
Processing
Hot Forming
2507 should be hot worked between 1875°F and 2250°F. This should be followed by a solution anneal at 1925°F minimum and a rapid air or water quench.
Cold Forming
Most of the common stainless steel forming methods can be used for cold working 2507. The alloy has a higher yield strength and lower ductility than the austenitic steels so fabricators may find that higher forming forces, increased radius of bending, and increased allowance for springback are necessary. Deep drawing, stretch forming, and similar processes are more difficult to perform on 2507 than on an austenitic stainless steel. When forming requires more than 10% cold deformation, a solution anneal and quench are recommended.
Heat Treatment
2507 should be solution annealed and quenched after either hot or cold forming. Solution annealing should be done at a minimum of 1925°F. Annealing should be followed immediately by a rapid air or water quench. To obtain maximum corrosion resistance, heat treated products should be pickled and rinsed.
Welding
2507 possesses good weldability and can be joined to itself or other materials by shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW), plasma arc welding (PAW), flux cored wire (FCW), or submerged arc welding (SAW). 2507/P100 filler metal is suggested when welding 2507 because it will produce the appropriate duplex weld structure.
Preheating of 2507 is not necessary except to prevent condensation on cold metal. The interpass weld temperature should not exceed 300°F or the weld integrity can be adversely affected. The root should be shielded with argon or 90% N2/10% H2 purging gas for maximum corrosion resistance. The latter provides better corrosion resistance.
If welding is to be done on only one surface and post-weld cleaning is not possible, GTAW is suggested for root passes. GTAW or PAW should not be done without a filler metal unless post-weld cleanup is possible. A heat input of 5-38 kJ/in. should be used for SMAW or GTAW. A heat input of about 50kJ/in. can be used for SAW.